In the midst of her dream

The creative side of me had been itching for the past couple of weeks. How else do I express my creativity other than through paint, a pen, and a piece of paper, or crafts? Creative makeup and photography it is. I finally had a bit of time last week to walk through Sephora (my first time in months), and oh my gosh. I was legit so inspired with all the colours, that the first thing I did was text Doris and ask her when she would be free to be my canvas again. Lucky for me, she was free this Sunday afternoon. After countless times of saying “oopsies,” and after going through a million cotton swabs and half a bottle of makeup remover (jk), this was how my artwork came out as. Scroll down for images.

I had quite a few pieces of temporary tattoos left back from a few years ago, and I finally decided to put them into use. Dramatic eyes, bold red lips, red nails, and temporary tattoos. All in one package!

Also, here’s something I’d like to share with all you lovely people out there:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34

Model: Doris

Creative directing, concept, makeup, hair, editing, photography: Carmen

Products used:
- skin79 super+ beblesh balm bb cream triple function
- urban decay 24/7 glide on eye pencil in perversion
- kanebo kate gel eyeliner in bk-1
- estee lauder soft smudge eye pencil in black

- lorac unzipped palette
- yves rocher sexy pulp lash plumping mascara
- etude house moistfull collagen essence-in primer

- make up forever 12 flash color palette (red, coral, & black)
- nail confetti, false eyelashes, chanel-inspired tattoos from ebay
- nyx black eye shadow
- tony moly baby doll pot concealer in #1
- dior diorskin rose diamond
- anna sui lip rouge
- disney cinderella lipstick in lady tremaine
- too faced sweet indulgence palette's exclusive bronzer
- guerlain wulong pressed powder

Too Faced Holiday Collection 2012 | Sweet Indulgences Palette

This is Too Faced's Holiday Collection for 2012, Sweet Indulgences. Carmen got me this for my birthday (today) and I decided to take some pictures to share with you guys :) This is my first palette ever, I own like...four non-neutral quads. We did end up testing this a bit yesterday as I was getting ready to go to a wedding and she helped me do my makeup hehe. The bronzer suits me way better (it's lighter) than what we usually use for the editorial shoots (Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess in Soft Matte). I actually love that it comes in a tin box, thanks Carmen :)

Thanks to the eye shadow primer (full-sized), even my gel eyeliner stayed smudge-free for 8 hours...which is actually a miracle on my lids. Edit: 3 hours max, nevermind :(

indoor lighting

with flash

with flash

L to R:  Marshmallow, Lovey Dovey, Malted Milk Ball, Cherry Cola, Copper Peony (with flash)

Bohemian Twist Ft. Katy

T h e m e :   T h e   B o h e m i a n   T w i s t
(主題: 非傳統的波希米亞)

Here it is! Our third attempt at an editorial shoot. This time featuring our friend Katy from Hong Kong (on the left). We met her during our 2nd year in University, and this is already going to be her last year studying here in Canada before graduation. Like Carmen, Katy is studying textiles and clothing as well.

This was pretty much an impromptu shoot. It was actually quite hectic (and may we add, full of funny moments). Carmen had to do both Katy and Doris' makeup and styling in a super tight time span. We started right after we got off school and arrived home to prepare for the shoot at around 5 pm (the sun starts going down during the Fall here at around 6 pm). It was pretty much a race against sunlight because we needed the natural lighting! All in all, we had so much fun doing this shoot! A big thank you to Katy and Doris for modeling! Keep scrolling for more images.  

(博客更新囉!! 這一次我們邀請了我們的朋友Katy 擔任這次拍攝的其中一位模特兒（左邊）。Katy是來自香港的留學生。由於Katy和Carmen也在同一個學系，主修紡織與服裝，所以我們在大二的時候開始變得親近。今年是她們大學的最後一年，她們都即將畢業了!

我們這次的拍攝都比較即興。一下課立馬趕回家準備所有的東西，雖然很趕但在整個準備跟拍攝的過程中都很開心! C要在超短的時間內完成Katy跟Doris的造形和妝容。當造形和妝容都準備好的時候，已經是下午五點了（在這裡太陽一般都大概在六點鐘下山）。由於我們在拍攝的過程中非常需要自然光，所以我們整個拍攝過程簡直是跟陽光在比賽! 但不管怎麼樣，這一次的拍攝真的很開心! 非常感謝Katy 和 Doris擔任這次拍攝的模特兒! 請把鼠標繼續往下滑，可以看到更多的照片喔! )

Models: Katy (left), Doris (Right)

模特兒: Katy (左), Doris (右)

Photography, makeup, creative directing and coaching: Carmen
攝影, 妝容, 創意指導: Carmen

Hello everyone! I am Katy. I am so delighted and thankful that Carmen and Doris invited me to shoot, style, and translate their blog. Last year, I was already telling Carmen that we should set up a blog to post everything that was related to Fashion. And now, I am so happy that we are actually doing it!

