August 16, 2023

August 13, 2023

Midnight Thoughts of A 32 y/o Lady

If you weren’t invited, don’t go.

If none of your friends told you, don’t ask.

If you got a late invite, respectfully decline.

They had no intention of including you.



Saw this on TikTok, and how true is that.


“We didn’t know you’d want to go”

“We thought you were busy”


Sounds familiar? This totally sucks.

I understand that you’re tired of being the afterthought, the seat filler, the second or even third option.

It makes you question yourself, your worth, everything you’ve said and done.

Maybe I am the problem? It’s not them, it’s me..?


It hurts, but they’re not worth it.

Let’s move on. Just let go.

Know your worth, stay away from unhealthy relationship.

Don’t ever get disrespected and devalued.


Find new circle, get quality friends.

Be accepted, be loved.

Focus on your mental health, and be happy.


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January 4, 2021

New Year! Old Me?

Hey guys, happy new year!

2020 is finally behind us - It had been an utter shit show, I'm sure everyone can agree on that.

Now that we're stepping into a new year, I've been thinking about new year's resolutions.
Yes, you heard me right. New year's resolution.

I wasn't a big believer in new year's resolution (probably still not), as I believe one should take action immediately to do whatever one wants without having to wait for the 'right time'.

But for the past couple of weeks, I've been contemplating about what changes I need to implement to make my life better, for my own sake.

Since we are now venturing into a brand new year, new year's resolution eh? I thought.
Why not? Might as well.


Here goes - My new year's resolution on the year I turn three-O.


#1 Be active... Again.

I was an avid Zumba and STRONG by Zumba attendee back in 2019, but 2020 came and shit hit the fan. Instead of going to the gym for at least 3 Zumba sessions like I did in 2019, I sadly... did nothing in 2020.  

Although a weekly badminton session is still in the itinerary, but to be honest, it doesn't really contribute much given to the amount of rest time I have between sets (we have more than 10 players sharing a court, you can do the math yourself).

Back in March/April when the entire Malaysia was under lockdown, I picked up Chloe Ting's 2-week challenge. I felt a sense of achievement upon completing her hardcore 2-week programme, but after that I took a long rest - a very very long rest. Perhaps, too long 'cos I haven't done anything afterward.

What can I say? Life and work caught up and I didn't have time (more on time in point #2).
Ehem, excuses excuses.

So, 2021 - More exercises.
So not looking forward to working out, but it has to be done!


#2 Cultivate a healthy and consistent sleep schedule

Other than workouts, I am ashamed to admit that I have a very shitty sleep routine. It gets worse as I grow older. I sleep around 1-2am and wake up around 7-8am.

This is all because of 'revenge bedtime procrastination' - I feel like I have lesser me-time if I go to bed early, since I reach home (from work) late. And so the more I sleep late, the more I wake up late, causing myself to have shorter personal time at night.

As you can probably imagine, this becomes an endless poor cycle of balancing sleep and leisure time.

2021 - Develop a healthy sleep routine.


#3 Eat healthy and develop good postures

I've always been a sloucher - I've been slouching for years.
Since I'm reaching the big three-O this year, I've got to seriously look into correcting my postures as any bad position can really set off a long period of back and shoulder pains.

I've also decided to eat healthy - Even though to be fair, I've always been sort of a healthy eater as I don't enjoy junk food and fast food.

But years of being a pushover (friends would ask me to finish food we couldn't finish and I have trouble saying no - more on that in the next resolution) and the deep-rooted do-not-waste-even-a-grain-of-rice Chinese education engraved in my brain by my mother throughout the years have turned me into someone who is capable to eat big portions.

Needless to say - It's time to control my portion. Not striking for FULL, but just enough. 



#4 Be assertive.

I've always been a timid mouse - A shocking fact to lots of people perhaps, because I may have given off the vibes of an extrovert (I'm really not). But the truth is, deep down I'm a pushover.

I'm afraid that people might think that I am 'troublesome', 'hard to get along' or 'cold', so I agree to things or plans I do not really enjoy. Not only that, I also have troubles saying no to people.

I try to be 'easygoing', but along the way, perhaps I have lost my voice.

There's a fine line between being assertive and being an asshole though.
Let's hope I am able to find a balance between these twos.


