I see Red- Redness Relieving Eye Drops

 I love scary stories~ One of my favorites was the story of "Red Eyes".
I'm not as scared of it any more, but Red Eyes (the Bloodshot kind) are still pretty scary...

One thing I have my clients do at the beginning of a makeover is to put eye drops in their eyes.
You don't want to do a full face of makeup and have a flawless look, only to be ruined by eyes that aren't bright and shining.

I don't feel that you need to use eye drops every day, but it's nice to use when you're tired, had a long night, or are going out. With a few drops of Redness Relieving Eye Drops, you will look more awake, brighter, and so fresh and so clean clean! 

There are three eye drops that I would recommend to my fantabulous readers.  Here we go~

1. Visine- This is the standard.  There are so many different formulas, but I usually use the Visine Advanced Relief formula.  This is the one I use on myself and on my clients.  I like to carry around the mini version. 

2.  Rohto-  This is something that I only recommend to the brave and adventurous. It's from a Japanese company and it contains menthol.  If you think menthol makes your lips tingle, imagine it in your eyes. 
It's painful when you first put the drops in your eyes~ I can't even open my eyes at first.
But after the initial pain subsides, your eyes are left with a refreshing, cooling feeling.
It sounds crazy, but it's kind of cool! I don't use this often, but when my eyes are feeling really tired, I like to put a drop or two in.

3. Collyre Bleu Blue Eye Drops- This is like the Rolls Royce of eye drops.  Many professional makeup artists use this in their kits. The drops are actually blue and basically makes the whites of your eyes appear whiter.  Because the actual drops are blue, it is recommended that you put the drops in at least 15-30 minutes before you put in your contacts (or else your contact lens will have a bluish tinge to them)

• Make your eyes look clear and bright.
• Increase the appearance of alertness and awakeness.
• Enhance your eyes intensity for photos.
• Eliminate the appearance of redness due to any factors including tiredness, allergies and more.
• Eliminate yellow-ness in your sclera (white part of your eye) for bright white eyes.

So when you've had way too little sleep (or way too much fun) and your eyes are showing it, squeeze a few drops of Redness Relieving Eye Drops into your eyes and you'll be good to go! 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

200 Members of Irene Kim Makeup on Facebook!

"You Like Me! You Really Like Me!"

-Sally Field

Yay!!! I now have 200 members on my Facebook Group!

Thanks to everyone who's joined.
And to my Facebook friends, thanks for not de-friending me after all my constant updates/ Facebook Pirating.  =) 
(I warned my friends last year that I shouldn't join.... Too late now... you've created a FB monster!)

If you're not a member of the Irene Kim Makeup Group... What are you waiting for?!? JOIN!  =)

I want to thank all the little, medium, and big people in my life!  You guys ROCK!
Thanks for reading, supporting me, and commenting on my posts (even if it is on FB and not my blog).

And thank you for awarding me with the  * "You're Absolutely Fabulous Dahling" Award!
Keep reading, and I'll keep writing! 

Lots of Love! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO




* P.S. The "You're Absolutely Fabulous Dahling Award" actually belongs to 5-time Emmy Award Winner Eve Pearl.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day!~*

Help for Haiti- Accepting Donations of Any Kind

The people of Haiti are in desperate need.....they urgently need our assistance!

A Haitian boy waiting for comfort and healing

The Foundation for Peace (FFP) is actively helping in Jimani, while most international effort is focused in and around Port-au-Prince. FFP staff members Kristin, Luke, Julian, Isidro, Ruth and Leah have already been working in the overwhelmed hospital, manning a makeshift pharmacy and helping in any way they can.
We are also organizing to send water from our water purification system in Anse-a-pitre, Haiti to Jacmel, a hard hit area south of Port-au -Prince.

