Falling down and getting up again...with the help of friends and some hardcore helpers

Minus the innovations of mineral makeup that now allows a girl to get away with everything (aka pass out without the slightest worry of clogged pores or dark circles under puffy eyes), the closest thing to having your job whisked away from right under your freshly pedicured foot is waking up next to your hottie for the first time, gasp, completely barefaced and puffy from the previous night.

A torturously delightful mixture of complete freedom, embarrassment and "what would my parents say!?" it's an experience that one needs to face at least once (or many more...) in a lifetime whether in bed or in an enthusiastically decorated cubicle. I was the latter for the first time and here's a few essentials that I found 100% dependable and rock-solid-stable in times like either of the above:

The de-puffer of all swollen eyes (whether from crying or from dirty martinis) swipe this gel on and it's like taking a shot of espresso + several tea bags on your eyes. With ingredients grown on Jurlique's own biodynamic farm in Australia, this active plant mix is a wakeup call no rooster can beat.






Marilyn had it wrong. Diamonds really only do a girl good when everything, including manicure, smooth decollete, hair and fragrance are in place to enhance its sparkle. When lids dip low and heavy,long, curled lashes are a girl's true best friend. The fiber-rich mascara that refuses to budge until soap (any kind!) is applied, Fiberwig mascara is as close to a true buddy you can sleep with that will keep your eyes batting at near-fake fabulousness.


and...if all comes to worse, a pair of oversized sunglasses, so ridiculously outstandish that everything will dim in comparison, is your escape Plan B. Betsey Johnson makes the least expensive, most artsy fartsy, retro-fun glasses with all the whimsical touches. Add a dash of aloof and you can re-conquer the world with a fresh new slightly pink-shaded outlook

xox

ps. for those curious - Cocktail decided to not go forward with its launch on my first day at the magazine! see below post for more info

News & Apologies

Hi everyone (finally!?)

I have a service that tracks down how many friends log onto my site everyday and i still check it loyally out of pure masochistic guilt. Sending out my sincere apologies for not updating my blog for a good month and...almost a half! I blame it on the beautiful weather and great outdoor bars/restaurants...ouch to my wallet.

But, alas, good news!! (although worse for the environment...people, recycle mags!)

You'll now get to have and to hold an actual printed version of my beauty musings and obsessions, every week, starting September! Eight glossy pages packed with beautiful layout, helpful tips, all in a sweet, drunken mix.

The mag is published by Bauer and, as above, appropriately called "Cocktail" ...the running joke goes...Cosmo was already taken.

So, until then, I'm saving up all my ideas in a "Hello kitty in Paris with her poodle" printed notepad that I randomly got at the Baby Phat fashion show a few seasons back...so no peaks or spills yet on what's to come, but save up money cuz I'll be costing you $2.50 a week now. Ladies, I've just sold out!?

Just kidding, no worries, I'll work until 2am, if i have to, to make the mag hot.

Love you all
xox

PS. Last and most definitely least, after almost 50 posts of being faceless (my initial intention as I'm rather normal...boring!) ...this is me...sorry it's a bit blurry but I think it looks artsy fartsy and i like it!

Beauty Psychologist - When everything goes haywire

Perfumes, makeup and skincare bottles capture grand dreams and mere fantasies in a pretty little compact. Better yet, they come with a strict set of guidelines - squeeze dime-sized drop onto fingertips, wet, pat onto face, massage 10 seconds, rinse.

Beauty, clarity and radiance - all with easy-to-follow instructions. When life gets chaotic & everything seems out of place, beauty is my go-to "calming" remedy.

Here, a little guideline for you if too many hopes and dreams overwhelm your cabinet and you don't know which one to go for first:


1. Toners/Astringents
2. Oils/Essential Oils
3. Clear Gels
4. Milky Liquid Lotions
5. Foamy Skin Products (rare)
6. Mousse Textured Skin Solutions (rare)
7. Thicker Emulsions/Serums
8. Face Creams/Sunblock Creams/Anti-Age Night Creams/Intensive Care Eye & Lip Creams


Basic tip: Swim down the most natural and easiest stream -- After cleansing, apply the most watery, easy-to-absorb products first. Then move onto more textured, creamier, solid products that end up sitting on the top layer of the face to create a shield against outside elements like pollution and UV rays. They also work as a film to keep all the previous goodness locked in the skin!

xox

Jet-setting friends? Ask them for these must have on-location steals this Spring

Fashion did a cultural crash course in global beauty. For this spring, the most sought-after pieces are blooming abundantly, quite literally, all over the world! And at less than 10% the on-shelves price, how can you resist?

All you have to do is score some plane tix, or capture a friend going on vacay to these popular getaway spots:

CAIRO


Leather gladiators with ankle-twirling straps is a perfect way to pull off laid-back chic on dry urban sidewalks. Pair with a flowing ankle-sweeping white dress and you're set to go. As close as it gets in NYC, handcrafted leather sandals that gets better with age from Jutta Neumann.