That is it! 4 minor and achievable new year's resolutions that I hope can become a constant in my life starting this year.

Wish me luck? Let's hope I will not forget everything I've written today next week!


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November 30, 2020

It’s Pumpkin Spice Season!

... Or not, as today is already the last day of November. Yikes.

Doesn’t it scare you though - The way time passed by so quickly that we are officially one month away from 2021? I haven’t even had time to stop and catch a breath from all the heavy-hitting this year has been giving us!
 
Anyway, we all know that October is the season of PSL (pumpkin spice latte, of course) and even though this post is long overdue, I thought I’d share a few lipsticks from my collection that are inspired by my everlasting love for everything autumn.

What is the appropriate number of pumpkin coloured lipstick one can have? Because it seems like I have way too many!





Colourpop Just a Tint Lip Crayon in Z Boy • Cezanne Lasting Lip Color in #504 - Bought it last year around this time in Tokyo... Man, I really wish travelling! • Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Mattes Lipstick in Chili Nude • Makonde Highlight Lip Tint in No. 9 Number Memory • Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Globetrotter • Dior Ultra Rouge in #436 Ultra Trouble





What do you think? Is this leaning more towards autumn-y pumpkin spice season? Or a little bit closer to chilli summer vibe?
Either way, we only have 1 season in Malaysia so I guess it doesn’t really matter!

However, one thing is definitely and absolutely clear - I should really really refrain myself from buying more lipsticks, of this colour family at least.
Oh well, I guess it’s shop-my-stash from now on!





March 24, 2020

Hey There.

How are you? It has been awhile.

I'm doing fine. Just taking one step at a time.
And hey, look how far we've come.

Life's okay. I traveled bunch of times, been here and there.
My job gives me purpose. I have fewer friends now, but I'm glad they're still around.

I feel like I've changed, throughout the years.
More cynical, more exasperate, more indifferent.
Perhaps I've turned into Squidward, like most adults do.
Perhaps this is just a rite of passage?

By the way.
Have you noticed?
The world's on fire. We haven't even been through a quarter of 2020, but it definitely feels like half a year has passed.

But hey,
Let's hang in there. We'll be okay.
We always do.
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December 18, 2017

Piper & Her Twin

Had a dream that I was back in high school talking to one of my dear friends during recess.
In the middle of the conversation, her twin sat down beside her and joined us.

Wait what? I didn't know she had a twin. She never told us, and I never see her at school! I was so confused when her twin sister showed up.
(FYI - she doesn't have a twin in real life.)

"Who the fuck are you..." I thought to myself. But of course I didn't say that out loud. I have manners after all, even in my dream.
I looked at her, squinting my eyes. "I don't think it's polite to stare," my conscious nagged.



They looked identical, with the same beauty mark, big doe eyes, and a hair cut so short the hair merely reached just half an inch below the ears. But somehow I was able to differentiate them. And I didn't like her. She was too foreign to me.

"Is she... the evil twin?" I thought.
"Stop being dramatic, they're sisters!" My dream conscious chided.
"... Fine. I still don't like her." I continued staring at her.

And then I woke up, confused for a few seconds, then chucking to myself once the dream sank in.
The dream is ridiculous, as she had looked exactly the same as she did 10 years ago in my dream. I'm pretty sure she has long hair now, always wearing her signature winged-liners and definitely no twin sister, especially given that I've just seen her last month.

God. I guess I miss high school? That'd probably explain the bizarre dream.

Love ya Piper, I hope you don't have a twin stashed in a corner somewhere. x

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July 6, 2015

Unboxing Sleek Makeup i-Divince Vintage Romance Palette


I'm sure you heard of Sleek Makeup. If you don't, I strongly recommend you to try out their eyeshadow palette. The quality is phenomenal for its affordable and reasonable pricing; Good colour payoff, and the texture is buttery and not chalky at all. The eyeshadows are also long lasting (on my dry lids, at least) even without a primer. No to mention that the packaging is sleek and travel friendly.

I really love all the warm neutral shades (surprise surprise!) such as Meet in Madrid, Court in Cannes, and Propose in Prague as well as 3 of the gorgeous purples in the bottom left corner. This palette is versatile and you can simply create literally any look with it. The only con I can think of is perhaps that eyeshadow fallout is prone to happen so I'd suggest putting foundation only after you're done with your eye makeup.