You can be part of the effort in two ways:

1. Make a donation at: Donate Now
2. Read on to find out how you can help in person

---

1. Join a mission team to serve in person

We are sending teams to Jimani to serve injured Haitian refugees who have been transported or walked to the border of the Dominican Republic (DR). The need is great and this location offers safety for our aid workers until the chaos is stabilized on the other side of the border. This is a logical crossing point, since it is a direct route to the DR from Port-au- Prince (see map).
Our teams (maximum of 20 each) will arrive on Sunday, stay overnight at our FFP House in Santo Domingo for team building and preparation before traveling to the border the following morning by bus. If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a parent. The team will be housed in the hospital or an adjacent guesthouse. We will then assist in whatever ways we can, primarily with patient care before returning back to Santo Domingo on Friday night for departures on Saturday. The cost of the trip will be round trip airfare to the DR (Santo Domingo airport-SDQ) and $90 per day including the day of arrival and departure. The FFP will use those funds to pay for the teams transportation, food, water, lodging and assistance for the Haitians.

The initial trips for February are open for sign-ups for the following dates. Go the sign up page by clicking here.

1. February 7 - 13
2. February 21 - 27

The trips listed for March will be opened for applications on February 8th after a review of the mission effort has been undertaken to see if we need to change our area of focus:

1. February 28 - March 6
2. March 14-20

You will be notified of the schedule for team preparation meetings (in person and by telephone) that will be mandatory and begin soon.
To better understand our work on the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic in recent years, click here. to watch a video of our past work.
If you want additional information, please contact Ken Culver at ken@foundationforpeace.org, Wendy Patchin at wendy@foundationforpeace.org or call us at 973-813-6122.

---

2. Help collect items and load a shipping container

We are planning to load a 40 foot shipping container of goods to send to a Dominican port for transport to the border and into Haiti. We will be loading a 40 foot shipping container at:

Long Valley Presbyterian Church

39 Bartley Road

Long Valley, NJ 07853

The loading times will be:

1. Friday, February 5th from 7- 9 p.m.
2. Saturday, February 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The items needed for the container are:

• Electrical generators
• Bedding: sheets, pillows, twin bed mattresses and blankets
• Food including dry goods including bags of beans, bags of rice (not minute rice), powdered milk, high protein flour and pasta, vegetable oil, canned tomato paste, canned sardines, canned tuna and baby food; all with an expiration date of more than a year
• Healthcare supplies (cannot expire before September 2010): Bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic cream/ointment, acteaminophen, ibuprofen, sanitary napkins, diapers, alcohol swabs, betadine, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, shampoo, crutches, walkers and wheel chairs
• Building materials: Wood (1/2 inch thick plywood, 1x12, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 and 2x10), Electrical (wiring-12 gauge, light switches, light fixtures, switch boxes, switch box covers, and PCV pipe), louvered metal windows, doors (wood and metal), door handles and hinges
• Medical clinic items: casting materials, furniture, crutches, slings, examination tables, IV poles, IV fluids (expiration after 2010)
• New and used clothing: underwear, socks, summer clothing, shoes, flip-flops, and sandals . These items can only be used as packing for fragile items since they cannot be otherwise imported according to Dominican law)
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Used Clothing should be placed in bags, not boxes. All other small items should be placed in a box that is taped shut and a list of the contents are written on the outside of the box.

We want to thank you in advance for helping us meet the needs of our Haitian brothers and sisters.

You can contribute on-line at by clicking here OR

Send a check as soon as possible that is payable to Foundation for Peace and mail to:

Foundation for Peace

P.O. Box 424

Ironia, NJ 07845

Please remember to hold all in your prayers. Thank you.

 

Please let me know if you'd like to donate.

 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day!~*

Wax On, Wax Off in a Paraffin Bath

This is a product you probably don't have, but is definitely worth getting.
I bought a Homedics Paraffin Wax Bath many many years ago and I still use it.

I'm a little OCD about washing my hands~ It probably got worse after I became a teacher
(Let me just say that yes.... children are germ magnets~ I was ALWAYS sick when I was a teacher).

I probably wash my hands about 20 times a day, which can leave me with dry, chapped hands. Lotion usually helps, but sometimes, I don't feel like slathering lotion on a million times a day. Other times, no matter how much I put on, my hands are still dry.
For days like these, I turn to my Paraffin Bath.

It takes a while to melt down, but once it does... you're in for a treat.
I'm usually cold, so I love to get my hands in there and get all warm and toasty.

