Beauty | Korean 6D Natural Eyebrow Embroidery/Microblading at The Klinik



The Klinik reached out to me a month ago and asked if I would be willing to have them sponsor my Eyebrow embroidery with them! I was extremely excited as I had been looking into this for a while now. This procedure penetrates the skin at a shallow level and leaves pigment behind lasting around 1-2 years. 

 In terms of my eyebrows, I think I am a perfectionist and can spend most of my time perfecting my eyebrows! This can take up a lot of time if I'm in a rush or heading out to class.
My best friend actually has hers done and essentially that's all the makeup she needs before she walked out the door. I was so jealous that when she woke up she didn't look like she had something missing like I did :(

The Klinik is associated with leading South Korean medical group DS and my doctor arrived from Korea 2 days before my appointment at their pop-up. They also provided a translator as the doctor could only speak Korean and very limited English. For me this wasn’t an issue and if anything made the whole experience more authentic! 

 The Klinik is currently doing pop-ups, the first one was Oct 27-28, and their second one will be in the first week of December 2018. In January they will open up their official store in Singapore. 

They are currently offering for a limited time their regular service + 1 Touch Up at $675 SGD +10% off! (Value of $1350) for their 2nd Pop-Up in December.

Book/Find them here: 
https://www.theklinik.net/
https://www.instagram.com/thekliniksg/

First was the consultation phase: 

The 2 ladies were super helpful and made the entire process very easy. The doctor first asked me to take off all my makeup except my brows to see how I drew them on a daily basis. She asked why the tail went down so low and I just said it was my preference, but I was open to new designs! She recommended a slightly more flat brow look that was a lot more natural. She then drew onto my eyebrows the general shape and confirmed if I liked it or not. 
What I found extremely helpful during the consultation session was that if I had a question on why she recommends something, she really had great answers which made me feel at ease! 
The consultation took around 15 minutes. 
Before

The Numbing Cream: 

She then applied numbing cream to my eyebrows on the design and waited about 10-15 minutes. This numbing cream was amazing as I didn't feel a single thing during the embroidery! I felt slight tugging sensations but no pain at all. She also informed that after she had reapplied the numbing cream one more time while she worked on the other eyebrow ensuring I felt no pain :) 
The total time for this process was around 30 minutes

After the numbing cream, she then custom created the brown I wanted my eyebrows to be! I had told her that I wanted my brows a bit darker as I intended to dye my hair darker in the following weeks. 
After the embroidery, she applied a lot of pigment/ colour to the point where it looked like I was La Bi Xiao Xin LOL this was to have it saturate and to ensure that every line had enough colour. I waited about 15-17 minutes, this is where it stung just a LITTLE bit. The numbing cream had started to wear off but honestly, it didn't even hurt as much as a getting a paper cut. After this feeling subsided, I felt NO pain for the rest of the week! 
Immediately after! 












































They instructed me on the Do's and Don'ts for 1 week after the embroidery and provided me with this cream to apply to my brows 1-2 (preferably) per day. One of the staff recommended using Vaseline if I were to run out of the cream but assured that I wouldn't need much. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough but turned out to be more than plenty! 

Some of the Do's and Don'ts: 
  • Apply cream 1-2 times a day 
  • Do not apply makeup 
  • Do not rub/scratch your eyebrows
  • Try to sleep on your back 
  • Do not drink alcohol or smoke 

The total time it took from walking in and leaving was 1.5 Hours 

Oct 27 - Day 1
Oct 28 - Day 2
Oct 29 - Day 3
Days 1-3 my eyebrows had turned much darker - which turns to small scabs. 
Oct 29 - Day 3

Oct 31 - Day 5
Oct 31 - Day 5



By days 5 my eyebrows started to pill a little and the scabs were slowly naturally coming off. You are not supposed to pick at them! 

Nov 4 - Day 8



Day 7 is where my eyebrows really reached the final stage, most of the scabs had come off and revealed very natural looking hair like strokes! I really have to say I was slightly concerned as my eyebrows were looking a bit patchy throughout this process but the doctors did warn me about it. It wasn't till day 7 were my brows actually what they were supposed to look like so please be a bit patient! 




Day 8! After I touched it up a bit to match my current hair colour. 

