Makeup!

Compared to ladies who call themselves "makeup gurus", I have very minimal amount of makeup. I don't like to hoard stuff, so I usually make sure something is used up before I buy anything else. I'm always curious about what other people are using, so I want to share what I use too. Just in case you want to know.

My skin type: Dry combination, not prone to breakout
Complexion: Fair to light
Main concerns: Even out skin tone and covering under-eye dark circles

1. Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation in W1-W2
I decided to try this foundation because of the pump dispenser and I'm glad I did. This foundation gives me a luminous finish and does not highlight possible dry patches. It is very watery and offers very light coverage. I apply using the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki brush.

2. Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in Fair
This brightens up my eye area without caking or sinking into my fine lines (and those are fine lines, my friend!). I apply using the MAC 190SE foundation brush.

3. Eye primer: Milani Eyeshadow Primer
I previously used E.L.F's $1 primer that worked well, but found that this offered an even greater staying power. The key is to wait at least a minute before applying your shadow or liner. 

4. Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light
I use very little on my T-zone and cheeks, just to prep my face for powder blush. I apply with Real Technique Powder Brush.

5. Bronzer: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny 720
This is used to lightly contour and add colour to my cheeks. Truthfully, I've never used bronzer before this so I have nothing to compare this to. I apply with Eco Tools Bamboo Bronzer Brush.

6. Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso
I have other blushes, but this one is currently my favourite. It's very similar to the Nars blush in Orgasm, which I also have, but less pigmented. I apply using the Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour brush.

7. Brows: Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black
This is the first time I used a black brow pencil instead of dark brown. I started noticing how obvious my dark brow hair (still noticeable, albeit sparse) was against the brown pencil so I decided to try a black pencil. After trying a couple of different brands, I find that Shiseido's brow pencil is most natural. It's more of a gray than black. Apply with a light hand and build up. You don't want to look like this guy:

8. Eyeliner: Milani Liquid Eye in Brown and Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Charcoal
I tight-line with the Revlon pencil and smudge for a smokey look; then I line my waterline (lower lash line) with the Milani brown pencil. I have really watery eyes and I find the Milani primer and liner combination works well in terms of staying power. I will then use a black liquid liner to go over my top lash line, but I haven't found a favourite yet.

9. Mascara: Covergirl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara in Black Waterproof and Maybelline Colossal Volume Express in Black Waterproof
After watching JaaackJack's mascara video, I started using two mascaras too and found that this created a nice effect. I first apply the Maybelline Volume Express and then go over it with the Covergirl NatureLuxe. I always buy waterproof mascaras because of my watery eyes and my lashes stay curled all day.

10. Highlighter: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle
I do find this a little bit too frosty but I apply so little it doesn't really matter. I apply a little along the top of my cheeks with the Real Techniques Setting Brush.

I don't wear makeup when I'm at home so it takes me forever to finish a product ... actually, the truth is, I don't even have time to wash my face in the mornings! Not cool, eh? Oh, well ... no one's perfect. Grrr!

Grrr! Top 10

There are many things in the world that irritate me but here's the top ten, not in any particular order. I dedicate this post to my husband, who is a frequent contributor in this department.

1. Ants in the house. On the counter. Everywhere. 
We have been cohabitating with ants for the last month or so. Life was fine and ant-free for the last couple of years since I developed a combat technique that dealt with these tiny terrorists. We would quietly observe the ants and follow the line back to the "source", and then handy mommy would bring out her caulk gun and seal up the crack from which these little devils sprout from. This seemed to do the trick and we were attack-free for two lovely summers. However, when summer rolled around this year, it opened the floodgates and the enemy poured in. We tried everything, and I mean everything -- vinegar, baby powder, perfume, jasmine oil, and little "hotels of delight" that supposedly were to extinguish their entire existence. As I sit here tapping away on my laptop, I can see ants toasting me with their little margaritas that they probably got from the "hotels" I purchased. They are still here. Cheers.

2. Prying open something with your nails and having it jab into the skin underneath.
People who take care of their hands would never use their nails as a tool. I do. Most often I am using them to rip wrapping off a bottle and the plastic would stick underneath my nails and separate the skin from my nails. Not only does it sting for the next two days, the white tips of my nails look funky.

3. Crying and whiny children.

4. Removing my makeup.
Applying makeup is like painting my face; it's very enjoyable and I consider it a type of creative art. It may take as fast as 10 minutes up to 45 minutes. My husband and I developed different "makeup levels" corresponding to the intensity of the makeup.