Just dip your hand in and out repeatedly until you get a thick layer of wax over your hands.
I like to get the layer really thick.... I feel like it does more... and it's fun to take off!

You can also use this for your feet to get them soft and warm (Just make sure to wash your feet before using!)


The Paraffin Wax Bath usually costs around $30, but it will last you forever (And is about the cost of one Manicure and Wax Treatment in a salon).
You can also buy refills of the paraffin from beauty supply stores or online.

You can purchase these at Bed,Bath, and Beyond , Target, Ebay, and other Beauty Supply Stores.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day!~*

T.V. Shows To Watch

I've decided I'm going to learn how to budget. Best way for me.... Don't leave the apartment.
As I've mentioned before, I have a shopping problem.  Doesn't matter where I go... I can spend a ton of money.

So what is a girl to do when confining herself to her apartment?  Well, this girl attempts to clean her notoriously messy room (What can I say... I have a lot of stuff...) while watching t.v. (computer).
Here are my recent picks and favorites!

Being Erica- I recently came upon this show on Hulu.  It's kind of similar to "The Butterfly Effect" and "Back to the Future"... from a girl's persepective.  Erica's life kinda sucks when we meet her and she has a lot of regrets.  She meets the myserious Dr. Tom, who has the ability to send Erica back in time to correct her "mistakes".  It has a good storyline, good actors, and is a fun show to watch that can make you reflect on your own life.  Lots of old 90's music you probably forgot about. Season 2 just started airing on the Soap Network

Modern Family- "One big (straight, gay, multi-cultural, traditional) happy family". This show is sooo funny. My friend Daidan told me about it, and he's got great taste in shows.  This show tells the story of 3 different families.  Jay (Al Bundy) is the Father who remarried a hot younger Latina with a son. He also has 2 children of his own. Mitchell is the straight-laced gay newly adopted father of a little Asian baby (so cute!). His partner Cameron is HILARIOUS~ Love him. The other family is Claire- mother of 3.  Her husband may be my favorite character~ The father who only wants to please and so naive.  Watch this show!!!

Kitchen Confidential- Hot guys. Delicious Food. Fast and Witty Banter.  Did I mention hot guys?  What else could you ask for?  This show is based on Chef Anthony Bourdain's best-selling book "Kitchen Confidential."  The Beautiful Bradley Cooper (Panda's BF) plays Jack Bourdain... a former addict (drugs/alcohol/women) who becomes the head chef for Nolita.  It gives a background to what goes on behind the kitchen.
The show also stars John Cho (Yay for Asians on TV!), James King, Xander from Buffy, the young brother from Freaks and Geeks, and a few other people you'll recognize. This show is very quick-paced... very New York.  Unfortunately it was cancelled after 13 episodes (FOX~ YOU SUCK!), but it was great while it lasted. 

So... if you too are staying in and vegging out, check out these fabulous shows.  It's free, entertaining, and probably better than spending $100 on drinks and getting hit on by gross guys/girls. Enjoy!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Aquaphor Original Ointment

My skin has been super super dry lately, so I had to pull out the big guns to solve my dry skin problems.

Aquaphor Original Ointment is the thing to use for extremely dry skin.
It's a great, inexpensive way to get your skin moisturized.
It's like Vaseline on Steroids.
It's very very thick, so if you don't like that texture, be sure to use very sparingly.
A little goes a long way.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Advanced Healing for Dry, Cracked or Irritated Skin

Aquaphor Healing Ointment protects dry, cracked or irritated skin to help enhance the natural healing process and restore smooth, healthy skin.

• Clinically proven to reduce healing time
• Creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture
• Helps heal raw, irritated skin caused by radiation treatments, facial resurfacing procedures and Atopic Dermatitis
• Soothes and helps protect extremely dry, chapped or chafed skin and lips caused by winter weather or diabetes
• Soothes and protects minor burns
• Fragrance-free, preservative-free, non-irritating

Eucerin Promise: High quality ingredients and clinically-proven formulas that help keep your skin healthy. Eucerin skin care is safe for sensitive skin and so effective that it's been trusted by dermatologists for years.

