He turned out to be a street fashion photographer!

I wasn’t really that dressed up, since I was prepared for a busy day of heavy shopping, so I was a little surprised. He gave me his business card and asked for permission to take some photos. It was totally awkward for me. I know I take a lot of photos of myself for this blog, but having a stranger with a huge camera take photos of you on his knees and a bunch of different angles on the street and people passing by is… just a little different, you know?

I wanted to bolt and run away as quickly as possible!

He asked me a few questions about myself, where I was from, my everyday style, and to explain what I was wearing that day. I told him my usual style was “편하면서 화려하게” (bright/flashy/dressed up but comfortable). Then he showed me on his iPad the website he was photographing for, where I can find my own photos, and promoted it a little to me.

Here are some of the photos:

White V-neck Tshirt: 7,900 won ($7 USD) online from 11st.co.kr
Teal Graphic Print Cardigan: 30,000~ won ($27) from Express Bus Terminal underground shopping
Polka Dot Denim Shorts: $30~ from Zara (also worn in Nine: Leprechaun Casual)
White Canvas Shoes: $18 from H&M
Silver Shoulder Bag: gift from my mum from Ebase in HongKong (because I love silver/gold bags and shoes!)

To me, white is the absolute summer color. I have like a bajillion variety of white summer T-shirts. With my bleached hair, I actually look better in black, but I hate walking around in the sun in black clothes. I don’t want to be a walking sunlight magnet!

I’ve been wanting a white deep V-neck T-shirt ever since I saw Mary Kate Olsen in this effortless but stunning outfit.

(and an extra picture for good measure just because she’s so pretty)

ARGH!! I just always love the Olsen twins’ style and makeup. Well, I loved them since they were babies in Full House!

Close Ups + Accessories

You know how sometimes, you will buy something perfect which you absolutely love, but just never quite find the chance to use it, until one day, it happens to match an outfit perfectly?

Well, that was what happened here…

Rainbow Double Wrap Around Wristlet: 7,9000 won ($7 USD) online from 11st.co.kr
Jamaican Wooden Bead Bracelet: free with above purchase!
Zipper Earrings: 13,000 won ($12) from Hongdae
Teal Circle and Black Mini Star Earring: 1,000 won ($1) from street accessory stores (Ehwa and Myungdong)

The cardigan really matches the description I gave the ajusshi about my style that day “flashy but comfortable”. The bright teal is summery and fun with some colorful comic-like graphic prints.

You can’t see the accessories well in the photos he took, but aren’t the rainbow + white and Jamaican wristlets like an absolutely perfect color match to the white T-shirt and cardigan comic prints?

I wore the earrings to be visible with and match my hair: the long zipper earring where my bangs are long, and the studs where my hair is pinned behind my ears. Unbalanced and mistmatched earrings are an easy way to put a unique twist to your accessorizing.

I didn’t wear the teal zipper because two teal earrings matching the teal cardigan is a bit overkill.

What is your summer must have item? ^^

Sorry I’ve been MIA for so long! I’ve just been super distracted lately, applying to a teacher training program and going out a bit more now that winter hibernation is over.

I also added a new comment system, Disqus. Now, you have the option to subscribe to a comment thread and get an email notification for replies to your comments!

It doesn’t feel like it, but it’s actually been a year since I’ve started this blog on April 15, 2011. When I first started, I was so nervous… How is it going to be like posting all these photos of myself online? Is anyone actually going to be interested? Will I be able to keep it up?

I know there’s lots of things I can do better on (like posting a little more more frequently!), but sometimes, I look at my blog, lookbook, or tumblr page, and just feel really proud of it.

I was honestly so scared before starting this blog! What if people think, who the heck is this girl to tell us about makeup or styling? But instead, I have had such kind and supportive readers, who are here to put up with my excessively long posts, long MIAs >.<, and sneaked-in-post fangirling. I'm always, always thanking everyone, but I feel like it's never enough.

So! I've decided to do another giveaway as a small thank you token ^^

My goal before starting the giveaway is to reach 1000 Facebook likes. Right now, I am at 821 likes. Please share with those who might be interested and help spread the word!