This is the first product from Sleek I own and I am impressed! I will definitely try out the other palettes. More are on the way...

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June 15, 2015

Another Milestone


I can finally say this -- I did it! I got out of school!

Well technically, I finished school last July, as I spent my last semester in the internship programme.
The convocation was supposed to be just a ceremony -- I left school half a year ago, I already bid my goodbye before I left for my hometown, it was just a ceremony, I shouldn't be able to feel a thing... But it is not just a ceremony.

It is a turning point, it is an official farewell, it is everything.

The fact that I won't be seeing all those familiar faces everyday anymore still saddens me, especially people that know me better than I know myself, as well as friends that I've grown close to.

We've been though so much together, sometimes we see each other more than 12 hours a day. They've become my second family, and a staple of my life.

Of course we're still friends, and I know they will always be there for me as I will for them. But deep down we know something yet we refuse to say it out loud: Everything's changed, and it will never be the same anymore.

That devastated me.

None of us wanted to acknowledge that. But in the end, on the night we gathered after the ceremony, we hugged and we cried before saying goodbye to each other. 

Someday in the future, when I thought of this day, I'd remember me standing on the stage, marching toward the chancellor; my classmate/partner/friend, presenting her valedictorian speech and how proud I was of her; flowers, cameras...... And most importantly, all those familiar faces that I grew very fond of, and how much our friendships meant to me.

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June 3, 2015

Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Palette


Rose gold is my Kryptonite.
But the price of Urban Decay Naked 3 is too steep, I just couldn't bring myself to purchase it.
Thank God Makeup Revolution came up with the Iconic 3 palette, which is said to be the exact same dupe of Naked 3.
I can't really comment on the dupe since I do not own Naked 3, but judging from the swatches on other beauty blogs, I gotta admit - they're really really similar.
I am really impressed by the quality of the shadows. The pigmentation is really good -- even the matte shades! Matte eyeshadows that you can find in the drugstores always turn out powdery and chalky but this palette is definitely an exception.
Plus, the texture is so buttery and beyond amazing, even though there can be a slight fallout especially for the shimmer shades. The eyeshadows last a long time on my lids too, but if you're worried about the longevity, it can simply be solved with a good eye shadow primer. (My recommendation - UDPP or Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer.)
This palette merely costs RM32, which is obviously so much more affordable than Naked 3. I definitely recommend this baby to anyone who is considering a rose gold to neutral eye shadow palette but is under a tight budget.
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April 27, 2015

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in: Exposed & Blissful


Am I the last one to board the Tarte blusher choo choo train? Seems like it, yikes.

Let's start off with Blissful, which looks a little bit like Nars Orgasm -- sans the glitters of course. It has a rosey-pink tone and it looks amazing - a very natural, pinkish glow.
But what really impressed me is Exposed, which has been a cult favourite since like forever, yet I only managed to lay my hands on it recently.
And fortunately it does live up to the hype! I was initially worried and even sceptical -- 'cuz let's be honest here, first off, the colour shown on the pan is meh. Plus the pigmentation doesn't look that great on swatches, and what if the nude-beige tone won't show up on my medium skin tone?
But surprisingly, it somewhat looks flattering on my cheeks; I have never come across a blusher that looks so natural. It gives a sun-kissed, healthy glow and what everyone said about Exposed are true -- It goes along with every kind of makeup. Ever since I purchased it, Exposed has been my absolute favourite and I always throw it off on my cheeks even on work days. It is indeed a subtle, not-over-the-top, no-makeup-makeup blusher.

One thing about Tarte Amazonian Clay blushers is that it shows up crappy on swatches; it's not buttery, it's not pigmented, it's not even powdery -- it's mediocre. And flat.
You'd probably look at the swatches and wonder to yourself, will the pigmentation even show up on my skin with this kind of crappy texture? But let me tell you, a little goes a long way. Don't make a mistake that I did -- I underestimated the pigmentation and I ended up having clown cheeks. I have definitely learnt my lesson. So trust me people, the colour will definitely show up on your cheeks even with a light swirl on the pan, no worries. Light handed is the key!