This is especially good to use on dry and rough spots (Elbows, Knees, Ankles).  It's great for chapped hands and lips.  You can basically use this anywhere.
I use this on my face when nothing else seems to work.
This is also a good product to put on your face if you're into winter sports, but make sure you wear sunscreen on top!

So if you're skin is a hot hot mess and can't seem to hold on to any moisture, Aquaphor is the one for you!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

A Note to All You Bad Boys Out There......And the Girls Who've Been Hurt By Them

There are a lot of good, honest, quality guys out there.  To You, I raise a glass.
I hope you find ladies that you can treat like the princesses they are and will treat you with the love and respect you deserve.

On the other spectrum, there are the selfish guys who will do whatever they want to get what they want.
Watch out for the cute, charming ones. Even more so if he has an accent!

I have heard sooo many horror stories over the years.  I never understood how a girl could get sucked into a Bad Boy's web when it's so blatantly obvious that they're bad news.

My love life can be summarized very quickly~ I'm a relationship girl.
I met my first love when I was 16 years old (Oh... to be young again) but we broke up after 6 months.  He is still a good friend of mine.
I met my next love when I was 17 and we were together for 6 years.  We realized we weren't right for each other and parted ways.  I still consider him a friend and am happy he has found the right girl for him.

I had no real dating experience until December 2008.  From that point until the Spring, I dated a lot of guys. It seemed like I was dating a new guy every other week.  It was fun while it lasted... but I came to realize that dating was not easy.  I would think that things were going well... and then I never heard from them again! 
Perhaps it was karma for avoiding guys when I was younger. The difference is that I never acted like I was interested in the first place.

Then I met a cute Irish bartender.  I only knew him for a short period of time, but was really starting to like him.  Then he sent me a text saying, "Sorry I didn't call you.  I had to go to Ireland for family problems.  I'll call you on Sunday when I get back".
Sunday rolled around and on Wednesday I sent him a text. I never received a call back.
Now everyone that knows me has probably heard the "Gone to Ireland" story and my reply that "He's gone to Ireland" when a friend thinks things are going well, but the guy suddenly disappears.

"Wow... he must have really hurt you" my best friend said to me.
"You seem really bitter" another person said.
Perhaps... but I'm not bitter about the fact that he didn't like me.
What gets to me is the fact that he felt the need to create a story that he was going to IRELAND ( a WHOOOOLE other continent) to tell me that he's not into me.  Now really..... was that really necessary?!?

When I ask my guy friends why he would lie to me and not just tell me that he's not interested in me or avoid me (the cowardly way), they said it was probably because he didn't want to be the Bad Guy.
Well let me just say that the things you do to prevent yourself from being the Bad Guy is usually what makes you the Bad Guy!!!

Then there are the Bad Boys that will deliberately lie to get what they want. Those are the really bad ones.
All I have to say is KARMA and BAM (Be A Man)
If you don't like a girl... Please Don't lead her on. Don't play games.  Don't lie.
If you're a player.... Please get out of the way.  There's plenty of Bad Girls out there. Stay away from the Good Ones.

Girls, if you think he's bad news... he probably is.
Don't waste your time on these type of guys.  In the end, the only one that will probably care is you.
I like to think of these guys as soul suckers~ Don't waste your precious time and energy on them.

It bothers me that these Bad Boys have no real repurcussions for their actions, while girls are left feeling hurt and angry, have to vent to their girlfriends, and lose hope in ever finding a Good Guy.

I love Taylor Swift.  Scorn her and she'll write a song about it!
Radio Host: "Do you think that guys might be worried about dating you (Because they don't want to be Track 12)?"
Taylor Swift:  "If I find the right guy, he won't hurt me and so I won't have to write a song about it".
Smart Girl. 

I'm no Taylor Swift... but I like to write and I have a lot to say.
These guys will probably never read this, but if they do... here are my parting words.... because I love getting the last word:

85- I never even dated you, but you were trouble from the beginning. I don't think you'll ever appreciate how much I did for you...but hopefully one day you will.
A.W.- You suck.... but I got the "He's gone to Ireland" phrase from you.... so thanks for that~*
S.B.- "Luv"~ Guess who made it to my P.O.S. list..... YOU! CONGRATULATIONS!