Click to open.
Facebook — share photos [Skin79] [Kpop CD]
Twitter — tweet [Skin79] [Kpop CD]
Tumblr — reblog [Skin79] [Kpop CD]

Left to right; top to bottom

1. Skin79 Diamond Star Glow Ball Powder (14g)
2. Skin79 Diamond Absolute Total BB Cream (Full Size, 40g; SPF 37 PA+++)
3. Etude Pouch (silver sequin exterior under pink lining, silver interior)
4. Skin79 Diamond Collection Pearl Luminous Beblesh Balm (Travel Size)
5. Skin79 Caviar Gold Super Beblesh Balm (Travel Size; SPF 25 PA++)
6. Skin79 Super Beblesh Balm (Keychain Travel Size; SPF 25 PA++)
7. Three Darkness False Eyelashes (ZO, VO, Under1 for lower lashline; includes 2 mini eyelash glues)
8. +More Korean cosmetic samples and face masks (not in picture)

1. Your choice of any Kpop CD from Interpark (maximum value 17,000 won)
2. Optional Korean cosmetics samples (for the ladies or gents who are interested)

PS. Some ppl were a little confused last time, but helping me spread the word will help the giveaway start sooner, however, it doesn’t mean you are putting in an entry. I will post on my blog and other platforms once I reach 1000 likes and how to enter. It will be really easy like last time, just a random entry draw : )

I used to think that eyebrow bleaching can only be done at salons. How do you even bleach your own eyebrows? Can’t I just use hair dye (NO!! You’ll go blind!)? How do I get the color I want? But the only ‘hard’ part about it was actually just finding the product. Once you get your hands on something available locally or online, it’s actually real easy to do.

Warning: If you have very sensitive skin that irritates, burns, and reddens easily, DO NOT use bleach on your skin. If you absolutely must do it, at least do a patch test on your inner arms first!

Product

The first place I looked was my local supermarket and drugstore (Superstore in Vancouver). I only found facial hair bleach, but no ‘eyebrow’ bleach. I wasn’t sure if they were the same thing, so I wrote down the names of all the facial bleaches available in-store, and did some research online.

To my relief, one of the facial bleaches could be used as eyebrow bleach as well.

JOLEN creme bleach, 1 OZ (28g), $10~ USD

JOLEN creme bleach is a mild bleach which can be used to lighten eyebrows, upper lip, arm, or body hair. It comes in two sizes, 1 oz. for facial hair, or 4 oz for body hair. As you can see above, the product includes a jar of bleach creme, a tube of bleach powder, a plastic spatula and flat ‘tray’, and instructions.

This product is sold at major drugstores and online.

How to Bleach

There are very clear instructions included, however here are some personal tips and photos.

Before Bleaching Tips

- DO NOT pluck your brows. Plucking can cause open pores or wounds. Pluck your brows a day before or after bleaching.
- DO NOT trim or shape your brows. Bleached brows are significantly lighter in color and looks much softer, like you have less eyebrow hair. You may not need to trim it as much as you usually do. It is wiser to do the shaping once you see how much hair you have ‘lost’.
- DO NOT wash your face or brows before bleaching. This is opposite of what the instructions tell you, but what I learned from bleaching my hair is that oil helps protect your skin from sensitivity and redness.
- DO NOT ever in your life use hair dye or bleach to lighten your brows. Hair dye and bleach are very strong and potent products. Even using it on my hair can irritate and burn my eyes. Using it on your brows will cause blindness!
- DO NOT use a metal tray to mix the product. It will react with the bleach. Use a flat plastic tray or lid. The one they provide because it is tiny and will spill everywhere (but is good for travel).

Product Instructions: With a spatula, measure about one quarter teaspoon powder and place on tray. Clean spatula. Measure about one half tea-spoon creme. Blend powder and creme well. Apply mixture with spatula covering hair completely. Keep mixture on for about ten minutes. Remove with spatula. If hair is not completely bleached, reapply the mixture for another five to ten minutes.

Bleaching Tips

Apply enough to cover all of the hair, so that there is nothing sticking out. Hairs that are sticking out will not be bleached. If you want to be cheap, do one eyebrow at a time. The bleach does not ‘work less’ the more you use it.

Reapply and rework the mixture onto your brows every 5 minutes. The creme hardens very quickly and separates itself from your skin, so the inner hairs will not be bleached. Reapply in different directions to cover all hairs.

Check the color after ten minutes. Continue to check every 5 minutes until you are happy with the color. It should not take any longer than 20 minutes, maximum.

Remove the mixture with the spatula slowly, a little at a time to prevent dripping or dropping the product onto your eyes. Wipe off the leftover with a wet tissue. Wash your face with cleanser. DO NOT wash the mixture off your face in the shower — it will get into your eyes!

DO NOT keep the bleach mixture for another day. Discard after use.

(I’m sorry you have to look at my messy brows, but like I said, I don’t trim it before bleaching.)