I would really recommend getting the 6D Natural Eyebrow Embroidery/Microblading if you are looking for the "I was born with naturally nice brows" look. When I wake up with no makeup I feel a lot more confident with and leaving the house with no makeup which for me is the most important part :) 
However, personally, since I do wear makeup almost every day, I do like my brows a bit more defined so I find myself needed to fill it in a bit. During the December pop-up I will definitely be asking them to tweak a few small things!

Overall Experience: 9/10 

Pain level: 1/10

Travel | International Exchange SINGAPORE!

Lifestyle | Last Day at L'Oreal Canada Marketing Internship

Makeup | YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS THE CURLER & FLASH PRIMER Review


Aside from the gorgeous rose pink packaging, and addicting smell (smells like luxurious perfume!)  this YSL mascara has slowly become a daily favourite. 
Use the code: YSLBEAUTYNETWORK for Free Shipping!!

YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS THE CURLER (Black) & FLASH PRIMER (Pink)

Price: $40

YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS THE CURLER (Black)

Claims: 
RESULTS / FINISH / EFFECT
A mascara that matches breakthrough brush technology with an exclusive curl empowering formulation to offer a lash curler effect, to lift and volumize lashes.
LENGHTEN EYELASHES: 91%*
SHARP & CLEAN DEFINED VOLUME : 83%*
CURL EYELASHES: 82%*
* Efficacy consumer test on 120 French women
BENEFITS
The caring formula is infused with three oils-coconut oil, walnut leaves and bamboo oil-to intensely nourish lashes, keep the curl supple and shiny
This YSL pioneering new mascara has an exclusive bi-material brush that offers stunning curl and a beautiful clean volume:
- a black rounded fibre brush to curl lashes and create an exceptional clean volume
- a pink elastomer comb to add instant lift and definition
Get a long lasting curl for a new signature eye look. 
Initially, I was having a hard time making this mascara work for my lashes (especially the primer). As I used the mascara, the formula dried a bit which really helped with the separation and curl hold. 
Vs my favourite mascara the Maybelline Lash sensational, this mascara definitely wins in terms of lash separation. It literally makes me look like I have WAY more lashes than I do! The brush really separates and helps magnify all those baby lashes. Additionally, I find the brush really helps me create a fanned out effect. I must also emphasize this mascara doesn't make my lashes feel stiff and dry, rather soft and flexible. Finally, it also washes off at the end of the day SUPER easily and doesn't flake or transfer/give me panda eyes - major plus points for that!

(not the best photo but look at all my lashes!!!) 

YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS FLASH PRIMER (Pink)

Claims: 
A pink mascara base that glides over lashes evenly to sculpt instant curl, boost volume and lenght. After a few seconds, the pink shade is transforming to a transparent base. A care enriched primer that helps to amplify the effects of the mascara and makes any YSL mascara more long wearing.
BENEFITS
An enriched formula with 2 revitalising ingredients to improve lash appearance : Ceramid R and Panthenol.
Lashes are nourrished and fortified from roots to tips.
RESULTS
High performance formula meets a powerful pink elastomer brush to increase the results of all YSL mascaras.
extend the wear of the mascara: 91%*
intensify the lengthening effect of the mascara: 96%*
intensify the volume effect of the mascara: 91%*
* Efficacy consumer test 65 french women
Overall, I think a lot of people will like this primer because it does give a lot of volume, length and separation. My only problem is that it doesn't quite hold my curl very well. Aside from that, it leaves my lashes feeling soft and not dry :) 

YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS THE CURLER

PROS: 

  • Very separating 
  • Very lengthening
  • Volumizing 
  • Lashes feel soft 
  • Easy to wash off 
  • No flaking or transferring under my eye 
  • SMELLS amazing 
  • 3 oils-coconut oil, walnut leaves and bamboo oil

CONS: 

  • Doesn't hold my curl as well as I would like 

Rating: 4/5

YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS FLASH PRIMER

 PROS:

  • Pink product (transforms to transparent) 
  • Separating 
  • Volumizing
  • Lashes feel soft

CONS: 

  • Doesn't hold a curl

Rating: 3/5

Beauty | 5 Things Affordable Beauty Products Well.ca




Beauty | Highlights at N15 Hair Salon Toronto Review


I always love going lighter in the summer and a few years ago I got my first highlights done (ever) at N15! I really loved the look and wanted to do it again - the gold highlights just really compliment my warm skin tone. You can read my previous highlight/cut experience here and my lash extension experience - here. 