Maybe I'm too naive, too sentimental, and too sensitive.  Maybe I am a little bitter... but it's ok because I believe everything happens for a reason, I've learned a lot from my dating experiences this year, and soon the bitterness will subside and these boys will just be a distant memory and a funny story.

I lost sight of who I was when it came to guys and relationships, but I've found my way back.

Through all the guys I dated, I learned what I don't like, how I SHOULD be treated, and what I want in a relationship.  You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.

To all my single friends who are starting to lose hope in men.... Please Don't.
There are good guys out there, and I believe we will find them.  We just haven't met them yet.

To end on a bright note, here are some words that my friend Tracy wrote to me that really made me happy and gave me hope.

irene, single or not, your life is a success story. you're making it as a makeup artist. you're meeting people. you're being recommended by people. you're writing. you're engaged in your work. there are even more opportunities to take advantage of that you can take advantage of. so be proud of yourself and just have faith that you'll meet your someone when you meet them. and recognize that maybe if you're not in a relationship, you're not ready to be in a relationship.  

you will meet whoever you're supposed to meet. so don't force it. don't try to control it. don't focus on it. just let it be. i'm a champion of the happily ever after for you. you think you need someone who is obsessed with you [Haha], and maybe that's what will happen, but my hope is that you will meet someone who surpises you, who comforts you, who challenges you to be an even stronger heroine in your life story. and i believe a thousand percent that it will happen.

And I too hope that all you ladies that have been broken hearted, cried yourself to sleep, and been left with scars that take too long to heal will find a man to help mend your heart, wipes away your tears, and shows  you how great love can be.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

3 Cheers for Restaurant Week!

It's time for my favorite time in NYC~ Restaurant Week!   Oh how many delicious meals I've had over the years.

Beloved by foodies, hated by people who work at the restaurants... RESTAURANT WEEK is AWESOME!

Restaurant Week runs from 1/25/10 to 2/7/10 (excluding Saturday and Sunday in most places)
When else can you get 3 course meals at fabulous restaurants for $24 at lunch and $35 at dinner?!?!  SUCH a good deal.

My first foray into Restaurant Week was Smith and Wollenskys. Wasn't the best experience, but whatever... I was getting my feet wet.
Over the years, I have been to some amazing places during Restaurant Week.  Here are my picks for the places that are available this year. (Unfortunately, there are a lot less restaurants participating... or many have closed down)

Bar Boulud- My friend Joe is a sous chef here and he's an AMAZING chef.  Bar Boulud is a good alternative if you want to try Daniel Boulud's restaurant, but can't afford Daniel's.  They are known for their charcuterie. 
BondSt-  I never used to eat sea bass until I ate it here ( I thought it was a really heavy fish... like swordfish. it's not)  the food, ambiance, everything is great. One of my favorites
(BTW- It's pronounced Bond Street. Not Bonst... like I though it was... haha)
Fig and Olive- I haven't been here before, but I hear it's good and the menu looks delicious. I think I may be going here this year
Isabella's- I've eaten here a good number of times and it has yet to disappoint.  The portions are big and food is delicioso.
Japonais- I've always wanted to go here. They do the prixe throughout the year so I haven't gone... but I will be going at some point.
Le Cirque- My favorite Restaurant Week place yet.  I went in the fall with the boys in 23J and I think we stuck out like sore thumbs amidst the money old folks (and our inappropriate conversations), but the service and food was impeccable.  5 Stars all the way
Megu- I haven't gone yet, but I will be next week. I'm sure it'll be fabulous
Nobu Next Door- I went here last time and the food was sooo good.  There's also Nobu (right....next door. haha).  Highly recommended.
Norma's- I ate here on Christmas Day (they're known for their brunch).  OMG... It took me over an hour to eat my Bagel and Lox w/ Caviar (haha.. sorry London Susan). It was delish.  I want to try the James Beard Award Winning Potato Pancakes (I may have been a Jewish girl in a former life)
Shula's Steak House- I haven't been here before, but I hear the steak is off the hook. For all you Meatitarians (like me)


Ok, now I'm starving and it's lunch time.  Somehow KFC Hot Wings don't seem to be cutting it right now... Oh well.. I'm saving for next week.  Happy Eating Everyone!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Neutrogena- From Head to Toe

I have been using Neutrogena products for YEARS.  I remember thinking I was so cool using my older cousin's Neutrogena Shampoo and Body Oil in the shower~  I still use those products to this day!