MEXICO



I always fall in love at Matthew Williamson shows. In winter, he knits nostalgic prints with exquisite intricacy and in summer, his embroidered pieces match those of the lovingly spun tunics handcrafted by a mother for a child. This piece is no exception. Covered by almost all fashion magazine spring previews, I am half jealous that half the world knows about it already but the only way to match such beauty is to get the authentic.



HOLLAND



Known for its stretching painter's palatte fields and overflowing fresh flower markets, beautiful bouquets at windows keep curtains wide open late into the evening. Let flowers bloom in your hair this spring with Louis Vuitton style ornate headbands...of course, tone it down a bit (always a rule from going from Runway to the Streets). Even more Dutch? - just use a pastel, fully blossoming flower and stick it in your loose pony. Be sure to keep loose tendrils framing your face to stay consistent with the "romantic" theme.


LONDON


ok, perhaps not so classic but they are both genuine groundbreaking brits and when you combine them, it's just mean that it's not available in the US. TOPSHOP + Kate Moss. I cringe with envy for those who have access to that store!


xox

audrey nods approval for at-work emi-chu-tainment and a little inside note on the hazardous editorial thrashing machine

As luck would have it, I chose a site name starting with an A, placing my blog review in the April/May 2007 issue of Audrey mag, as the leading feature on extensive article!

Thank you Anna Park (associate managing editor, of the daring fashion-, helpful beauty- and tips-about-life-packed Asian women's magazine) for giving my site the a-OK from a nationally-read publication. Although it was a good month of trying to lower towering hopes just in case the item gets cut by the art dept* or from the EIC** the end result was way bigger than I could ever have imagined my photo being! (yes my face is plastered on there, so long to keeping my visual identity hush hush)

Thanks Audrey and thanks Anna! And as for my increasing readers, I appreciate any questions or comments or brand/product introductions as I always need inspiration! Just click on Email Me! in the left column.

xox

Audrey is available at select Barnes & Nobles and other local bookstores or could be purchased online at www.audreymagazine.com

*In a pub, especially a visual one, the last and most dangerous stage for an item surviving the various levels of editorial cuts is the Art Department. Even if the editorial team places stories and images that they think is amazing, quite frequently the color or theme just doesn't fit into the rest of the magazine or the page layout so the visually strict & precise Art editors cut items out or push them to future issues if it fits. But give thanks - it is the art dept that make the pubs look as gorgeous and marketable as they are...don't be bitter about last minute cuts :( it's sad but it happens, A LOT.
**editor in chief

Easy score but still a catch!?

The hand crafted golden lotus flower blossom at your fingertips to reveal a peaceful beauty hiding within. An uplifting symbol for the self, the flower reminds us to open the mind to new experiences each day and embody infinite potential - once again, when NYC reminds me everyday to work my butt off for....what? I could use all the wisdom I can get...fashionably.
$98.00

www.satyajewelry.com

Lessons from the Elements - meaning behind Me & Ro's must have items!

There are certain brands that each magazine tends to feature over and over again. At Self it was Alexis Bittar, Gerard Yosca and my fave, Me & Ro. From stackable rings to layer-able necklaces to stand-alone pieces, every stone, every charm has a philosophical and life lesson that is bound to inspire your every day outlook.

Three picks from this unique designer that are timeless musts in the emi-chu "someday, one day" lust book:

Silver Large Chakra Flower Pendant
The chakras are invisible energy centers of the body interfacing between the physical and subtle worlds. All seven chakras located within the body along the spinal cord are engraved within a lotus flower on this intricately engraved pendant surrounded by the Sahasrara Chakra. Not only beautiful, the necklace helps the wearer remain at peace.
$250.00


10K Buddha, Dharma & Sangha Stackable Rings
Three 10K gold bands are each scripted with one of the Tibetan words “The Buddha,” “The Dharma” and “The Sangha” which are “The Three Jewels” of Buddhism. They offer guidance and inspiration in the “fickle” and “unstable” world we live in. Love its versatility - can be worn stacked or worn individually. I'll stick with all 3 for optimum inspiration - I live in NYC afterall.
$1,085.00


18k Gold Bombay Crescent Moon & Star with Indian Diamonds
A crescent moon and a star, both set with Indian rose cut diamonds, hang together on an 18k gold chain. The ancient celestial symbols represent the gods/goddesses of the Sky, the Moon, Sun and Venus, making this pendant perfect for day and night. A keepsake to wear every day and pass on.
$1,845.00

All pieces, and many many more, available at www.meandrojewelry.com. Note: check out their charity pieces and stay pretty on the inside and out xox

Staying High with Asian Shrooms!? well, your butt actually...

The hottest new remedial ingredient to hit the beauty market to keep skin, butt and target areas firm and lifted? Shiitake mushrooms!