Oh, I forgot to mention... I kind of impulse-purchased another Tarte blusher in a recent Zalora haul as well. Hee. But until next time! x
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April 13, 2015

My Top 5 Favourite Youtubers - Part 2!

Check out part 1 here.

Yes. I am obsessed with Youtube. I spent most of my times on Youtube. I watch all kind of stuff, from beauty related videos to gaming videos to late night shows. I have a problem, I know. Anyway, let's get started.

1. Pony

I. ADORE. Her.
For those who have no idea who she is, Pony is a Korean MUA and she has a beauty segment on InsiteTV, Pony's Beauty Diary where she has tons of beauty tips and tutorials.
Despite that, she has recently created her own channel and she stated that she will start doing product reviews and more tutorials that her fans demand. Eeeek! *happy squeaks*
So guys, if you're a fan of Pony, make sure you subscribe to her new channel!





She also recently did a collaboration with Memebox to create her own eye shadow palettes and quads. I would seriously purchase them if they provide shipment to Malaysia.


2. easyNeon

Diana is born and raised in Moldova. When I first watched her video, I thought she was a MUA because her blending technique is insane and her winged eyeliners are ON POINT, 24/7. I also love how she films and edits her video - Her soundtracks are amazing (and more to my taste). Another fact that I love about her is that she doesn't put tons of makeups on her face like how the other Youtube beauty "gurus" are doing - Intense contour and highlight, full coverage of foundation and concealers - Nope, that's not Diana do her thang. She understands less is more and I appreciate that.







How can someone be so elegant, classy and timeless?
It's not about the way she looks but rather how she carries hserself.

To put words into simpler terms, I'm in love with her.


3. BEAUTYQQ // Queenie Chan

Queenie Chan is a Hong Kongese. She used to work for TVB and she just got back to the airline industry (her portfolio is very long). She is quirky and humorous and she does makeup tutorials occasionally, but most of the time she acts as a life coach (well at least to me), and that is why I enjoy her videos so much. I always feel better after watching her videos. And again, we share the same taste in music (a bonus!).

Something she said that I will always remember,


"其实快乐真係好简单 唔好成日抱怨上天对你唔公平 路係自己行嘅 唔去努力 只想不劳而获 呢d 係傻仔傻妹先至会讲嘅说话 对于梦想 我们要一不做二不休 用心做到最好 咁样就一定会成功的了."









I've never met someone who love, appreciate and enjoy life as much as she does.
She is my spiritual guidance and I look up to her alot.


4. NikkieTutorials

I have no idea why have I not discovered her earlier. She is a dutch hair and makeup artist (like, a legit and professional one, click here to learn more about her) and she has a very impressive portfolio but wait, she's only 22! How is that even possible? Young and successful, that is definitely Nikkie. (Ya'll seriously need to check out her portfolio, she did lots of fashion editorial shoots and her works are amazing!)







She has amazing skills, nuff said. Besides, she is genuine and honest and her bubbly personality always makes me laugh. I admire her alot.


5. LipglossLeslie

She deserves more subscribers imo, definitely underrated. I recently stumbled upon her channel while searching for a product review and boy am I not disappointed. I can always count on her before purchasing something as Leslie gives the most honest, on point and descriptive review (and/or comparisons) ever.







She also got me into starting my Tarte blush collection. Teehee.


Anyway, I hope you guys will enjoy their videos as much as I do.
Till then. x
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April 6, 2015

March 23, 2015

March Sephora Haul!


You know what? I blame Sephora. They keep shoving us 10% discount vouchers, I feel guilty if I didn't get the chance to use them. So one day I walked into Sephora with a shopping list and a heart full of determination, only to find out that most NYX butter glosses and matte lip creams I wanted were out of stock. What? No!

Well the good news is, Sephora was having a promotion at that time so I ended up getting 15% discount on all purchased items, yay!


First up, I picked up Triple Action Cleansing Water from the Sephora Collection as my friend recommended it to me. I also want to compare it to my HG Bioderma Sensible H2O Micelle Solution as they are actually quite similar except for the price tag. Come on - let's face it, Bioderma is extremely expensive.