Neutrogena makes quality products for a good price.

Here is my list of my favorite items from Neutrogena:

Anti-Residue Shampoo- This is a clarifying shampoo.  It's great to use when your hair feels especially greasy/dirty.  Especially good in the summer after a day at the beach/pool.  I use once or twice a week.

Body Oil- I love this smell. It's very nostalgic for me.  This is a GREAT moisturizing oil.  It's great to use just out of the shower when skin is slightly damp, or as a bath oil in the bath.  Love it!

Norwegian Formula Hand Cream- This is a heavy-duty hand moisturizer. It's like a lighter version of Aquaphor.  Thick, but absorbs quickly.  Tested on Norwegian Fisherman! Also available in an Age Shield with SPF 30 formula (but I don't know how it compares)

Dry Touch Sunblock- This was one of the first sunblocks that didn't have the thick greasy feel of typical sunblocks.  Goes on very lightly and quickly.  High SPF, leaves a clean/dry finish, and has the highest UVA/UVB protection. I also like the spray version for the body since it gets hard to reach places

I also use the Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System that they discontinued (ARGH!!! WHY!?!).

If you can find it, get it. It'll last you forever and u can buy the Refill Sponges on Ebay.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

*~ I Believe in Miracles ~* A little bit of Hope in Dark Times

There are many times in life where people can wonder where God is.
Horrible things happen in life (such as the Earthquake in Haiti) and many people can question God.
Personally, I have a hard time dealing with things and understanding why things happen the way they do....
Of course I have no answer, but one thing my father has said to me is that it's when people are in trouble and in need that they turn to God.

Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder

The Good News:

This is one of my favorite new discoveries.  I remember using something from the Prescriptives Magic line in high school... but I guess I never stayed with it....  I wish I had!


Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder is a very fine and light translucent powder.
It leaves a cool feeling on your face on contact.  It's so refreshing and cool ( I love things that change temperature!).
It leaves a beautiful, natural-looking luminescent glow on your face.
I also feel it is more moisturizing than a typical powder.

If you can find the Rose Gold version, I HIGHLY recommend it (and pick me one up too!). They're pretty much sold out everywhere and selling for double on Ebay  =(
This is a BEAUTIFUL shimmer.  I use it to highlight my cheekbones and nose everyday.  LOVE it!

The Magic: Instantly cools and diffuses light to minimize the look of lines, pores, and wrinkles. This ultra-lucent powder dusts on like a mist to set and enhance the effect of foundation.
 The Secret: Simply dust *magic Liquid Powder Translucent over face and neck. Wear over Prescriptives foundation to enhance the illusion.

Oil-free. Non-acnegenic. Ophthalmologist-tested. Dermatologist-tested.

The Bad News:

Prescriptives is going out of business at the end of January, so you better stock up.

I bought 3 of these babies! I use it every day since I've gotten it.

Grab now while you can!

Retail Price:

$35 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~* 

Korean Beacon ~ Not Korean Bacon! =D

I was at a BBQ a few months ago (Thanks for letting me crash your BBQ, Jesse).
We started talking about Korean restaurants and I mentioned that I had read an article about Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite restaurant on a website that I'd been reading recently.
Turns out that the website I was talking about was created by two of the guests at the BBQ! (So weird, 'cause Khee wrote the article and Eric has worked with Gwyneth Paltrow)
I love me a good Cowinkiedink!   (Coincidence for those that don't understand iRene language)

Eric and Khee are two guys that have created Korean Beacon- a great website geared towards Korean Culture.
Food, Celebrities, Entertainment, Worldwide News.... They have it all.
Only one thing was missing................... ME!  =)

KoreanBeacon.com is a window into Korean-American life and culture.  We showcase different viewpoints, styles, and topics about Korean-Americans. KoreanBeacon.com is for multiple generations, mixed-race, adoptees, and for anyone who is generally interested in Korean-American life.   Of course, we also have an eye on what’s coming out of South Korea.  The Korean wave is happening and Hollywood is importing Korean artists and talent into the American mainstream.  It’s an exciting time and you can find it all right here at KoreanBeacon.com.

