Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger and Freelance Model

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Sephora VIB Review: Laura Mercier, Becca, MUFE & More

I may have gone a little wild during Sephora's latest VIB haul.
Just a little.

Although the Sephora VIB sale has ended, none of these products have been discontinued so I think a haul and review are still quite relevant. There are a few products I haven't had the chance to try yet and I did end up returning a few products but I'll be sure to call that out below.
Monday, May 23, 2016

ColourPop Super Shock Shadows Haul & Swatches


It's no secret that I'm in love with ColourPop. If you follow me on Snapchat (@wcmelle) you'll see that I rock a different ColourPop lippie almost every day. My latest obsession from the brand, though? Their Super Shock Shadows. They're the most buttery, highly-pigmented, gorgeous eyeshadows I've ever had the honor to work with.
Sunday, May 22, 2016

Sunday Shout-Outs: Swimwear-Inspo, Hangover Cures & More!

(Source: Instagram)
It's been a while hasn't it? The last time I wrote a post it was Mother's Day, and now it's almost the end of May. It's been a pretty crazy month and I'm hoping things will start winding down soon. I'm trying to blog as frequently as I can but to be honest, I have a lot of real-life issues that need to be sorted out first. Nothing too serious, but definitely important so please bear with me! In the meantime, here's some fun reads for your weekend:
BEAUTY
Find out what type of facial is best for you - Byrdie
This is how you blend your eyeshadow - xoVain
FASHION
Follow these babes on Insta for major swimswear-inspo - Fashionista
Shop by body type at this new website - Racked
LIFESTYLE
Your social media could land you a job...or not - Fashionista
Eat your breakfast like a wellness blogger - Racked
Drink this when you have a hangover, not Pedialyte 'cause that's gross - SheFinds
An Emergen-C drink you can DIY - xoVain
xoxo, Elle
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Sunday, May 8, 2016

Sunday Shout-Outs: Kylie Jenner Lip Kit Dupes, Sheet Mask Hacks & More!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommas out there! Let's take some time to show some serious appreciation for the women who raised us and showed us the kind of loving only a mother could. Of course I'd like to give a special shout out to my own mom who is literally my rock. Love you Mommy!
Now onto the articles...
BEAUTY
Kylie Jenner lip kit dupes - SheFinds
You're not protecting your hair correctly - Michelle Phan
Sheet Mask hacks you need to know - Byrdie
What's the most popular beauty product in your region? - Refinery29
Learn how to take a perfect selfie from Kylie Jenner - Refinery29
FASHION
What the heck to wear with off-the-shoulder tops - SheFinds
The affordable denim skirt all the celebrities are wearing - HuffPost Style
LIFESTYLE
How to build a brand on Instagram according to a Digital Strategist - Fashionista
Was yours one of the 272 million accounts hacked? - Refinery29
xoxo, Elle
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

I Use Men's Aftershave Balm for...What?!


If you're an avid Snapchatter and beauty junkie like myself then you most likely follow Kylie Jenner. About a month ago Kylie revealed that she uses the Nivea Men's Post Shave Balm ($5.59) as a primer. So obviously, I had to try it.
Monday, May 2, 2016

Mask Day Monday: TonyMoly I'm Real Red Wine Sheet Mask


Now I'm not usually a red wine type of gal but when it comes to sheet masks I'll take it. This TonyMoly Red Wine Sheet Mask promises to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Red wine extract works to tighten and purify the skin giving you a healthier-looking complexion.
Monday, April 11, 2016

Mask Day Monday: TonyMoly Broccoli Mask Sheet Vitality


Last week I started my Monthly Favorites series and this week I'd like to share with you another new series: Mask Day Mondays. Every Monday I plan on reviewing a new mask that I've tried and to kick it off I have the TonyMoly I'm Real Broccoli Mask Sheet Vitality.
Thursday, April 7, 2016

March Favorites: ColourPop, Glam Glow & More!


Can you believe it's April already?

