My First Soccer Game

So since the Asian Cup is being held in Australia this year, me and some friends thought it'd cool to go watch a soccer game in the city. I kind of regret not going to more games since the tickets were so cheap (literally $4.50), but there weren't many "good" games being played in Melbourne, in my opinion anyway. So, we settled for a Japan vs Jordan game. We came to support Japan, of course.

I've always liked watching soccer on TV, my dad and I would even wake up ridiculously early (4-5am) to watch the premier league games live. I would then go to school the same day looking like a complete zombie #yolo. Despite that, I had never actually been to a real soccer game, so this was my first time going. It was pretty surreal. I never thought I'd actually be at a live sport event, being the not-so-sporty/uncoordinated person I am. Soccer and volleyball are probably the only exceptions.

Our seats were pretty darn decent for the price, though we ended up sitting near a lot of the Jordan supporters. Probably because a lot of the Japanese supporters had already taken up most of the seats allocated to them specifically. Nonetheless, it was pretty obvious which side had a bigger fan-base.

Most of the Japanese supports on the right

Jordan supporters on the left
It was a really decent game and Japan ended up winning 2-0 in the end. I feel like I zoned out at each goal since I only realised they had kicked a goal when the crowd suddenly stood up and starting cheering. I promise to pay more attention next time. I walked away happy anyway! I definitely want to go to another soccer game if I get the chance though, regardless of if it's in Australia or not.

A photo posted by ∆LYSS∆ (@alyssalmighty) on Jan 20, 2015 at 5:09am PST

Bonus selfie, pls don't hate me Natt <333

I GOT ACCEPTED

FORGIVE THE CAPS LOCK BUT I'M LITERALLY SO HAPPY I DSFKJFCSGADS. I just got an email from my university, stating that I've been accepted into their exchange program. Omg. Like, I was shaking for the longest period of time out of happiness and disbelief. I also got into my first preference university in Japan AND I'll be receiving $5000 funding for my exchange. I almost feel like I can die happy now. The feels ;3;

My mum literally had tears in her eyes when I told her about it. She's a firm believer of hope, faith and praying for what you want. I won't lie, it was the greatest feeling knowing that my mum was proud of me despite me feeling like a constant failure. Being Filipino and knowing her, she'll have already told half of her friends about it. She even made a Facebook status in all capitals...

So as long as everything goes smoothly from here and I get all required documents completed, it looks like I'll be spend a year in Japan starting at the end of this year. I think I'll need time for that to sink in. I'll be in my bedroom crying happy tears if anyone needs me.

REVIEW: Clio Waterproof Kill Black Brush Liner

I'm reviewing Clio's Waterproof Kill Black Brush Liner this time. I first got it around 2 months ago, but only now am I getting around to reviewing it #slack. I've been using it a lot since then so I can safely say that I really like this product. I was originally on the hunt for a new liquid eyeliner, since I wanted an alternative to the Missha Super-Extreme Waterproof Eyeliner I had been using. After reading many good reviews on it, I thought I'd give it a go.
According to the packaging,

"Brush liner helps you to draw clear eye lines with deep black (Included in Carbon Black) color. It is waterproof and no smudge formula so you can enjoy clear lines for a long time. Flexible brush is easy to draw fine and delicate eye lines without stimulation around eyes."

I actually wasn't aware that the eyeliner came with a makeup cleansing oil when I ordered it online, so I was surprised when I got the package. I haven't tried the cleansing oil yet since I keep forgetting I have it, so I can't say if it's any good. You do get 20ml of cleansing oil and 6ml of eyeliner though, which is isn't bad. I may or may not make a separate review on the cleansing oil, if and when I get a chance to use it.


The eyeliner pen itself is really light and slim, making it really easy to use and manoeuvre. You can also make sure the cap is put on properly, since you need to push it on hard enough to hear a snap. This is something to appreciate since eyeliners in pen or brush form usually tend to dry out much faster if the cap isn't put on properly. Probably one reason why I usually stray away from these sort of products.



Ignore the fact that my hand looks hella scaly ㅠㅠ Moving on, the actual brush tip is super duper pointy, as you can see, which makes it super easy to create crisp winged eyeliner. It's especially ideal for those who like rocking the thinner, more natural liner, though it's just as easy to create thicker lines. I also like that the brush is somewhat flexible, as opposed to some liners that come with a really stiff applicator.