A native to East Asia, the super yummy mushrooms have been used to rev up the immune system with its stronger-than-prescription antioxidant and healing powers and to slash cholesterol levels against dietary odds in China for over 6,000 years.

No surprise that it took gastric factors to finally bring the delish product to the US market but now, beauty lovers can also relish in the benefits of Shiitake (topically!) to keep you high & tight, just in time for those short spring minis!

Extract of Shiitake, used in new firming & anti-aging products just hitting counters, have the power to stimulate the creation of Collagen fibres in the skin tissue that are essential to maintain elasticity and strength. The extract also limits the activity of enzymes that break down the fibers to keep skin elastic!

Live up to the myth that Asian women age slowly! Keep skin glowing and dimple-, sag-free with these products:

A fresh citrus-y scent, the Decleor Perfect Sculpt Stretch Mark Restructuring Cream is great paired with their 100% natural, essential oil cocktail, Aromessence Sculpt, that multiply the effects of the cream drastically. Totally safe for pregnant women, too!






Carita Progressif Anti-Age Corps range, Sculpting Serum is a light cream-gel formula that packs in punch - a hit to the hips, butt, thighs, that is...feels absolutely luxurious. Ooh la la~! (it's a Parisian brand...)








We all know how important SPF is to keep skin radiant and wrinkle-free, toss in some shrooms, and this cream's got it made. With a blend of two asian mushrooms, Shiitake and Mannentake, the Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 is an everyday must!

xox

Tickled pink or after-glow? Easy breezy blushes for the Asian skin tone

Take a wide brush and sweep upwards, starting at the apples of the cheek and along the cheekbone...wait, what? What cheekbone!? ...and is this rose blossom pink supposed to make me look like an over done blythe doll?

After numerous mishaps and hurried tissue scrubbing in the outdoor lighting, I've finally accepted that some of spring's prettiest blushes just aren't meant to be. Making it all the sweeter when I come across a rare, glowy shade that completely flatters the Asian skintone and the softer sloping contours of the face.

Tried and tested and always 100%, these blushes give structure and a desirable glow, for each look you are after:

Healthy and Vibrant - Self-magazine Type Glow



A CA sunset orange, Shu Uemura Glow On in Pearly Orange #53 (as shown in above right color patch, packaged in the left signature Shu-case) adds just the right amount of shimmer and natural radiance that flatters the Asian skintone as if you just came in from a run in the park.



Baby Doll Pink that's Half-Naivette, Half-Playful -> NYLON Cover Shoot Style

The limited edition Dior Sun Illusion's golden peach sun powder is lucent and soft-pink enough to brush on the entire cheeks to highlight the cheekbone area. Also contains an easy-contour face brush and even a shimmery lipgloss to match. With this cute packaging, who can resist!?



Velvety & Romantic -> think Holiday Issues of Glamour Mag

If you want a little more color, try by Terry's Loose Powder in Golden Beige, an intimidating bronzy copper powder at first glance but trust me, the soft, comfortable powder is surprisingly flattering, making the cheeks look like a fragile petal picked off an Antique Rose.

Tip: Use a big, fat, soft brush to apply loosely onto center and side of cheeks.



Bronzy, Sexy, Sun-Kissed -> Sports Illustrated Swim Issue, FHM, Maxim Appeal

The queen-bee of all, the limited edition Nars Blush (in Orgasm)/Bronzer (in Laguna) is truly a universally flattering power-duo. The peachy-pink powder adds a subtle flush to the cheeks while the sheer light brown shimmer defines the face to give it some edge.

Tip: Try dusting the left side on tops of cheeks and the right, around the edge of the face, the top half of the forehead and through the line of your nose to add dimension.

xox

Ocean Aquas, Sunset Oranges and Multi-Colored Fun - Which color scheme are you lusting after?

Crystalline Ocean Blues & Icy Muted Greens - are you a Water girl?

Jamie Joseph Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon Ring $462.00



Mallary Marks Leaf Earrings $5672.00



Pippa Small Large Link Charm Bracelet $3090.00



Irene Neuwirth Labrodite Necklace $3850.00


...Or are you passionate and warm like the Californian sunset?

Chan Luu Leather Bracelet with Red Coral and Gold Beads



Gabrielle Sanchez Carnelian Earrings $474.00



Jo Ann Williams Pink Branch Coral Necklace $848.00



Ten Thousand Things Opal Quarter Moon Necklace $1,000.00


...Or are you a shimmer of various shades, twinkling differently with each turn, reflecting everything, resembling nothing?

Marie-Helene de Taillac Ladylike Sequin Necklace $5,690.00



Lee Angel Spring Chandelier Earrings $80.00



Ronnie Kappos Multi Colored Bracelet $100.00

xox

SHOP: All products except Chan Luu available at Twist and the amazing red coral leather bracelet? - available at Fragments.