I don't know why it took me this long to start this but I'm going to begin a monthly favorites series. I figured it's a good way of sharing the products I've been reaching for most in the prior month. So without further ado, let's get to the goods:
Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Colourpop Haul


If you haven't heard of ColourPop yet then let me be the first to tell you that they make the most amazing and affordable cosmetics. They're known for their Ultra Matte Lips and Super Shock Shadows but they've more recently introduced their Ultra Satin Lips, which have also become an internet sensation. Although I'm dying to try every single product they have, I decided to start out with  a few Ultra Matte Lips and Ultra Satin Lips. At just $6 a pop I took it upon myself to order six of them:
Sunday, April 3, 2016

Sunday Shout-Outs: Instagram Feed Update, Get Rid of Your Under-Eye Bags & More!


Whoops, it's been a while again hasn't it? I'd meant to have some posts prewritten for this week but I ended up traveling to Toronto last weekend so it totally slipped my mind. One major update I wanted to share with you all is that I dyed my hair blonde! Peep the pic above, do you like it? Now onto the stories for the week:

BEAUTY
Get rid of your under-eye bags, for good - Byrdie
How to correct 3 common makeup mistakes - SheFinds
Kendall Jenner's best beauty secrets - Byrdie
Get in on the rainbow hair trend without the commitment - Mimi Chatter
Does expensive nail polish really last longer? - SheFinds
Beauty addicts' favorite makeup organizers - Refinery29

FASHION
How to find the best stuff online according to fashion editors - WhoWhatWear
The bloggers you MUST follow on Snapchat - Popsugar Fashion
Stain-proof white jeans are now a reality - Huffpost Style
How to layer your clothes this Spring without looking awkward - InStyle

LIFESTYLE
Chill out about that Instagram Feed update - Racked
What to expect to spend if you're in a bridal party - SheFinds
The things you should ALWAYS have in your medicine cabinet - SheFinds
It just got a lot easier to creep on Instagram - StyleCaster
Damn Instagram, back at it again with another update - Brit+Co
So this is what a $1 billion wedding looks like - SheFinds

xoxo, Elle
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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Review: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum


If there is one thing that American and Korean beauty routines can agree on is the importance of serums. So whether your skincare routine consists of a handful of steps or ten, you can appreciate this highly effective Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Serum.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016

winter's end


Winter's finally ending...I think?
Sunday, March 20, 2016

Sunday Shout-Outs: Foundation Application Secrets, Instagram's New Feed & More!


I'd really like to take this time to apologize for being absent this past week. Things got very busy for me at my day job and I was way too exhausted to sit down in front of my laptop and blog without falling asleep. I already have a few posts planned out for the upcoming week so it's back to our regular programming.

As a heads up I will be traveling this weekend to...I don't know where? My lion dance team decided to take a celebratory end of Lunar New Year season vacation but the destination is a surprise. To find out where I'm going and to keep up with my travels follow me on Snapchat (@wcmelle). I'm excited to know where I'm going too!

BEAUTY
Foundation secrets from an Insta-Famous makeup artist - Mimi Chatter
The best products for saving your bleach damaged hair - XoVain
So, what cosmetic procedures are men spending their money on? - Huffpost Style

FASHION
What's up with the lack of diversity on runways? - Fashionista
Those self lacing kicks from Back to the Future are about to become a reality - Popsugar Fashion
The ultimate guide to Spring 2016's trends - Racked
Inspiration for how to style off-the shoulder tops - StyleCaster

LIFESTYLE
What you need to know about Instagram's new feed algorithm - The Verge
Here comes another crazy social media challenge - SheFinds

xoxo, Elle
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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Sunday Shout-Outs: Minimize Your Pores, Spring Outfit Ideas & More!


BEAUTY
How to use color theory to master your makeup
The best international beauty products - that aren't from Korea or France
These products will minimize your pores

FASHION
Spring outfit ideas for those of us who don't do the whole color thing
Items you need to purge from your closet right now
The new fashion app Tagly is like having a fashion editor in your pocket
7 shoe rules every woman should know

LIFESTYLE
Finally, here's how to open that awful clamshell packaging
Get your Instagram feed on fleek
This is AirBnB's most popular rental
A guide to the top Instagram hashtags for your niche
Check out this heatmap for your career across the U.S.

xoxo, Elle
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Thursday, March 10, 2016

Morning Korean Skincare Routine


Although the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine has been around for quite some time now, a lot of people still have many questions about it. One of them being: Do I really have to do all 10 steps?