The eyeliner formula itself isn't bad either. Though I've never worn it in the water, I've heard that it's very water resistant and I usually have a hard time rubbing it off the back of my hand, despite running it under water. I haven't had many problems with smudging throughout the day either, so I can safely say that it stays put for a majority of the day, though it may just be my eye primer working its magic.

The finish isn't entirely matte, but not super glossy. The colour is really pigmented too, because who doesn't love a deep black liner?!

Conclusion:
I may have just found the (almost) perfect liquid eyeliner. I love it. I did have a problem with not enough product coming out at first, but the trick is to have it standing upside down, with the brush facing down so it can absorb the liquid liner. Being so light and slim, you can practically take it anywhere with you and the formula is great. After my first horrible experience with pen/brush liners, I was really hesitant about this product but I'm really glad I gave it a try. It's definitely worth all the hype.

PROS:
- Waterproof and smudge proof
- Pigmented
- Sleek packaging
- Easy to use

CONS:
There aren't many, as long as you wipe the brush clean every now and then like advised and make sure the cap is on properly to avoid the brush drying out.

Would you repurchase?
Yes, definitely! I'm probably going to buy it again once I feel like my current liner is running out. I'd really like to try the brown version too, since I've never tried brown liquid eyeliner.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I hope everyone had a fantastic new years! I spent it in my room on my laptop, streaming the MBC music festival live from Korea. It's become a yearly thing, not sure if #sad or #pathetic. Nonetheless, I actually don't mind it.

I really suck with new year resolutions as many do, since I end up forgetting all about it a week later. Regardless, I think I'd just like to work on becoming a better person overall this year. I want to try living a healthier lifestyle, and making new friends while maintaining the friendships I already have. As always, let's just hope that this year is better than the rest.
That's about it. I hope you all have a sweet 2015 ^^

REVIEW: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Primer

First of all, I hope everyone had a lovely christmas! I'm finally reviewing Innisfree's No-Sebum Mineral Primer, after much delay. I've had it for a while now so I think it's safe to say I know how I feel about this product. I hadn't used a Korean primer before and I had read some good reviews about Innisfree's No-Sebum line and the primer itself, so I thought I'd give it a go. According to the packaging,

"This sebum controlling primer smoothly refines pores and fine lines as it presents you with a shine-free complexion".

Ever since I started wearing primer under my make-up, I've truly appreciated its purpose and I've never gone back. I've actually forgotten to wear primer countless times by accident, then I've gone to check my face afterwards and realised how patchy my make-up up looks. But by then, it's too late to start over. The moral of this? Primer makes a difference.



The product itself comes in a squeeze tube as pictured, with a little nozzle ideal for controlling the amount of product that comes out. You get 25ml of product, which is quite reasonable honestly since you don't need very much for every application. Forgive my fail attempt at focussing, I didn't realise until I uploaded the photos ㅠㅠ


The actual primer itself is clear and easy blend, leaving a nice satin-like finish much like your typical silicone based primer. I couldn't find the ingredients written anywhere, unless it's the bunch of Korean written on the packaging, that I can't understand #fail.

Directions are as follows: "After your daily skincare routine, apply an appropriate amount and lightly spread onto areas where excess shine is a concern and gently pat to finish."


Probably not the best comparison picture, but you can tell that the primer took away the shine and the fine lines are slightly blurred compared to the side that has no primer. As for smell, it reminds me of the glue sticks you use in school. It doesn't bother me at all though, since the smell disappears after application.

Conclusion:
If anything, I think it's quite comparable to Maybelline's Baby Skin Pore Eraser, which I also use from time to time. Both leave a satin-like finish and the texture is very silicone-like. Having a very oily/combination skin type, I can't say that it leaves me totally matte for a prolonged period of time, but it definitely does it's job in smoothing out the texture of my skin and makes my make-up glide on much smoother. I can say that it does leave me looking less shiny than I normally would be without primer, though I can't say much about it's lasting power given that I get so ridiculously oily. From my experience though, primer is definitely a necessity for me and anyone else who wants their make-up lasting longer and looking flawless. Perhaps not the best primer in my opinion, but still recommendable ^^

PROS:
- Gets rid of shine and excess oil
- Helps make-up glide on smoother
- Leaves skin looking matte for a while

CONS:
- Questionable lasting power (Obviously varies on skin type)

Would you repurchase?
Yes, probably. It's a nice cheap alternative that definitely serves some benefits to your make-up. I would like to venture out and try other Korean primers though, in order to compare.

I'm Still Alive

Cue Big Bang's "Still Alive" (VIP, anyone?)