It may not look much lighter, but it’s really blonde in real life.

I usually re-bleach my brows once a week, every Sunday night. Do not bleach your brows right before you plan to go out. Your skin will be red and you don’t want to put makeup onto sensitive skin.

The inner parts of my brow has more hair than the outter, so sometimes I will just ‘spot bleach’, bleaching only the inner part of my brow.

Here’s my current brow and hair situation. I bleached my hair again since the Joker look. Since I took this pic, I bleached my brows again so it’s pretty blonde (eek!), but never shows up that way in photos.

Product Review

At $10~ for 1oz, the JOLEN bleach powder and creme will me at least a year for only eyebrow bleaching, which is reasonable. During bleaching, there is a tingly or itchy feeling, but no burning. Your skin will be slightly red after bleaching, but it goes away in an hour or so.

The only downside of this bleach is that the color of your brows come out very brassy. Instead of a nice natural light yellow blonde color, you get a very shiny, metallic rusty orangey gold color (as you can see in the ’2nd bleach’ picture above).

When I run out of JOLEN, I will definitely be looking into other facial bleaches.

You can read more personal reviews of this product on Makeup Alley.

Other Solutions

If you colored your hair, but can’t or don’t want to bleach your brows, it’s okay!

You could just get a haircut with bangs that cover your brows.

Another solution is trimming your eyebrow hair very thin, and then filling it in with a lighter brow color. Don’t confuse ‘trimming’ with ‘shaping’ though. I don’t mean pluck all of your eyebrow hair out! Just trim the hair with a brush and scissors.

Hair + Brow Color Combo

How light you bleach your brows really depends on your hair and skin color. Generally, you bleach it 3 shades darker than your hair color.

Bleached hair and brows usually look better on those with whiter skin. Asians with darker skin tend to look better with darker hair.

Finally, dying or bleaching your hair does not absolutely mean having to bleach your brows as well. Asians who bleach and dye their hair other exotic colors (red, blue, green, pink, etc) tend to leave their brows black, as no one will expect you to dye your brows the same color.

Let’s look at some examples while we end off with some fan boy photos ^^

Key (Shinee) dark hair + light brows

blonde hair + slightly bleached (but overall black) brows

G-dragon (Big Bang) blonde hair + brown brows

same blonde hair + thick black brows (probably want to avoid this)

Zelo (B.A.P) blonde hair + thin black brows (very like G-dragon, except this works cuz his bangs hide a lot of his brows, and his brows are trimmed very thin)

Daesung (BigBang) blonde hair on darker skin (as I mentioned, not really a good combination; I never thought this look suit Daesung very well)

Junho (2pm) red hair + black brows

T.O.P (Big Bang) fluorescent blue hair + wide black brows

There’s really no hard and fast rules, as you can see. In the end, just do what you think looks good on you, and what you feel comfortable with.

I was going to buy the same T-shirt because I cut off the sleeves to my old one, but they weren’t selling the T-shirt version anymore. Instead, they made a sweatshirt version. All the better! I also found out later this shirt is actually a ripe off of a Givency T-shirt design. And the real one retails for like $200, which I can’t afford either way!

Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter have already seen, but yes, I bleached my own hair too!

Please support me by Lookbook hyping, Facebook sharing, Tumblr reblogging and Twitter retweeting this look~! Thank you everyone ^^

Most of my outfit was purchased online! Click on links for product details

3 pom-pom beanie: 13,900 won ($13 USD) from limps0up at 11st.co.kr
Joker Sweatshirt: 14,900 won ($14) from daejineya at 11st.co.kr
Black Shorts with White Fluffy Pocket Lining; Black Tights: 6,900 won ($6.50) each from nolluwa2011 at 11st.co.kr
Black studded Converse Shoes: 159,000 won ($147) from April 명동 Accessories Haul
Black Front and Back Patch Studded Shoulder Back: $35~ from H&M in Myungdong
White Spiked Punk Wristlet: 15,900 won ($15) from limps0up at 11st.co.kr
Rusty Bronze and Gold Wristlet: 2,600 won ($2.50) from limps0up at 11st.co.kr
Rings: All old from various places — Vancouver jewelry stores and inherited from my mum

I totally love shopping online nowadays. It’s convenient, specific to your search, and free of tired shoulders and back from a day’s of walking around.

Especially within Korea, shipping is super fast. You usually get everything you order within 2-3 days of payment!

I buy most of my stuff from 11st.co.kr because they are a relatively new, less established, and therefore cheaper seller.