I really love hanging out with both of them; they are so pretty and nice! I had a lot of fun doing this shoot. Carmen is really good at coaching Doris and I for posing in front of a camera. She is also incredible at make up. Also, I think Doris could become a professional and successful model because of her unique features. I am looking forward to the next time we can style and shoot together! Please look out for us, we are definitely going to have more posts together! 

- Katy

On the Styling: All of us worked together, trying to piece different outfits to ensemble for that "Bohemian" look with a street style twist. We ended up rummaging through Doris' closet for accessories and scarves, and then flipped through Carmen's closet for the clothes. Doris wore her own white blouse and both Katy and Doris wore their own leggings. We were going for a mirror-image, or twin-like effect, so the clothing had to be similar but at the same time different. 

On the Makeup: I love monolids (Both Katy and Doris have monolids)! I've mentioned before that monolids can be difficult to work with, but once you get the hang of it...words cannot describe how amazing they showcase the makeup (these pictures just don't do any justice)! With the correct eyeliner and eye shadow technique, monolids can bring out a very exotic, yet fierce look. I chose a brown and a black eye shadow for a gradient effect. It then fades into a gold tone shimmer towards the inside corner of the eye. The eyeliner has an exaggerated wing that helps accentuate the fierceness I was going for. Fake doll-like lashes were added to open up the eyes more. Blush was kept to a minimum, but bronzer and highlighter were used more heavily for contouring. 

(大家好! 我是Katy! 很開心Carmen和Doris邀請我當她們這次拍攝的模特兒。可以跟她們一起做造型和拍攝真的非常開心! 上一年，我跟Carmen就一直說我們會一起開一個博客，分享任何關於時裝的東西。沒想到我們真的做了! 也很感謝Doris和Carmen遨請我幫她們做翻譯。這一次的拍攝都玩得很開心! Carmen和Doris人都超級好跟可愛，Carmen很善於指導我跟Doris拍攝的姿勢，而且她超會化妝的! 至於Doris，因為她獨特的五官我覺得她根本就是當模特兒的料! 請大家都定期更新我們的博客! 將會更新更多精彩的博客給大家看!

- Katy

造型:

這一次非傳統的波希米亞造形是我們三個合作的成果。造形的衣服是來自Carmen的衣櫥。而飾品和頭巾都屬於Doris的。Doris身上的襯衣是她自己的，Katy和Doris穿上的打底褲分別都是她們自己的。由於我們這次的造型想要達到雙胞胎的感覺，模特兒身上的衣服都會比較相似。

妝容:
我很喜歡單眼皮的人 (巧合的是Katy 和Doris都擁有單眼皮)! 之前我有提起過單眼皮的妝容都很難畫， 可是現在我發現一旦你畫久了，單眼皮妝容的吸引度是不能用文字去形容。只要掌握好畫眼線和眼影的技術，你就可以畫出像外國人臉上的那種犀利感。另外，我用了咖啡色和黑色的眼影打造漸變的層次感。這種畫法能讓眼頭感覺更光亮。 強調誇張和往上畫的眼線更能幫助我畫出理想的妝容。加上像洋娃娃般的假睫毛能讓眼晴增大好幾倍! 在這個造型上，腮紅只需畫一點點就好了! 可是，古銅色的修容和打亮的部份都需要畫得比較重，這樣才能讓輪廓更突出。)

Face:
- skin79 super beblesh balm triple functions
- estee lauder bronze goddess soft matte bronzer
- sleek makeup blush by 3 in lace
- temptu retouch highlighter in pink pearl
- sephora luxe noir palette in gold for highlighting

Eyes:
- kanebo kate gel e/l in bk-1
- sephora luxe noir palette in gold
- nyx black e/s
- estee lauder softsmudge e/p in black
- generic false eyelashes from hong kong

Lips:
- physicians formula gentle cover concealer stick
- pandora's makeup box soft caramel l/s
- maybelline l/g in 952


What do you guys think about this look and our attempt on an editorial shoot? Thank you and a big shout out again to Katy for being a part of this fun shoot!

(大家對於我們這一次的造型和拍攝有什麼的想法呢？
再一次非常的感謝Katy能成為我們這一次拍攝的一份子!)


xx,
Carmen

1 John 4:19

Translations: Katy

翻譯： Katy

Laneige | Water Sleeping Pack EX, Multiberry Yogurt Repair Pack, and Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel

For those of you who have tired, dull, and dry skin...read on!