  Keep reading for a special discount!

I booked Tai in for a Half Head of Highlights and the total process took roughly 3 hours to complete. 
Tai is extremely experienced, having previously taken Guy Tang's lessons and working on numerous clients at the salon. He's been with N15 for a year and a half and knows just what to do to make you look good! 



















(My hair Before)
Tai cautioned me that since I had previously used box hair dye, that the bleaching results may vary. As I wanted to maintain my medium brown, he agreed that Half Head of highlights was a good amount as any more would make my hair's overall colour appear lighter. He quickly pulled out pieces from all around my head and left the bleach on for roughly 1 hour. What I love about what he did was that he didn't pull too many strands from the outside of my hair. This way, when they grow out, they'll appear more natural and I won't really need touch-ups! 
(Sexy Foil Selfie is a must! haha )

Tai then rinsed out my hair and then applied an ashy blue toner which he left for roughly 20 Minutes. This made the highlights blend into my hair more naturally and also covered/took out some of the brassiness. Again, he then washed my hair and blow-dried/styled. 


(After!)

Overall I really love my highlights!! They're more peekaboos where you can't see them exactly from the outside but front on/when you curl my hair you can really see them. Again, highlights are a great option for brightening your hair without having to do ombre/balayage, which can really damage your hair. This way I find my overall hair health isn't very compromised.

Thank you again N15 and Tai for doing my hair and getting me summer ready!!

Additionally, for those who are following me on Instagram (click here), you can get 15% off any colour, balayage or highlights at N15 from now until June 15th, 2018. You must pay cash and show them when you pay that you follow me and N15 (click here) on Instagram.
My hair the same week taken in natural lighting. You can really see my highlights here since I curled my hair :)

N15 also sells a lot of Japanese hair products! Talking to Tai, he warned me about using coconut/olive oil or any type of cooking oil in my hair as it can cause unnecessary heat damage to your head. He said that those types of cooking oil are heat conductors and if not washed out properly can actually take the heat from your head or sun rays and "fry" your hair! D: He advised that the best method of taking care of your hair is getting a nice hair oil and making sure you always use heat protection when styling. I purchased Glamorouscurl Moist (Repair and makes hair glow) from the store for $35, It claims to be a heat protection, and repairing hair oil in one. So far it makes my hair very smooth and smells nice.

Skincare | LANEIGE Water Bank Ultra Moisture Cream, Lip & Eye Makeup Remover, Water Pocket Sheet Masks and Bright Renew Capsule Sleeping Mask Review


***I Did receive these products from LANEIGE as a gift, however, these are my honest feelings :)
Water Bank Ultra Moisture Cream
Price: $46
Which skin type is it good for? ✔ Dry 
What it is: An ultra-rich moisturizing cream that soothes and delivers instant hydration for dry, parched skin. 
Solutions for: - Dryness - Dullness and uneven texture 
If you want to know more… Relieve dry, parched skin with the ultra-rich and deeply hydrating Water Bank Ultra Moisture Cream, featuring a creamy, buttery formula that melts onto skin when applied to soothe irritation and deliver instant relief from external aggressors. Infused with hydro ionized mineral water, this moisture-maximizing complex supports optimal moisture replenishment for up to 24 hours. Its second barrier complex™, composed of 14 different elements—including ceramides and cholesterol, imitates the skin's natural barrier to deliver a second, protective layer that seals in moisture. Skin is left feeling soothed and shielded from drying elements. 
What it is formulated WITHOUT: - Parabens - Phthalates 
What else you need to know: This product is dermatologist tested. Laneige does not test ingredients or products on animals.
The texture of this product is super thick and a lot heavier, which I thought would be great for the winter! When applied, the cream seems to absorb into the skin really easily and doesn't leave a layer of greasiness that a lot of thicker creams have. The Water Bank Ultra Moisture Cream does a great job of hydrating and not feeling thick, and is great when you want something a bit heavier for the winter and dryer days. Additionally, there is no scent to the cream :) However, I think after using this cream vs my holy grail LANEIGE Multi Berry Yogurt Repair Mask I realized that gel-based masks work better with me in terms of plumping and just in general. I would definitely recommend this to those who have sensitive, normal, combination-dry skin/oily skin people who want slightly a cream with slightly more hydration for dryer/colder days. However, I don't think this will help much for those who have flakey, extremely dry skin. 