In North America, all you get are eBay (which I absolutely hate for its inconvenience) and Amazon. In Korea, there are Interpark, Gmarket, Auction, 11st, and many more. More competition = better service = better shopping experience.

To me, tights are the most comfortable kind of ‘pants’ to wear and so easy to match with anything. The only problem is that while you may have a nice bottom, you might not want your tight booties exposed if your shirt is not long enough to cover your bum.

The solution? Same color and material shorts on top. I recently bought a bunch of tights, shorts, and tights + shorts one piece combination from nolluwa2011 at 11st.co.kr.

I really love everything I bought and wear them all the time, except for one $2.50 pair of black tights that I thought were a steal, but turned out ridiculously short and small! Skip out on the cheap stuff. You get what you pay for : /

I’m a sucker for studs.

Makeup

The kinds of eye makeup that can go with glasses is actually really versatile and doesn’t always have to be natural.

In my Dorky Rocker Chic look, I am wearing heavy metallic gunmetal and black eyeshadow and liner.

Here, I am wearing a less heavy red, orange, and brown shadow combination (all from the NYX 21 rust/copper/bronze 3 shadow palette) and a thin line of brown eyeliner (Urban Decay’s Corrupt) on the top lids with no mascara.

Your glasses eye makeup should vary depending on the color, size, and shape of your glasses, hair, and outfit. Don’t think that just because you are wearing glasses, your makeup needs to be natural — it doesn’t!

Hair

Okay, so I bleached my own hair and it’s a controversial topic. I am planning to write a post on how to bleach your own hair and some of the problems and issues I have as an Asian with blonde hair.

For now, I just want to say two things. One: colored hair is colored hair, whether it’s brown, green, or blonde. I don’t understand why brown hair is acceptable on Asians, while everyone has to make a fuss once an Asian goes a little out-of-the-box with their hair. Brown is not any more ‘natural’ on an Asian as blonde is. And an Asian who dyes their hair blonde is not trying to be ‘white’ anymore than a white person who dyes their hair black is trying to be Asian -_-

Two: everything is still a work in progress. I’m actually planning to go lighter with my hair. And yes, I did already bleach my eyebrows (which I would like to do a review of the eye brow bleach some time), but only once because I just got the product before shooting this. I didn’t want to bleach it any more in one day, so I know my brows are a little darker than they should be!

There are just so many issues with this whole blonde hair on Asians thing that bothers me. I even get strange and dirty looks from older generations of Asian people. Personally, I think it’s just hair and everyone needs to relax, but I’ll refrain from rambling anymore about it!

Left: lighter with more flash; Right: more orange in low light

Depending on the lighting, my hair will be either very yellow-blonde or orangey-yellow. It’s not exactly where I want it yet, but for now, I’m very happy with it ^^

Inspiration

The makeup for this look has two inspiration sources.

One, was a student who came to class one day with dark green hair. She had a really unique, slightly rock/gothic style (just very slightly), which I thought was really admirable because most Korean girl’s style is just very feminine and conservative. But more than her green hair, I loved the way she always did her makeup. It was a very vampire-y dark reddish undereye, and it was absolutely perfect with her green hair and gothic-ish look.

Personally, I think that if you are going to dye your hair a really different color, then your makeup should be just as unique. Leave the natural makeup for the natural hair.

My second inspiration is actually Taemin, the maknae of Shinee. I could never put myself to really ‘liking’ Taemin since he is freakin’ young T_T, but I admire seeing him growing up into a fine, handsome young man XD Blond hair seems to suit him really well, and I always notice the way they do his makeup.

The second inspiration to this overall look is my current, absolute, top-of-the-list, squeal-and-melt-every-time-I-see-him beloved bias, Key from Shinee.

Source: Key Facebook fanpage

I saw this picture and realized that I could put together a similar look. And, it’s a secret, but you know I will use any chance to fangirl on my blog XD Can I insert too that I saw him perform in person before, and loved him even more after? He looks EXACTLY the same in real life as on screen, if not more beautiful! ARgh!!

Now, please don’t go off the track and think I’m a freaky stalker type fan trying to BE Key. I’m not. I just loved how he looked in this photo and wanted to take a similar photo myself, especially since we have the same hair color now XDD (and NO, I did NOT dye my hair just be BE Key ok -_- I’ve always wanted blonde hair but never had a job that would allow it).