I also got a lip product from the Sephora Collection which is their Cream Lip Stain in 04 Endless Purple. It is a wine burgundy red lip cream (sort of like a liquid lipstick) that gives a matte finish and it looks so pretty on my Youtube crush Diana (Easyneon). She used this in one of her tutorials and I know immediately that I had to have this.

Another lippie I picked up is the NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel (BLG08) and I am really loving it so far! It has a lovely peachy-pink tone and it just looks so natural on me. It has definitely become my new favourite MLBB, I'll tell ya that.



Next up, I got my HG Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray as I've used up my travel size one which I got from the previous haul. This setting spray - I kid you not - is the bomb. It not only makes my makeup last whole day but also somehow reduce the cakiness and powdery looking feeling. 


I also picked up a sample size Tarte Maracuja Oil while queueing for payment at the counter. That row of mini/travel size products which is strategically located ithere... It always sucks me in like a black hole 'cuz I want to impulse-buy all of them! 

Anyway, this bottle of wonderfulness comes in 0.5 fl oz while the normal size contains 1.7 fl oz. I have heard so much about this so when I saw this standing beside the aisle with a RM50 price tag, I snatched it immediately. Maracuja oil is actally extracted from passion fruit and it contains a large amount of essential fatty acids and vitamins that will help to recharge and replenish our skin, well, at least according to Tarte.

Every night I put 2 drops of this maracuja oil onto my palms and gently rub them against each other. I then massage them into my cheeks which become rather dry due to the rough weather at Taiwan.  So far it doesn't break me out, it absorbs well and it really moisturises my skin. I highly recommend this to anyone with dry skin!



Lastly I picked up two Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed and Blissful. Call me crazy but this is actually my first step in starting my Tarte blushes collection, hee. Well I couldn't resist, they're so pretty and good quality that I am actually thinking of getting either Natural Beauty or Babydoll next. (...Or maybe both?)



Freebies time! Sephora kindly gave me the samples of Fresh Soy Concentrating Eye Makeup Remover, Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream, Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil, Total Age Defy Cream from their house brand..... and a 3-step sample kit from Biotherm Homme.

I mean, I learnt from a video that the whole skincare for men and women are just a common gendered marketing technique but still, seriously? Come on man. Well that aside, definitely looking forward to trying all the samples out! :D

I also received a black and white bedroom slippers for being a black card member. I was initially feeling happy from getting freebies until my mom started shouting at me for accepting shoes during Chinese New Year. Yikes. (Shoes are pronounced the same way as 'evil' in Mandarin and as a part of Chinese culture, it is considered bad luck to accept shoes as gifts during the new year.)
Sorry mom. But thanks anyway, Sephora. 


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March 16, 2015

Current Favourite: Unix Take Out Mini Multi Iron


I first saw this in one of Shu Ann's Tried and Tested episodes where she visited Seoul. I was immediately attracted by the vibrant colours of these curling tools. These travel-friendly mini irons are only as big as my palm and I was very fortunate to be able to track it down at Watson during my trip to Taiwan. And what's more, I paid NT$399 (~RM47) instead of NT$499 (~RM58) all thanks to some anniversary event Watson was having at that time. I opted for the Multi Iron which can be used to straighten and curl hair and it comes with a pouch and a cord holder.


I usually apply Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotion (a heat protectant spray) and Ma Cherie Decoration Keep Spray before and after curling my hair. I only curl the end of my hair as recently I've been loving an airy and simple look over big bouncy curls.


This is how it looks like after some time even after setting my hair with spray. The curls as you can are not very lasting, I must say.

If I'm not wrong, Unix can only be found in Korea and Taiwan at the moment. But you can also get it online either through Ebay, Amazon, Taobao or Qoo10.
Is this absolutely necessary? Honestly, no. You can recreate what I did here using a straightener or a curling iron. But like I said, I was sold when I saw how tiny and cute and colourful they are. But if you're a frequent traveller, why not? But heads up, this might not be suitable for people with long and thick hair as the wand is fairly tiny and it might take ages to style.

FYI: The little black circle at the bottom left corner in the last picture is the eye of my crocodile plush toy I got from Ikea. Yup. I am 20 something (the exact number is a classified information!) and I still own plush toys. Totally normal. *awkward giggles*


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