Left to right: Water Sleeping Pack EX,  Multiberry Yogurt Repair Pack, Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel

Laneige is a Korean brand much known for their moisture-retaining products such as these packs and others in their many lines. La neige in french literally means the snow and I remember reading about how they emphasized pure and natural skin. For reference, I have normal skin, but let me start off by saying, I would recommend these products to people of all skin types.

Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel

 

The smell of this product is just amazing. The color is a faint baby pink and it smells lightly of a yogurt smoothie, so delicious! The gel contains tiny micro beads, which are great for exfoliating. I like this peel because it is not as harsh as other exfoliaters, yet it still does its job. Although I do have to say, I find it difficult for the microbeads to exfoliate areas such as the sides of my nose.

How to use this: Apply on a clean, washed face (still wet) and rub in circular motions. Rinse off with warm water.

Overall, if you are looking for a gentle exfoliating experience that has moisturizing effects...this is the one! I would rate this peel as a 4.5/5.

Multiberry Yogurt Repair Pack

I would say all three of these products have quite different textures. I am not sure if it is the illusion given off by the whiter cream, but this pack feels heavier as well. I typically use this one right after the Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel. The texture of this is very smooth and quite a bit thicker than the peeling gel, but not by much. The scent is still pretty much just like the peeling gel but a bit stronger.

How to use: After appling evenly with the included spatula, wait  10-15 minutes and rinse off.

Overall, everytime after using this, my skin feels moist, supple, smooth, and it glows! I would definitely rate this mask a 5/5.

Water Sleeping Pack EX

This has been a much hyped product for awhile now. I was first introduced to this by Doris a couple year ago when she brought back some from Korea and gave me a bit to sample. I saw instant results when I woke up. I believe this is an award winning product in Asia as well.

How I use it: After rinsing off the multi berry yogurt mask, I pat dry my skin and feed it with this overnight sleeping mask. The next morning, I wake up and continue my skin routine as normal (there is no need to rinse, however I do wash my face in the morning). You will wake up with moisturized and supple skin guaranteed. :)

Overall, this has the most gel-like texture to it, and the colour is very close to a light baby blue. I would describe the scent of this product as fresh and light. When applied, this is extremely soothing, and takes awhile to become non-sticky. After you wake up in the morning and rinse the product off, your skin feels extremely moisturized, and from my experience, it gives off a youthful glow. I would rate this mask a 5/5 as well!

Top to bottom: Water Sleeping Pack EX,  Multiberry Yogurt Repair Pack, and Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel

Edmonton is an extremely dry city, with harsh winds especially in the winter! I highly suggest investing in these products if you want to keep your skin moisturized through the jarring winters or just to treat your skin. Laneige is a cosmetics and skincare line from Korea, but if you live in Edmonton like I do, you can find Laneige products and many other korean brands at a boutique called Umi & Co. Their address is 10462 82 Ave down Whyte. 

For those international folks out there, you can get them online over at Sasa and strawberryNET as well.

I imagine a lot of you have probably heard much about these products already. Which Laneige product do you like the most?


xx,
Carmen

The Modern Geisha

There is no look more profound for people with monolids than the "Geisha" look. With Doris' unique features, we managed to bring  the traditional Japanese look together with the progressive western fashion. The east and the west came together as one style to create an exotic, elegant, yet casual composition.

An old-fashioned and conventional geisha would be wearing substantial theater makeup. This necessitates the traditional pale skin with a heavy emphasis on vibrant pink eye shadows and a bold red lip. Black eyeliner would be used to hide double eyelids or emphasize the monolids. Heavily-filled in brows would then complete the look.

 

Model: Doris
Photography: Carmen

On the outfit and makeup (Carmen): 

Keeping with the theme, I chose a wrap dress to compliment D's figure.  I didn't want the outfit to be overcrowded with the floral designs so I decided to transform it into a top. By tucking the bottom into the shorts, the look seemed less ceremonial. I chose not to include any accessories in order to bring out the beautiful print of the dress, therefore plain tights were preferred. The bag and the shoes brought out the much needed warmth from the otherwise "cool" palette of colors.

Geishas have extremely pale, white skin, with exaggerated eye makeup, and red lips. Doris' complexion was just perfect for this look! To keep with tradition, eyeshadow was kept to a less intense. Light pink and light orange were used together with a light hand. This was to prevent it from overpowering the colours of the outfit. I decided to exaggerate the eyeliner, and have it thickened to emphasize her eyes. Blush was kept to a golden pink hue. As a finishing touch, I wanted the colour of the lips to be coral, as this would connect nicely.

On the hair and nails (Doris):
 Since the beginning, the trademark geisha hairstyle has always been a big bun adorned with traditional Japanese ornament strips. The level of skill required to replicate something even seemingly close is just not possible with the time we had. I would have been better off buying a wig. However, the bun I made looks all-too familiar and easily replicable. It's the infamous "messy bun" that has plagued us on tumblr and pinterest alike. After flipping my hair upside down, and securing the half ponytail, I began to pin random parts of my hair with bobby pins. To complete the look, pull out hair gently, from areas you want to "loosen" up and voila! You have yourself a messy bun.