Somehow, one photo just turned into a whole look, because, well, might as well, right? ^^

How is it? Similar look, similar feel? Fangirl mission accomplished? XDD

I’m sure that if you are even faintly acquainted with Korean media, especially the Kpop idols, you will know what I mean by “animal pajamas”, but just in case…

Shinee members on Hello Baby

Song JoongKi at a grocery store

Z:ea members KwangHee and DongJun at a radio show
Source & Photo: Star News via Nate

Infinite member Hoya on Sesame Player

Online Sellers

I’ve been wanting to buy one for myself since forever, but never saw them on the streets or stores of Korea. As I was doing some online shopping a while ago, I stumbled upon these and decided to buy one as a Christmas gift.

These animal pajamas sell for about 25,000 won ($23 USD) by Sweet Holic at Interpark. I’m sure Gmarket and other major online Korean shopping websites will carry them as well.

Click on the specific animal pajama you want for more pictures and a sizing chart. I’m about 162 cm (5’4) and I just fit into a S (small). Medium will probably work for me but be a bit big. Expect these to be a little baggy, as they are PJs after all!

Be aware of buying something in the $10+ range, because those are very likely “fakes”. Although I don’t think there is a specific brand name for these pajamas, I would stick to the $20+ range for better quality.

Sweet Holic claims that “fakes” are of lower quality, less durable, and forms fluffs/lint easily and can’t survive the washing machine. When I compare the photos of the cheaper and more expensive stuff, you can at least see that on the Sweet Holic pajamas, the eyes and facial features are actually sewn on, whereas the cheaper one looks glued on.

Sweet Holic also boasts elastic strewn sleeves and ankle legging, a string/rope adjustable hoodie neckline, and pockets on all of their PJs.

Quality + Review

I bought the kangaroo one because the baby kangaroo in the big pocket is just too cute. I’ve seen a chicken one before (though not sold by Sweet Holic) with a little baby chicken in the breast pocket and thought it was absolutely adorable as well. The miniature matching babies are just too much fun!

As usual of Korean sellers, these arrived within a few days of payment. I was surprised how thick and heavy the material was, and had to scrap my original idea of sending it by post because of the size and weight. However, it is not that heavy that you would feel like it was dragging you down.

The PJs are a one piece slip on to wear around the house, to sleep in, and keep warm (or wear out if you fancy!). If you are like the Kpop idols, you can wear the hoodie to hide your messy bed head =p

The kangaroo has a pretty big tail, but I recommend you getting something without so you might actually be able to sleep in it. Lots of pajamas have something on the back (wings or tails) you should be aware of!

Finally, instead of writing a normal letter, I wrote this instead for my friend =p

If I ever get one for myself, I would get the black pig (top row, 4th in screenshot) because my nickname at home is ‘pig’ since I love sleeping and eating (and I’m pretty lazy too) XD

Which one would you get for yourself?

PS. I posted on Facebook recently my new hair color. I know it’s time for a look post, but I’m leaving Vancouver this Tuesday, so I’ll try to post it asap when I get back to Korea! I have a good few days to rest before I start work on Monday ^^ I’ll also post some pics of my trip back in Van. soon (it’ll mostly be a lot of food porn though, like last time XD).

PPS. I wasn’t originally planning to make this animal pajama post, or else I would’ve screen capped all the many times I’ve seen idols in these PJs. However, I searched and searched for the episode and moment where they caught Hoya (from Infinite) sleeping in them in Sesame Player Episode 3 @ 34:50. It took forever cuz my player skips or rewinds in large chunks T_T, but I was soooo happy I could somehow find an excuse to include him in my blog post since he is my most recent bias =p Haha!!

Many people want to cut their hair when they visit Korea, as it’s cheaper and caters more to their hair style tastes. I’m always asked the same thing from readers and friends about it, so here we go!

1) Where to Go
2) FAQ
3) Korean Hair Salon Vocabulary + Common Phrases

Where to go 찾아가~

Where should I go?
University areas offer the best price for quality (just think students on a budget). There are lots of salons around 이대 (Ehwa Women’s University, subway station). Color dye + cuts are around $30 there.

If you want middle to upper scale, try visiting 강남 (Kangnam; also good for night life, drinking, and clubs). Expect $40~ for a cut; $100~ for dye. However, most people on a short trip to Korea don’t usually have time to visit Kangnam, as it’s not a common touristy area.

You can also find all ranges of salons in 명동 (Myungdong), the most touristy shopping area so you don’t have to make a separate trip for your hair. You can easily tell from the outer appearance of a salon what the price range is.

Hair salons are almost everywhere. Just keep your eyes peeled!

