Hello Again, Dear Friend

My last post on this blog was on the heels of a break up with someone I thought I was building a life with. At the time, I chose to be kind to myself and not spend hours in the week on an endeavor that no longer gave me joy — Messy Wands was many things to me throughout the years: fun hobby, safe harbor from an emotionally abusive relationship, a way to meet friends... Unfortunately, I became confused when contemplating what it meant to be successful, forgetting that a hobby didn't need to be productive or provide income or get more page views or have more Instagram followers. It should always have been writing about things that brought me joy.

Four years have passed. I want to go back to paying attention to the small things and writing about them again, so here I am.

A couple months ago, I graduated from Columbia University with a Master's in Computer Science. I'm now on a brief holiday before starting my new job as a software engineer in August. Immersing myself in this new world made me ever more grateful for my liberal arts undergraduate education. I went from a program where kids joked about not knowing how to do math to a program where kids joked about not being able to write a paper on poetry, and I wished there was a way to convince both groups that they should break out of those neatly defined categories. One of the more common experiences shared by women who were interested in CS was wondering if they fit in an industry that seemed to be just guys who tinkered with computers and code even in their spare time. Imagine how many opportunities and experiences we have let slip because we thought something wasn't for us based on an impression of what "has been."

On beauty, I'm no longer doggedly monitoring new releases. Other than Lisa Eldridge's new lipsticks, I haven't bought makeup other than to replenish essentials — it may please or despair you to know that I still swear by the eyeshadows and eyeliners I procured in Japan all those years ago. After two painstaking trips to Sephora to try to replace my Three eyeliner, I caved in and just ordered it from ichibankao. I am, however, even more fanatical than before when it comes to skincare, the details of which I will happily share with you in future posts.

Lastly, the part I most missed about Messy Wands was the meeting of minds. I relished the conversations with readers about smells and colors and textures that made us giddy. This time around, I'll write about my other interests: books, Broadway shows, Malaysian food, how to decorate a small apartment... If any of them resonates with you, I hope you'll reach out so we can have a chat!

A Note About My Absence

My apologies for the radio silence. Due to some personal matters, I'm forced to take a temporary hiatus from blogging. It's unfortunate that it happened right as I was getting back in the swing of things, but as ever I am grateful for your patience and understanding and hope you will read Messy Wands again when I return.

An important note: I received an email today notifying me that the Tatcha Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick (review) is finally in stock. I know for a fact that only a very limited quantity was made, so if you think you want it, don't hesitate!

Beauty PSA: Shu Uemura VIP Sale

All my purchases have been on hold for the past month because I'm waiting for sale season to start, and Shu Uemura is one of the first to drop. Their VIP sale gives you 25% off everything! That's a little more than their traditional Black Friday offer (20% like most stores).

While I already have everything I want from Shu Uemura, I am sorely tempted to pick up another Kolinsky Brush 11. Even with 25% off it's still a hefty chunk of my paycheck, but that brush is unparalleled in my kit. I have eschewed most of my other brushes in favor of this, because it does the depositing, applying and blending better than anything I own.

The only reason I'm considering buying another (the one I own is pretty much still perfect) is because I currently switch between two apartments, and it would be nice to have one wherever I go.

Decisions! I have to make some...

While I ponder, don't miss out on this once-in-a-year chance! If nothing, you can always stock up on eyelash curlers. Visit shuuemura-usa.com and use code SHUVIP at checkout for the 25% discount.

Unexpected Beauty Deals

Image via Gilt

I used to think of sites like Hautelook and Gilt as a nuisance (too zealous with the email newsletters), but since stumbling across the now-ended Tatcha sale on Gilt City, I now peruse the site in hopes that similar treasure can be found. Lo and behold, I found two beauty deals to be had! First is a $30 off $80 credit to BobbiBrown.com, whose shimmer bricks remain one of my favorite illuminating products.

Image via Gilt

Who can resist this bombshell of an image (from the Clarins Fall 2014 Ladylike collection)? Those eyes! The perfectly sculpted cheeks! The cozy knit! Clarins is offering a $30 savings for purchases over $75 at ClarinsUSA.com. I say get whatever you need to get to recreate the look above, because swoon.

I also liked reading this piece about beauty ideals written by Liu Wen, published on Vogue.com. It was really great that Estee Lauder named Liu Wen as their global spokesmodel. They effectively expanded what it means to be "normally beautiful" to the public consciousness.

Have you seen or read anything interesting lately? Do share!

Beauty PSA: Tatcha on Gilt City

Tatcha Ritual Discovery Kit

I know I probably talk about Tatcha way too much (I swear I really do use other products! There's a Shiseido serum I would like you to meet...), but I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't share the ~40% off Tatcha deal I found on Gilt City. I am very tempted to get the $90 credit to splurge on a 10 pack of Revitalizing Eye Masks (reviewed here).

In other news, after two amazing years of staying at my Hell's Kitchen apartment, it's finally time to move on. My next apartment will be in a quiet neighborhood located in the Upper West Side. It's going to take some time for me to set up a new photography space (fingers crossed for everything to go well) so you may see more Instagram-style photos in the meantime. My apologies in advance!