Rating: 7.8/10Recommend? Yes


LANEIGE Lip & Eye Makeup Remover
Price: $22 

What it is: A moisturizing, oil-free makeup remover for lips and eyes that lifts away waterproof makeup.
Solutions for:- Dryness- Dullness and uneven texture 
If you want to know more…This dual-action, oil-free makeup remover is perfect for removing even the most stubborn waterproof makeup from the delicate eye area and lips. The mild formula prevents irritation while working effectively to dissolve and lift away impurities. Infused with moisturizing aloe and calming chamomile, it conditions and cleanses to leave skin fresh-looking and hydrated.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Phthalates 
What else you need to know:This product is dermatologist tested and recommended for all skin types. Laneige does not test ingredients or products on animals.
Ingredients:
-Chamomile: Calms and soothes skin from irritation. 
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glycerin, Mannitol, Sodium Chloride, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Poloxamer 184, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide.-Aloe: Moisturizes skin.
I was personally really surprised to how much I enjoyed this product. I don't tend to use many waterproof products, but I do have very stubborn to remove mascara! Many makeup removers I've previously used burn my eyes, or irritate them, however, this makeup remover was super gentle! I felt no irritations whatsoever and removed all of my makeup super easily. I usually shake the bottle to mix the solution with the oil and then put it onto a cotton pad. Then I place it on my eyes and hold them there so they can soak and take off all the makeup. As the ingredients list shows, there is aloe, chamomile, Green tea extract, lavender extract, Centella, and a bunch of other great things.
I would highly recommend this product to those who have sensitive skin, or those who just want to gently remove their makeup! + Bonus points for such cute pink packaging! <3

Rating: 8.5/10Recommend? Yes

LANEIGE Water Pocket Sheet Mask - Sparkling Water & Time Freeze
Price: $8
Time Freeze What it is: A non-slip mask to give the complexion a fuller, plumped appearance. 
Solutions for: - Dryness - Dullness and uneven texture - Loss of firmness and elasticity 
If you want to know more… This mask allows you achieve youthful-looking firmness. The comfortable, non-slip mask is infused with Dynamic Collagen™, which boosts for younger-looking skin. Densely woven with diamond water pockets, it forms a protective layer and releases essence slowly, for maximum ingredient penetration. 
Sparkling WaterWhat it is: 
A burst of hydration, this sparkling water-infused mask brightens and clarifies. 
Solutions for: 
- Dryness
- Dullness and uneven texture
- Uneven skintone 
If you want to know more… 
This mask delivers a refreshing, complexion-quenching blast of sparkling water. This comfortable, non-slip mask features diamond pockets that are infused with carbonated water, which brightens and clarifies. Densely woven and highly elastic, it forms a protective film, ensuring maximum penetration of active ingredients.
These masks have innovative lace design that prevents the mask from slipping and falling off your face! I really love that because I find that after time regular sheet masks will slowly shift down causing me to have to re-adjust it after a few minutes. The pads were made of a thin lace material but were surprisingly supersaturated with serum. But because it held the product so well, it didn't drip everywhere, which is also a pet peeve of mine. After 15 minutes or so, for both masks, it didn't leave my skin feeling excessively sticky. Instead, my skin felt replenished and like it absorbed all of the serum. The next morning, I, of course, had a great skin day, and my makeup layered on really nicely :D However, when it came to things like "brightening, clarifying, or evening skin tone" and "elasticity, firmness" claims, it was hard to tell after one use and I don't think I saw anything noticeable. It obviously takes a few uses before these more effects can be seen. 

Rating: 8/10

Recommend? Yes

Price: $36
What it is: A leave-on sleeping mask with brightening, illuminating, and hydrating ingredients. 
What it is formulated to do: Laneige Bright Renew Capsule Sleeping Mask features rich brightening ampoules within a hydrating gel cream. This innovative texture helps reduce redness and diminish the appearance of uneven or dull skin tone while you sleep. The brightening ampoules feature Laneige’s Melacrusher™ Brightening Technology, which reduces the appearance of dark spots and discoloration to reveal evenly toned and beautifully luminous skin. An optimal ratio of hydrating gel cream to these ampules hydrates deeply while brightening for a softer feel. Perfect for travel, the disposable one-time-use capsules guarantee a hygienic experience each time. 
Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract, 1, 2-Hexanediol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Polysilicone-11, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance. 