Where do the celebrities go? I want to visit my Kpop band’s salon!
Most celebrities go to luxury beauty salons located in 압구정 (Apgujong). Apgujong is the high class area of Seoul, where the rich and famous usually dwell.

Side note: I rarely visit Apgujong, but of the few times I did, I actually saw 신애 (Shinae) from We Got Married (as Alex’s “wife”) at a pet store with her dog and real husband. If you walk around the area while looking for a beauty salon, it’s very possible to even run into a celeb!

Where do you go?
I go to Aka Hair at 천호 (Cheonho) station on the pink #8 line, exit 2, walk straight about a block or two and it’s on your left, 2nd floor, with the main street on your right, across from Hyundai Department Store.

www.akahair.com – click for a Korean map

Above is their business card, with the name of the hair dresser who did my hair once, and the times he works. However, I am not recommending any specific hair dressers because there has never been one I liked enough, but overall, I like the price, service, product quality, and hair cut results.

I’ve dyed and cut my hair about 6-7 times over 3 years at Aka Hair, always making an effort to go out of my way there. They claim to be a celebrity hair salon (though I doubt it), with a clean and spacious interior, both young and older hair dressers and customers, and is usually quite busy, especially during peak hours.

Can you suggest any more specific salons?
I am not very adventurous when it comes to salons, so I cannot personally recommend any more salons.

Instead, I can only recommend that you keep your eyes peeled, walk into a salon, and don’t be afraid to ask for the prices. If you don’t like what you see, it’s perfectly fine to walk back out (that’s what I did before finding my salon!).

If you live in Korea with a phone, and are too shy to walk in, call them instead to ask for prices. Their phone number is often listed on the hanging store name signs.

random hair salons in Myungdong (명동)

Would you be able to spot all the salons without the yellow star to indicate? XD

Just look for the word “hair” or “헤어” in English or Korean (more vocab below).

FAQ 궁굼해!

How much does it cost?
It depends on where you go and the length of your hair.

I always go for middle-scale salons, so hair cuts are 10,000 won ($9 USD) and color dye, essence treatment, or perms are around 50,000 won ($45).

About 10,000 won is added per 2 inch for hair below shoulder length.

More on hair dye costs below.

Can they speak English?
Foreign based salons like Toni&Guy probably can, but why would you go to Korea to get your hair cut at Toni&Guy?

Upper scale Korean salons like Juno Hair might speak a little.

Chinese mandarin or Japanese speakers may want to hit up 명동 (Myungdong) salons as the area caters largely to Chinese/Japanese tourists and many employees can speak it almost perfectly.

My advice to you is to just choose the salon you like, bring a few photos, and be very descriptive, use simple English, and a lot of body language. Try to ask for a stylist who speaks a little of your language when you enter the salon.

You can also use the vocabulary + common phrases I offer at the end of this post!

Can I perm my hair like the celebrities?
The wavy hair you see on most Korean actresses are actually not perms, but curls created by a curling iron. It is a temporary curl, not a permanent perm.

Consult your stylist to try and get the closest perm to what you want. There are many kinds of perms, wave perms, volume perms, etc.

I’ve never permed by hair before, only asked about it and seen my Korean friend’s hair, so I’m not really an expert in this area. I’m more of a hair color girl.

What services does a hair cut / dye / perm include? Do I pay extra for wash + dry? Does it include anything else?

Unlike many other Asian (HongKong) or North American (Canada) salons, Korean salons do not charge separately for wash and dry.

All hair cuts include wash + dry. All color dye jobs includes cut + wash + dry + curling/styling. I’ve never permed my hair before but it will include at least a wash and dry.

A really special service offered at Aka Hair (I’m not sure if it’s same everywhere) is that after a 50,000+ won dye job, they will curl your hair for free.

Even when my hair was super long, and it took an extra 30 minutes after a 3 hour dye + wash + cut + dry job, the hair dresser still offered to curl my hair for me using a curling iron (NOT a permanent perm!).

Top: pictures taken shortly after a hair cut at Aka Hair
Bottom: after hair dye + cut + curl at Aka Hair

What hair dye products do they use? How do they charge for longer hair? What is the price range?
The salon I go to offers 3 different costs and dye quality — 30,000 won ($27 USD), 50,000 won ($45) and 80,000 won ($72). I always go for the 50,000 won, which is L’oreal. I’m not sure what other salons use.

Remember, these prices are just minimal costs. About 10,000 won ($9) is added for every 2 inches for hair below shoulder length. When my hair was the length of the picture above, top right, it costed 80,000 won to dye.