10 steps is definitely a lot but lucky for you the answer is no, you don't have to. Could you imagine taking the time in the morning to throw 10 products onto your face? I don't know about you but I'd rather be sleeping an extra 5 minutes.

It's taken a lot of trial and error to get my morning Korean skincare routine down pact and while it will obviously evolve as new products come out, here's what my routine consists of thus far. I'll be presenting them in the order in which I apply them to my face, and I swear it won't take you very long:
Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Wishtrend Haul


Though I'm always cautious about where I purchase my Korean beauty products from online, I did my research and found WishTrend to be used by K-Beauty Bloggers and YouTubers. WishTrend's prices are reasonable and one of my favorite features on their website is their Wishbox program. Wishboxes are a bundle of products curated by the WishTrend team that are sold together and at a discount for a limited time. Shipping is free worldwide for purchases over $69, which is pretty easy to hit if you're a Korean beauty addict like myself. However, depending on where you live, be prepared to wait for a good amount of time for your products to arrive as they are being imported from Korea. My total order came out to roughly $70 and I received the following products:
Sunday, March 6, 2016

Sunday Shout Outs: Ulta Shopping Secrets, Spring Shoe Trends & More!


FASHION
Here's why you should stop buying cheap clothes - Huffpost Style
Can you guess who's the new fashion It-Girl? - SheFinds
How to store your winter clothes properly - Fashionista
Spring shoe trends to update your wardrobe with - PopSugar Fashion

BEAUTY
How to get the most out of your face masks - Refinery29
8 secrets to shopping at Ulta - Byrdie
The latest nail art trend - PopSugar Beauty
How to treat a bleached scalp - XOVain
The ultimate guide to makeup primers and setting sprays - Refinery29
The cult favorite brush brand you have to try - Beauty Woo

LIFESTYLE
Wait, Red Wine can help you lose weight? - PureWow
5 tricks to making your bed Pinterest-worthy - StyleCaster
The living expense that's skyrocketing in major U.S. cities - MyDomaine
5 Websites every blogger should read - Career Girl Daily

xoxo, Elle
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Thursday, March 3, 2016

Review: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water



Ever since I was introduced to Bioderma a few years ago I've had a bottle of micellar water sitting on my bathroom counter. However, I still keep a two-part makeup remover on hand to remove any waterproof mascara or falsies, which micellar water seems to have difficulty with. So when Garnier came out with a cleansing water that claimed to remove "even waterproof mascara," I had to try it.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Morphe Brushes Haul


After watching Jaclyn Hill's Favorite Morphe Brushes video I knew I had to get my hands on some brushes from this cult favorite brand. I immediately placed an order for two brushes to replace my caked-up foundation brush and shedding contour brush. Obviously, I replaced them with two of Jaclyn's favorites:
Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday Shout-Outs: Cult Beauty Brands, Curating a Gorgeous Instagram Feed & More!


I unfortunately spent this entire week suffering from a sinus headache that refuses to go away. I think it's because of the bipolar weather that's been frequenting the city. One day it's freezing and raining then the next it's warm and sunny. It also doesn't help that I've been overexerting myself and staying out late majority of the week. Hopefully I feel better next week! Now onto the stories:

FASHION
Is it time for you to replace your bras?
In case you're thinking about renting your wedding dress

BEAUTY
7 common mistakes that cause breakouts
The essential hairbrushes you need to have in your bathroom
Learn to maintain your nails like a hand model
A breakdown of the different acne treatments
New cult beauty brands you'll soon become obsessed with
Everything you ever needed to know about concealers
How to deal with hormonal acne

LIFESTYLE
What does your recurring dream say about you?
The morning routines of successful people
EXACTLY when to book for the cheapest flights
5 steps for a gorgeous Instagram feed

xoxo, Elle
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