So it's been a while...

Hi to all the people out there!

Even while writing these lines, I'm still ruminating about what kind of excuses I should tell to justify my long (way to long) absence. Of course I could say that in the time I was 'offline', I've graduated from high school, changed houses, flew over to Korea, began to take classes in an art academy to fulfill my dream of getting into an art school, also began to take dance lessons thrice a week and nevermind to mention that I'm already 19 now. But in the end, it all results to me neglecting this blog which I cared (and still care) about a lot. At this point I have to apologize to my blog I guess.
Sorry blog.
So why now did I decide to start over again? Well - I did always think about restarting my blog posts, but somehow I ended up not to (I'm sure the majority out there can sympathize with me; maybe except those rare kind of people who have an iron will and are overly ambitious). My friend- who has also started a blog with a bit of my help (if I'm allowed to praise myself a little) told me the other day that I should start posting again. That's it. Simple, right? But sometimes all a person needs to pick oneself up again is just someone who tells you that you're sort of needed.

I'm going to start afresh, probably opening up a new category (in which I write about my recent and honest thoughts like in a diary) and I'll try to come up with diverse content for you. Oh, and not to forget to mention that my writing style has maybe changed a bit.

I'm really happy while writing these words, it makes me feel like I'm back home again - it's a delectable feeling.

Scents made for Spring

Hello!
It has been waaay to long since I've last posted an blogpost! I was so busy with school (final written exams are done - only the oral exams remain, yippieh!), therefore, I want to apologize first of all!

So, now that we've clarified this, I'll begin with the actual topic: It's all about scents (perfumes) just made for spring! You know that everyone crazes about viewing cherry blossoms (Insta!) and wearing skirts again (well, at least in other countries, it's freezing here - brrr). I think that spring carries a special sentiment. You're automatically happier and you want to spend time outside.

Perfumes or scents in general are a good way to emphasize this "springy" feeling and to get into the mood:

The one for in between: DEMETER - CHERRY BLOSSOM (ROLL ON OIL)
This little friend of mine is easy to carry with and convient. There are times when you don't want to spray a full load of perfume around you and annoy everyone else. It just smells (as the name indicates) like cherry blossoms and fits perfectly for spring. Even so, the scent will eventually fly away after a few hours, so be sure to reapply it again if you want to.

The daily one: CLEAN - BLOSSOM
This one is new: They've launched it not too long ago and I have to admit that I was at first a bit allured to buy it (my favorite K-pop group advertises for this company [BTS - 방탄소년당]). Either way, the smell is just a.m.a.z.i.n.g. It's my most favorite scent right now and I think that I'm becoming addicted to it. It smells flowery and fruity at the same time and you're not overwhelmed by it. I reaaally recommend it!

The one in the evening: VALENTINO - VALENTINA
This eau de perfume is heavier than the others. It smells lighter at first, but gets "deeper" as time flies by (don't know if you can understand what I mean), so I think that it's more a scent for the evening. Other than this, it smells flowery, too, with a hint of musk.

To wrap it up, I hope you've liked today's post (after my long absence) and be sure to come take a look again next time! (PS: Next post is going to be a small DIY!)

No-Oven Sponge Cake



Ever since I've shown interest in cooking and baking, I've always admired those who came up with their own ideas and recipes. That's why - right now - I'm super(!!) proud to tell you that I was able to invent a new recipe on how to bake a no-oven sponge cake! I've almost bursted out in tears when I saw that I've succeeded at my first try (maybe that's exaggerated). Anyway, watch the video down below to get to know the recipe! (Also my first YouTube video!)

 



Review: INNISFREE Ampoule Intense Cushion

 

This will be my first review of make-up! Lately, I've been a bit (OK, I admit - A LOT) obsessed with make-up, especially with the ones from Korea (Are they called K-makeup?). Unfortunately, I've discovered this passion of mine last year when I wasn't able to visit my home country. I know that I'm a late bloomer, haha. (Sigh...how I miss that country...) Either way, I couldn't wait/resist, so I've ordered a few items via good old ebay. All the items I've purchased were without shipping fees, but of course they were a bit pricier than in Korea. Today I will show you one of my favorite items:

When you already know Innisfree and their brand mentality of being eco-friendly, then you're probably also aware that their packages and cases are recyclable and printed with soy ink, leading to their typical, clean, white/ivory color. Korean make-up brands, also called road shops, tend to make collaborations throughout the year with other brands or designers. As you can see above, my cushion case is from their S/S 2015 collection, depicting different flowers from Jeju Island, where the base of Innisfree is stationed and where their natural ingredients come from. I looove flower patterns - so pretty, right?

On the underside, it is written that the cushion contains 15g with an SPF of 34. Also, don't be shocked by the red-colored date, it's not the expiration date, but rather the date when it was manufactured.

When you open the case, you can find the magic puff inside and a mirror is attached to the lid.

This is the puff - a very fine sponge to tap your face with.

Under the puff, you can find a lid which helps to avoid spilling and smudging. And after you remove the film...

...you can finally see the cushion filled with CC cream! It promises to moisturize and hydrate your skin while naturally brightening it.

As you can see above, the coverage is really natural, there is no masking-effect at all! It hydrates my skin throughout the day as well, leaving it moisturized and with a little glow that doesn't look greasy. In addition, it lasts quite a long time.

Conclusion: I have combination/dry skin, so it's easy for my skin to show dry patches, especially in the winter season. But this cushion is so hydrating that I don't even have to worry when I forget to apply moisturizer beforehand. I really recommend this cushion for all dry-types and for the fall-winter-spring season (it could get off in summer and look a bit greasy with sebum).
I've got this cushion in shade number 21 natural beige for 18000 Won=18$.

Hair-Myths: The Dos and Don'ts | with Madison Reed

"Split ends can be repaired with conditioner again" or "Don't brush wet hair" or "Stress can lead to loss of hair". These are only a few of many hair myths which we've all heard of before. But how can we know if they're  actually true or false and what are hair Dos and Don'ts?

Madison Reed and I will uncover these myths for you! Also, please check out their fun hair color quiz to get to know which hair dye will suit you the best!


Hair care products can repair split ends.
False. No conditioner or treatment can glue together split ends again. Once a hair is split, it's split forever. To avoid split hair from the beginning, it's important to use hair care products constantly.

Wet hair shouldn't be brushed.
True. Wet hair is weaker and therefore more prone to break or split. It's better to comb your hair gently.

Avoid stress to prevent hair loss.
True. We can lose up to 100 strands of hair a day. Stress can disturb our usual cycle, leading to more frequent hair loss. In the case of heavy and protracted hair loss, you may consider to visit a doctor.

Trim your hair often to let it grow faster.
False. How often you trim your hair won't influence the speed of growth - it will neither grow faster nor slower.

Use silky pillows for beautiful hair.
True. The smooth surface of silk won't roughen your hair as much as ordinary pillows, letting you wake up with beautiful, flowing hair.

Now that the myths are clarified, it's time to know the Dos and Don'ts of hair care. Madison Reed has created a great graphic about it:

Personally, I have to admit that I did rinse my hair with cold water before, but my hair kind of "squealed" afterwards. Good to know that I won't have to go through the pain (the cold!) again.
Besides, my mother would always scold me if I went to bed with wet hair, saying that I would catch a cold easily. Guess I have to show her this graphic!

A big gratitude goes to Madison Reed to have provided the graphic above.