 I was told by Carmen to make sure I kept my nails really simple (apparently I have a hard time doing so). Thus, I chose a blue-based grey. The nail color really blends in well, and I bet before you read this, it was not even noticed. :P Yes, I was as surprised as you were when I picked this up from Aldo a couple years ago. Having a rather decent selection of nail polishes was a nice surprise since they specialize in shoes afterall.


Face:
- skin79 super beblesh balm triple functions
- benefit the porefessional
- physicians formula gentle cover concealer stick
- benefit moonbeam
- estee lauder bronze goddess soft matte bronzer
- sleek makeup blush by 3 in lace

Eyes:
- etude house LUCIDarling fantastic gradation eyes in #8
- kanebo kate gel e/l in bk-1
- sephora luxe noir palette in gold

Lips:
- mac l/s in myth
- nyx l/s in orange soda
- sleek makeup blush by 3 in lace
- hyatt beauty l/g in 8

Nail:
- orly bonder basecoat
- aldo bauhaus architect
- poshe topcoat


Anyways, did you all have a good weekend? Maybe one day Carmen will post about her first day back to school on here so we can all have a good laugh. :) Until next time!

xx,
C&D

That Cool Girl

Here is our second editorial post! We had a bit more time this shoot so we were able to take more photos before the sun went down. We are loving this theme, the confident "cool" girl you may have seen on the streets. Read on for how you can re-create this look too.

Model: Carmen
Photgraphy: Doris

On the outfit and the hair curling (Doris):
Bronze, copper, black, taupe, and brown. The darker shades of fall, and one might even say it is border-line boring. However, the chic motorcycle jacket added attitude as well as a tailored look to C's small frame. The shorts were fun to work with because of the endless possibilities. I could have opted for a plainer tank, but I decided to risk it with a clashing crocodile print. The blouse was tucked in to give the illusion of an elongated torso. You could always opt for tights underneath the shorts, however I felt that if C wore black tights, there wouldn't be balance. Therefore, C decided to add some loose black ankle socks, which added height and wasn't too overpowering. The wedges and ring were one of the more eye-catching pieces. I really wanted to contrast the coppery bronze in the shorts, so I opted for a golden bag and a lighter blouse.

 I ended up curling C's hair with an Instyler curling iron. With hair a bit below shoulders, the curls ended up creating more texture to the overall look. If you want looser curls, you could brush out the curls.  Since C has thin hair, I mainly curled the hair away from the face for more volume. Unwashed hair for at least a day would hold curls a lot better than freshly washed hair. The natural oils help retain the curls easier as well as creating a small buffer from the heat.


On the hair styling, makeup and nails (Carmen): 
 The overall outfit has an unique edgy-girly look with a tomboyish twist. After D curled my hair, I decided to slick half my hair up to play on the tom-boy side of the look, and leave the other half down to give it that feminine vibe. I'm not exactly a very tall person, so to add to my height, more volume is emphasized at the crown.

To bring out the edginess, I decided to mainly focus on eyeliner. Following the natural lines of the eye with a gel liner, and extending it out a bit will elongate the eye. Finish off the line with a more defined "fish tail" flick will definitely give your eyes more character. Eyeshadow is kept to a minimum, but contouring and highlighting is a must. Lips are kept at a subtle hint of pink for that lady-like look.

The outfit contains very earthy shades which in turn, blend in with each other very well. To add some contrast and some color, I decided to have my nails painted in my favourite mint green and blue. Black and white designs are added so the nails can transition nicely with the colours of the outfit. Rhinestones are added for more dimension.


Face:
- garnier moisture rescue refreshing gel-cream
- laneige shimmer brightening multi base spf 41 pa++
- estee lauder bronze goddess soft matte bronzer
- kiko milano origami face palette

Eyes:
- garnier anti-dark circle eye roller
- kate kanebo reflect mirror eyes br-3
- kate kanebo gel e/l in bk-1
- bobbi brown e/s in steel
- estee lauder softsmudge e/p in black
- estee lauder magnascopic maximum volume mascara

Lips:
- tokyo milk sweet cream
- three custom color specialists l/g in mod 1960
- sephora l/g pencil in 3

Nails:
- rimmel london base coat top coat pro
- sally hansen mint sorbet
- essence you belong to me
- rimmel london black satin
- sally hansen disco ball
- no name white nail lacquer from korea


Keep a look-out for our next outfit posts.
Let us know if you guys want to see any specific styles. :)
Have a blessed week!

xx,
C & D