Root touch-ups for hair dye is the same as the minimal cost. So, root touchups cost the same as dying your hair if it is above shoulder length.

Do hair salons also do makeup?
Not the lower to middle scale salons. If you want to have your makeup done by a professional makeup artist, you are probably looking for a higher end beauty salon, not a hair salon.

High end salons in 앞구정 is where all the celebrities go to do their makeup and hair.

What other services do hair salons offer?
Basic nail art prices are usually decent at hair salons. They may also do eyebrow bleaching. Wedding or special occasion hair styling is often available as well.

Do I have to pay tips?
Usually, you never pay tips in Korean restaurants, for food delivery, or most other things.

I usually never pay tips at Aka Hair because I never have a stylist I like and will return to (and I’m cheap, bleh =p). However, I have seen a guy pay tips before. Also, the hair dresser always unnecessarily stands behind the counter with the cashier as you pay. It’s part of the payment procedure and they are most likely hoping for tips.

Tipping is not a common custom in Korea, so you won’t get any dirty looks if you decide to go tight on your wallet. However, for a stylist I want to return to, I would tip for better service next time. Remember to get a business card and ask for the name and working time of the hair dresser!

Vocabulary + Common phrases 배우자 ^^

Here is just a list of very basic vocabulary and simple phrases.

There’s really no way I can teach you how to describe all the possible things you can want in a hair cut, but hopefully with a few main vocab & phrases, pictures of the hairstyle you want, and good body language, you can get the point across.

If you have absolutely no Korean ability and don’t think that you can even pronounce these phrases properly, I suggest you just print the chart out (Save Image As), bring it along with you, and point to it!

Good luck, and do share with me if you ever have a chance to cut your hair in Korea or uses any of the vocab or phrases ^^

I never ended up buying one for myself because I don’t like wearing things everyone has, but my mom bought me something similar from her last trip to Hong Kong.

Please be generous with hyping, liking, and retweeting this look~! Thank you ^^

Green Parka: Ebase from HongKong
Checkered Ankle Socks: Myungdong street sock stand, $3 USD
Brown Suede Heels: Shoesone from 11st.co.kr $45 USD

My favorite part to this outfit is actually the socks! I just think it’s fun to have a small splash of color to a neutral earthy colored outfit. The beige pairs really well with the brown suede heels.

I found a really good Korean online shoes seller. They sell all kinds of really fashionable heels, boots, sandals, and even rip-off of designer brands you may not be able to afford at the original price tag.

click to website

I know that most of my readers are not in Korea, but if you have friends there, or ever even just travel or do exchange there and are somewhat proficient in Korean or have a helpful friend, then you could consider some online shopping! They usually ship super fast and you get your stuff within 3-4 days of paying for it (though all sellers vary, they tell you the predicted time).

These shoes were very decent for the price and made in China. They had a really strong smell, but I’m sure that will go away with time. They are a little hard to walk in, but just so pretty I’m glad I bought them.

I bought two pairs and will show you the other pair in a future look!

I’m wearing a thin frilly scarf to match the lace rimming the jacket.

Did you notice the puffy sleeves? It’s very princess like. That’s more of my mum’s style than mine. She loves feminine girly princess stuff!

The corset back is my favorite thing about this jacket. I just love anything corset, lingerie, or Victorian!

It reminds me so much of corset back piercings, which I’ve always admired and actually looked into. However, I found out that you cannot keep the back piercings in because you have to sit down or lay down on your back, and the constant pressure cannot allow the wound to heal. So it’s often done for temporary purposes.

Isn’t it soooo pretty though?

The Green Parka

Shin Minah (Korean actress)

Son GaIn (from Brown Eyed Girls)

I wish I could do a better capture of Gain in this jacket (I couldn’t find the episode on my hard drive T_T), but I loved her jacket and the way she wore it. It’s from We Got Married, episode 51.

What do you guys think of the green parkas? Would you buy one for yourself?

PS. Sorry so long time no see. I’ve been caught up with being a lazy slug in Vancouver — eating, playing Starcraft, and watching Kpop videos everyday T_T

As a result, I’ve officially fallen in love with Infinite My biases are Hoya (just cuz I’m a sucker for the innocent, quiet type and he’s a crazy dancer!) and L (he’s just too good looking T_T), but I generally like all of them =p

How many boybands can I handle!?? ARgh!