Although I loved the idea of having the ampoule suspended in a hydrating gel and mixing it in just as you need it, this product didn't work that well for me. No matter how much I put on my face though, it absorbed and sunk into my skin really well. However, every time I put anything on top of it, it would cause my skincare to peel off in small eraser shavings. Even if I used it by itself, after a while, if I touched my face, it would pill and rub off. Lastly, I did not find it very hydrating or make a difference in brightening or illuminating.

Recommend: No

Makeup | Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation Combo-Oily Skin Review


The shade I picked up was LN4 - Light Neutral 4. The neutrals in this series definitely lean more Beige and slightly pink not very suitable for my asian complexion. LN4 would be perfect for those who are more MAC Nc 20 or those a shade or 2 lighter than me (Check here for my foundation matches). I did swatch MW2 which was the oe I originally thought might work - but waaaay to dark. I would recommend it for those who have NC30-35 skin as it does oxidize. 

As you can see the shade oxidizes upon drying 2 shades darker. 

Here are some before and after photos, and photos of when I wore it the first day (none have been touched up). 

Before 

After
When I wore it on the first day (I have a bit of highlighter on my cheeks!)


Overall, the foundation definitely is long wearing despite being more of a natural finish! It really smooths over your skin and looks really like real skin vs makeup. I do have to blot at least once if I'm going to wear this more than 6 hours but lasted on me pretty decently to 10 hours wear. I would recommend this to those who are looking for a light-medium natural satin finish, and have normal to combination dry/oily skin! For those who have dry flaky skin, I think this foundation will emphasize your dry patches too much. 

PROS: 

  • Long wearing (10 Hours on me) 
  • Not scented 
  • Wide color range (16 shades)
  • Extremely natural and skinlike (Satin finish)
  • Smooths skin and slightly blurs

CONS: 

  • Oxidizes a shade or 2
  • Light to medium coverage, wish it was more buildable!
  • If you are a bit more oily you will need to blot
  • Wish it was a pump vs the stick - doesn't pick up enough product at once
  • Price is on the higher side of the drugstore (15-20 CAD) 

Rating:
8.4/10

Beauty | Eyelash Extension Experience with Jenny Du





A few weeks ago, my friend Jenny, who's a professional lash technician visited Toronto to do some lashes! She's Ottawa based but makes regular trips to Toronto for some of her clients :) 
 She's been working as a professional lash technician since she got her certificate in the UK in April 2016. Speaking to Jenny about her job, I don't think I've spoken to anyone as passionate about what she does as she is. 
Once arriving, Jenny recommended a lash look, asked what I'd like, and how she does a custom set based on our discussion. Jenny works with Silk lashes which are high quality, ultra soft, fluttery and light.
She went with CC curl, she mixed 3-4 D in the inner corners and 5-6D for the outer as I wanted more of a cat eye effect :) For length, she did a custom blend of 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14mm with the longer ones on the outside as well. 
The reason she chooses to do custom your lashes is that she doesn't believe that there are only 3 types of cookie-cutter lash looks - "round, cat, and dolly." By customizing it based on the general design of what you like, she can enhance the look of your eyes. 

Before






For the Before-look, you can see that I don't have a lot of thick lush lashes, however, I'd like to think that they're kinda long haha But since I lack volume, this is where I was hoping extensions would come in! 

After


Side Profile
Voila! There's are what the lashes turned out to look like! 
Immediately after having both my eyes done, I was shocked at how light they felt considering how many lashes Jenny was able to put on haha Using silk lashes really does make a difference! 
They also really opened up my eyes, and gave a "tight-lined" effect which meant I could wear less makeup ;) 
Personally, I must admit that these were a bit too voluminous for my taste - however, below are photos of my lashes after a week. You can see how they're fading to more of a voluminous natural look that I prefer :) These lashes lasted a total of 3 weeks on me.
I highly recommend you book off some time if you decide to try out her service as each appointment takes roughly 4-5 hours to complete. 

All in all, I'd recommend Jenny for those who want high-quality silk lashes, from an experienced lash technician. Especially, if you're looking for more of a Russian Volume look, Jenny is great at creating your custom lashes! 

Follow Jenny here:
Personal Instagram: @jdu_xox

Lash Business: @jdu_londonlashes
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