It's a website that I check into regularly... and now... I get to be a part of it!!!
After reading my FABULOUS blog, Eric contacted me about doing a weekly Beauty Write Up and starting You Tube Videos geared towards Asians/Koreans. EXCITING!

Now I will NOT be going on camera without makeup (I go to the pool with makeup on!!!), but I AM taking volunteers to be brave and let me make you beautiful (Don't all volunteer at once, now!)
Every Thursday, you can check and see what new and exciting info I have.  If you have questions, I will try my best to answer them.  If I can't.. you're question will not be featured in Korean Beacon (haha.. j/k!)

This is a really exciting opportunity for me... and I'm sure I'll be learning more than you all with my research for Asian faces.  And let me tell you that Asians are NOT easy to put makeup on.
I've had quite a few hilarious makeover experiences with my friends (Thanks Jeeae and Esther... You girls were great sports~  At least now we know what DOESN'T work!!!)

So... as I am SKYROCKETING towards fame (Dream Big, Irene), this is a great step in the right direction.

If you are Korean, Korean-American, or an American  who knows the fabulousness of Koreans (Hi Joe and Taylor!)  you should DEFINITELY check out Korean Beacon.
It will change your life. Or give you a few minutes of entertainment.. Either or.... ;)

 *~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Queen Helene Grapeseed Extract Peel Off Masque

I've always loved putting on masks.
Maybe it made me feel older and like all the glamorous women on t.v. and in the movies I'd see.
It was also fun to see your face get really dry and crackly (with a mud) or feel like you have plastic on your face and be able to take your "face" off!

Personally, I prefer Peel-Off masks~ I feel more of an immediate difference and like the peeling off aspect
(The grown up version of putting Elmer's glue all over your hands and peeling it off!)
I use mud masks on my T-Zone to get rid of oiliness (Across your forehead, on your nose, and on your chin).
As for my favorite Peel-Off mask... the award goes to Queen Helene Grapeseed Peel Off Masque! (Applause, Applause)

I've been using this baby for YEARS.  I've probably gone through at least 5 tubes...
It leaves my skin smooth and soft as a Buh Buh's bottom!
* It's cheap, fast, and easy to take off.  I like to put on a really thick layer... I feel like it does more and it's more fun to peel off when its thicker.
* It's a great skin pick-me-upper~ When  you feel like your skin is a mess and there's nothing that is helping it, this is my go-to to make it feel better (even if it is only a quick fix)

Some reviews claim the smell is too strong.. but I don't mind it.  It's kind of like an alcohol smell... but once it's on, I never notice it.

I would use this product around once a week. I think you could probably use it more, but I never remember to...

I always buy mine at Harmon (one of my FAVORITE beauty stores), which you can find throughout NJ or in some Bed, Bath and Beyond stores.  Get a 20% off coupon and you save even more!  You can also find it online.

So try it out. And if you hate it, you're only losing out on $3!

Missed Connections- Artwork by Sophie Blackall

I first heard about Missed Connections a few years ago when Viv told me that someone wrote about her on Craigslist!
I thought it was really cool that there was a site where people wrote about chance encounters they had with other random people that they'd probably never see again.

I liked the website and looked through it a few times, but don't really have the time or patience to read through everything.

Here comes Sophie Blackall to the rescue!
She is an artist based in Brooklyn that takes certain Missed Connections and turns them into artwork. 
I think it's a fabulous idea and her artwork is beautiful and a style of her own.

Sophie Blackall has illustrated over fifteen books for children and her paintings and three dimensional works have been exhibited in galleries in Sydney, Paris and New York


Her Missed Connections project is an ongoing series of paintings based on real, anonymous messages posted online by lovelorn strangers.