Actually, I’ve always known of them because my friend looooves them, but I only became interested after watching them in Weekly Idol. Then my friend recommended me to watch Sesame Player (running away from their managers) and Family Ties(raising puppies). You guys should check those shows out! It’s so much easier to fall in love w/ boybands watching them in their ‘natural environment’ XD

Sometimes, there are some looks that don’t turn out to my satisfaction. I wasn’t intending to post this one, but decided to at least put it up on Lookbook because it feels like such a waste otherwise!

Instead, I will share with you the nail polish I am wearing here, which is also one of my favorite go-to polishes. Whenever I’m bored and not sure what color to choose, I usually find myself pulling this one out.

no flash

with flash

Missha Lucid Nail Polish (mblo1, matte), $2~ USD

This polish reminds me of zombies and… well, death. Doesn’t the blue look like the way a zombie’s finger nails might look like after being buried for a long time?

Okay, maybe not technically.

It’s a very unique, opaque, matte blue. Coverage is very good, one coat being sufficient to finish. Wear is decent, chipping in 2~ days without a top coat (sometimes I’m lazy!).

Once I was editing a student’s script in class, and he pointed out that my nail color was the exact same as the blue pen I was using. It’s true!

Zombies or blue pens, you make your pick! Either way, this is a very unique color for a low price. Plus, I’m a total sucker for matte polishes.

Yesterday was the first day of Chinese New Year. I wish everyone lots of luck and good fortune and hope you collected lots of red pockets! XD

The very first post writes:

Open your eyes and see the world
Look through the mirror into yourself
Walk over the bridge to the other side
Look past time into the future
Close your eyes and see my dream

         —frostedsnow.tumblr

If this scrapbook had a front cover, rather than a picture or title, these instructions would be written.

Now, make your click, close your eyes, open your heart, and see my dream…

http://frostedsnow.tumblr.com

I had so much fun making this! It really felt like I was putting a real scrapbook together.

I actually really love reading and writing, especially poetry, and have always wanted to share them online, but felt it was a little out of place here.

Out of the blue, I suddenly remembered how I’ve always been wanting to make a tumblr page. Their themes are sooo pretty. I haven’t felt this inspired since long ago when I made layouts for Aheeyah.

I really felt like I was putting a real scrapbook together!

Asides from my writing, I will also try to include some photos you have not already seen on this blog as well.

Hope you guys like ^^

The title of the first chapter of Oliver Twist is “CHAPTER I Treats of the Place where Oliver Twist was Born, and of the Circumstances attending his Birth.” I just found that real amusing =p

Light Holiday Glam in Checker + Black and Gold — casual and slightly festive with a checkered collar, warm in a light shawl, and glam in black and gold accessories.

Please be generous with hyping, liking, and retweeting this look~! Thank you ^^

Checkered shirt: Mom’s purchase from Hong Kong
Black shawl: Mom’s purchase from Hong Kong
Black shirts: street shopping in Seoul; $15
Glitter blue-grey pantyhose: street shopping in Seoul; $4-5
Heels: Ehwa Women’s University; $35
Black star earrings: Ehwa or Hongdae?; $5 (or less! It was a total steal!)
Gold Wristband: ssfw accessories in Myungdong; $22
Handbag: Ehwa (best place for cheap and decent handbags); $10

A nice outfit put together at a low cost. That’s what I like!

I’m really into collars lately, especially showing under a shirt it can 1) give an extra layer 2) look dressier 3) seems like you put more effort into your outfit.

Shawls are also great winter items. This outfit here is obviously an indoors outfit, but when you are out in the cold and you need more than your winter jacket, a shawl can go over anything for extra warmth (especially in Korea, it’s freaking cold right now!!).

Makeup, Hair, Accessories

This is a GaIn inspired makeup look from this exact photo:

This look was really simple. I just used Urban Decay’s Perversion 24/7 black eyeliner to draw most of the line, and then E.L.F’s angled eyeliner brush to draw a straight and clean edge with NYX’s black eyeshadow.

Using an eyeshadow instead of a liner to draw the end of your liner gives a softer and more foolproof edge.

I am also wearing a half sized false lash on the edge of my eyes to give noticeable lashes that don’t take attention away from the liner.

I really like how this look turned out. Also, I think GaIn’s makeup turned out well because I have a similar eye shape.

I’ve always admired her makeup and would love to do more in the future!

Eek! It’s a bit messy but some asked to see the back of my hair. It’s a lot shorter than the front.

I did a small cosmetics duty free haul before coming to Vancouver. I’ll share those items with you guys in an upcoming post!