I feel like I've almost abandoned this blog. I don't really have an excuse for not updating to be honest, other than my utter laziness. I did have a landslide of assignments to worry about and end of year exams to study for ㅠㅠ It's all over now though, thankfully. I've officially completed my first year of university, amen! It's surreal just how fast this whole year went by, and I say that every year.

It's weird, I feel more compelled to do things during the school year. Some part of me finds it perfectly logical to catch up on my dramas during exam period. The logic is there somewhere, um. Now that I'm free though, I hope I can at least get some things done since I've had no luck in getting a job. I was honestly hesitant on continuing this blog, but I thought I'd just see how it goes.

REVIEW: SKINFOOD Royal Honey Hydro Cream

This time I'll be reviewing SKINFOOD's Royal Honey Hydro Cream. I've been using it for just under a month in conjunction with the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum, which I previously reviewed. This product is "a hydrating treatment cream with royal black honey and royal jelly extracts that replenishes moisture and transforms skin into a nice honey-glazed complexion", according to the SKINFOOD website.

I was initially on the hunt for a good hydrating cream that I could use specifically at night, since I typically like to use more moisturising products for when I sleep. Since it was coming to the end of winter in Australia, my skin was suffering from a lack of moisture. Despite producing a lot of oil on my face, my skin still felt a lot more tight due it being so dry. The struggles of a person with combination skin, sigh.

After doing a bit of research, I came across this page which shows a list of the supposedly best Korean moisturisers in winter 2013. I actually went on to research all products on the list but being the cheapo I am, I went for the SKINFOOD cream since I found it to be the cheapest.


Unfortunately, my order didn't come in its packaging so it was just bubble wrapped when I received it. That was a bit of a let down. The cream itself comes in a thick glass jar with a cute gold lid. The glass is so thick and sturdy that you wouldn't even have to worry about dropping it. When you open it, it comes with a small plastic barrier to keep germs and all things nasty out of the actual product, which I can appreciate. You get 55g of product, which I think is quite alright since a little goes a long way.



The label at the back of jar can be peeled to reveal the ingredients

While the bottom part of the jar is all in Korean, it can also be peeled to reveal the general product information. It basically has everything that's written on the SKINFOOD website, but also gives you directions on how to use it. Not entirely sure why they say "pumps" when it's obviously in a jar. I've learnt to just accept Korean engrish though, so...

How to use: "After essence or emulsion application, dispense a few pumps and smooth over the entire face."


The texture of the cream itself is rather thick and jelly-like. It's insanely smooth when you put it on and spreads really nicely, so you don't need very much of it to cover your entire face. I normally dab 5 small dots onto my face (forehead, nose, chin and cheeks) and apply some onto my neck. I also enjoy the finish it gives. It dries semi-matte and leaves your skin feeling like skin, but better. Since the texture is almost like a gel, it doesn't feel greasy at all and penetrates the skin without leaving a layer of oil. Combination or oily skin sistas can appreciate this, I promise. It does feel somewhat sticky when you first apply it, but goes away after you let it settle. I can't personally comment if it would be good for day use under makeup since I only wear it at night, but I assume it would be fine.

Judging by the name of it, I initially thought it would smell like honey. While it doesn't smell bad, it's as if they tried to make it smell like honey but didn't quite succeed. It's something I'd expect to smell if I were walking through a garden of flowers. I'm not sure how that helps, but it's sweet and not too overwhelming. The scent doesn't linger for very long after it's applied so no worries there.

Conclusion:
I really like this product overall, it hasn't made me breakout and I enjoy the way my skin feels after using it. I find it especially great for my combination skin, probably due to it's jelly-like formula. It gives a great amount of moisture without feeling heavy or oily, and leaves my skin feeling like I just sculled a whole glass of water. I also like the fact that it spreads so easily and feels smooth when applied. Despite that, I find that while it gives an adequate amount of moisture at night, it does wear off a bit in the morning which you can expect from most creams. It may however just be that it's not specifically made for night, so I'm not going to be harsh based on that alone. I think it's a good product and definitely worth the try if you're looking for something light but hydrating.

PROS
- Quite moisturising
- Feels light
- Application is smooth
- Spreads easily
- No oily residue
- A little goes a long way

CONS
- Wears off a bit in the morning
- May or may not be too heavy for those in warmer climates

Would you repurchase?
I think I would, one day. While I would definitely come back to it, I'd like to see what else there is to offer in order to compare and see what I like best or works well for me.