Level 1: Eyebrow, concealer and eyeliner.
Level 2: Eyebrow, concealer, eyeliner, foundation and eye shadow.
Level 3: Eyebrow, concealer, eyeliner, foundation, eye shadow and blush.
Level 4: Eyebrow, concealer, eyeliner, foundation, eye shadow, blush and bronzer.
Level 5: Eyebrow, concealer, eyeliner, foundation, eye shadow, blush, bronzer and mascara.

You'll often hear him call out, "Level one! Level one!" in the background while I get ready. Of course, I ignore him and usually walk out of the house with Level 4 makeup. Applying makeup is a lot of fun for me and I like to take my time. What I don't like, is taking it off. I take makeup removal very seriously since I believe it is the key to having good skin. If you're smothering your skin for long periods then it doesn't have enough time to breathe and secrete toxins. Unplugging pores and purging toxins is great and all, but a pain in the ass nonetheless.

5. Waking up in the middle of the night to feed, change diapers, and/or get drinking water.

6. Feeding a kid who doesn't like to eat.
I'm sure if you googled "kid who doesn't like to eat" my daughter's picture will show up. She was a normal, chubby baby who grew up to be a stick of a toddler. I've always been opposed to chasing kids around when they don't eat themselves, but when it comes to my kid, well ... WELL! Can you blame a mother for wanting her kid to eat? Can you?! The correct answer is no. It takes 2 hours to feed one meal; breakfast and lunch usually merge into one long torturous experience for both of us.

7. Postpartum hair loss. 
This is the period where all the glorious hair you've retained during pregnancy falls out. ALL. Oh, the horror! The horror!

8. Getting to the lotion at the bottom of the bottle.
My husband's favourite show is "Shark Tank" on ABC, and on one episode a woman tried to sell a long scoopy thingy that would allow you to scoop up leftover lotion, makeup etc. from the bottom of their containers. I thought it was bloody brilliant! Did I buy it, you ask? Hell, no! I wouldn't spend that money (not to say, you shouldn't! You can ... if you want to) ... I just leave the bottle upside down for a day and then clonk and squeeze the leftovers into a smaller container.

9. Waiting 5 minutes for my iPhone to unlock because someone repeatedly try to break into my phone.
Someone = my daughter. The older one. For now.

10. THINGS NOT GOING EXACTLY THE WAY I WANT IT TO.

GRRR!

Anger Management and Mommyhood

Children. Also referred to as "Bundle of Joy" or "Miracle". These are positive and acceptable terms to describe our offspring, but often other less favourable words come into mind when describing mine. This is not to say I don't think my daughters are my B of J or a miracle, because they sincerely are, but that throughout the process of child rearing, we come across obstacles that make these chubby bundles less joyous. Sometimes a lot less joyous.

I have never been described as a violent person, but I can't boast of having a mild temperament. Okay, I admit it -- I'm as short-tempered, stubborn and hot-headed as they come. My husband does not enjoy that about me. So when dealing with children, especially with severe sleep deprivation, it doesn't take too much to get me riled up. Since Catherine is only six months old, poor Elizabeth gets the brunt of most of it. It's not my fault! She started it! If she was less whiny, less stubborn and actually listens to me ...

Before I continue to sound like my three year old daughter, I will step back and have a moment of quiet introspection. I ask myself, how will my behaviour affect my daughter? How will it affect how she behaves when she's older? When she's a student? A friend? A wife? A mother? Having so much influence and responsibility truly does weigh one down. I forget sometimes that my actions have so much impact on her. There's a pair of little eyes that watches my every move.

As Kai-Lan from "Ni Hao Kai-Lan" once said wisely, "Caaaaaallllllllmmm ... calm ... down!" Before I rip out my entrails and braid it into my hair, I need to constantly remind myself that things are no big deal; there's nothing more important than the quality of my relationship with my daughters. Don't sweat the small stuff. Easier said than done. Unfortunately for my darlings, I'm not the quintessential patient, loving mother -- loving, yes, but patient? (Hysterical giggling ensues!)

Thankfully, for my own sanity, I've come to accept that there will always be frustrations (grrr!) and perfection is not always achievable. I will try my best and hope that my children will grow up to be kind, responsible and healthy adults. Perhaps one day they will appreciate my efforts and know just how much I love them. With these thoughts, it certainly makes this mommy ... well, a lot less angry.