Click HERE to buy some of her work
Click HERE to see a short video about her work
Click HERE to become a Facebook Fan (and see more artwork)

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

 

Urban Decay Limited Duo

I love Urban Decay for the outrageous "Go All Out" colors they have.  I also love their 24/7 eyeliners for the quick swipe of color I can get (to put on my lower lids or on top of my black eyeliner). I love the color green, and I also love glitter!  Combine all these fabulous thing and you get the Urban Decay Limited Duo.

As the name suggests, it's a Limited Edition... so grab it while you can. It's a $35 value at the great price of $14!!! What a steal!

Typically the 24/7 Eyeliner  costs $17 and the Glitter Liner costs $18 so you're getting a really great deal!

More about Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner: Arresting shades of glitter are suspended in a clear base and apply with a tiny, precise brush. Paint thin lines with the tip of the brush, or sweeping color with the side of the brush for dramatic, jewel-encrusted eyes. Once dry, they will not budge – the glitter won’t fall to your cheeks or transfer to your makeout partner’s face. Wear them alone, over Eyeshadows, or with other Glitter Eyeliner shades.

More about 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils: The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this luxurious formula stays creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT transfer or fade. 

I love green eyes (as the girls at Empire all know)... and I think it works for everyone.  Even the slightest hint of green makes most eyes pop.  Try for yourself and see! Go Green!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

5 Easy Things To Do

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry"
- Thomas Fuller

New Year~ New You!

Now that it's a new year, I am highly motivated to change certain bad habits. 
I've already conquered these... Maybe you can too!

These are 5 REALLY simple things you can do to help save the planet, and save you money! 
It's really easy to do, makes a big difference, and can easily become a good habit!
JUST DO IT!

1.  Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL):
CFL's use up to 75% less energy (which means a lower electric bill!), Last up to 10x longer, and Provide the same light at lower wattages.
They cost more when you buy them, but will cost you less in the long run.
* You need to dispose of them by recycling (but it will be YEARS later) because they contain trace amounts of mercury (less than a thermometer), but can do damage to the environment.

2. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS:

This is one of my biggest pet peeves.  Why keep a light on if you're not in the room? You're using more energy and paying more money!  And for those that live in an apt. building where you don't get a bill (AHEM, Boys in 23J !), you're going to make the maintenance fees higher!!!
Turn the D*** Lights Off! 

3. Change the temperature 2-3 degrees:

I know it's cold people. I'm even cold in the summer! But you DON'T need to blast the heater at 80+ degrees.  The lower you keep it, the more money you save. 
Wear a cozy sweater! Snuggle under a blanket. Cuddle with someone you love (or are attracted to!).  Buy an ugly SNUGGIE if you have to! But turning down the heat even a few degrees makes a huge difference (to the environment and your wallet!)
Read HERE for more ways to save on heating costs

4. Turn off the Water:

So simple, but a lot of people are always keeping the water running. 

Hopefully you'll pick up these easy habits... and teach them to your kids too!

Turn off the water when...

1. Brushing your teeth. 

2. When you're in the shower~ Turn off when you're doing all your business and turn back on to wash off.

3. When doing Dishes. Turn off the water when you're soaping the dishes.  And don't fill up the whole sink with water (although I don't know if people really do that....)

*If you have a leaky faucet, make sure to take care of it asap. You'd be surprised how much water gets wasted!

Americans waste sooo much water. Think of the Africans that have to walk miles and miles to get some dirty water  =*(

5. RECYCLE

If you are still not recycling... you seriously suck.  It's so simple! Reduce. Re-Use. Recycle. 

- If you have children, speak to the directors and encourage them to recycle.  All the Pre-Schools I worked at never recycled, so I would do it myself.  They go through soooo much plastic, and Paper!  And if your office/work place doesn't recycle, talk to them... or start it on your own!
- Save your old paper and use it as scrap to jot down notes and lists. 


These are the simplest things you can do... and it REALLY does make a difference!
Start with these simple tips and you'll be amazed at how easy it was and how you should have done them a long time ago!
Two words people: Global Warming.  Hello... Did u not think this summer's weather was crazy? It rained almost everyday! That's not normal!... 
OK... before I go into a whole schpeal... I hope you take these tips into account and make them a part of your life. 

We only have one Earth, people. Take care of it!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*