Also, if you haven't already signed up, today is the last day to participate in the Tatcha x Messy Wands giveaway. Don't miss out on your chance to win a generous-sized Radiant Deep Brightening Serum, or at the very least, receive an exclusive promotional offer when the giveaway ends. All good things, my friend.

TATCHA x Messy Wands Giveaway

The lovely people at TATCHA have generously provided a special sampling opportunity for Messy Wands readers! They're giving away travel-sized samples of the Radiant Deep Brightening Serum to 50 lucky winners. All you have to do is sign up here by August 23, 2014.

If you weren't one of the 50, do not fret! Everyone who signs up will receive an exclusive email promotional offer when the giveaway ends, which is a pretty sweet consolation prize.

I first reviewed this serum two years ago in my first ever post on TATCHA. While I still believe that the effects of serums are difficult to measure and nothing can replace eating and living healthy, I do think the Deep Brightening Serum is a bottle of particular magic. Throughout the years, I've seen the proof that it lightens acne scars and combats hyperpigmentation, and whenever my skin flares up due to product testing (occupational hazard), this serum calms the skin down and heals the ill effects within a couple of days, without fail.

I've never been without this serum on my vanity since I first had it, and I never want to be. It's my skincare anchor, if you will. I took five months to finish the full-sized serum with daily use, so this travel-sized version should easily last over a month. I urge everyone to give it a try!

Click here to enter the TATCHA Deep Brightening Serum giveaway!

*The giveaway ends on August 23, 2014. Valid for US residents only.

Made Up Thoughts

Originally, I took pictures of myself sans makeup (except drawn-on eyebrows) to write about the new skincare I've been using. See, I thought I had pretty good skin. And then I saw the pictures I took later with a full face of makeup applied, and started having doubts. There's discoloration on my cheeks and shadows under my eyes, and a scar (where did that even come from?!) on my chin, and enlarged pores on my nose. Can I tout how amazing the skincare I've been using when my skin is, while relatively unblemished, not extraordinary?

And then I paused. Wait, what? It's disturbing, this automatic train of thought. I wasn't even comparing myself to the impossibles (that are heavily photo manipulated) in the glossies. I was just looking at myself with some foundation on. What has the act of wearing makeup done to my own self image?

For me, the meaning of makeup has transformed from something I desperately needed to master to satisfy someone else's definition of "pretty" (age 19), to a consumerist obsession (age 21), to occasional artistic expression (age 22-present, when I create looks to post on Messy Wands). In "real life," I am very aware of what makeup does for me. I know that without fail, if I put on my eyebrows, redden my cheeks and lips, and paint on some lashes, I will receive more and better attention from the strangers I interact with, and I use this knowledge to my advantage. Is it sad that this is just how it is?

Sans makeup (with drawn-on eyebrows)

With foundation (which will be reviewed. For the curious, it's by Le Metiér de Beauté)

I'm not really sure what I'm trying to get at. I guess I was hit by the fact that I thought I had a firm grasp on how I look and how I perceive myself, and was a little shaken by my knee-jerk reaction to censor my thoughts because my natural looks didn't reach a certain (impossible) standard. The longer I stare at the unmade-up picture, the more I think I was overthinking it. I'll have to work on that skincare post.

*PS: After reading some of the comments, I feel like I should clarify that I'm actually very happy with my skin. This is why I was surprised that I had the instinctive reaction above even while being pleased, and just wanted to observe how that happened.

Beauty PSA: Diorblush Cannage available at saks.com!

If you were one of those who missed out on getting these when they first launched at Saks, IT'S BACK!

Never have I meant this cliched marketing speak so fervently: Get it before it's gone! How refreshing to know that it can sometimes be true.

Diorblush Cannage Edition retails for $60 on saks.com.

Happy 2014

When the clock struck twelve on New Year's Eve, I hadn't made any resolutions nor had any significant revelations about the past year. I was at a house party drinking champagne out of a red solo cup, kissing my boyfriend and hoping that 2014 would be a better year than before.

In many ways, 2013 was the year of biggest change in my life. I settled into a much more meaningful relationship with my boyfriend, finally got out of the cycle of internships and secured a "real" job, which in turn led me to the US working visa I'd been worried about getting for the past year. It took six months before the visa was finally approved, but it was in my hands. I was allowed to travel outside the country again, and now have at least three more years to figure things out here.

There are also other less life-changing, but still beautiful things: reconnecting with an old friend from home (who is now one of my best friends in New York), snowboarding (and loving it) for the first time, being able to visit home in October and see my entire family – reunited after 2+ years of separation – again in December. I didn't realize the extent I've missed my family until I basked in the warmth of just being in their presence for eight glorious days while we traipsed through Taiwan, and sometimes I wonder why I chose a path that would take me so far away from them in every way.

My life in New York has made me a stronger, more independent person. I have become more prone to speaking my mind, and less inclined to enduring injustices. For 2014, I wish to continue to strive to become a better person every day.

May we all be happy, loving, and kind to each other.

Beauty PSA: Tatcha Friends & Family Event

I have a very important announcement! Tatcha is currently offering a rare 20 percent off all purchases on their website. I cannot stress how awesome this is (I've never seen them on sale) and how imperative it is for you to go forth and stock up.

If you are a beginner to the brand, I envy you. You are about to embark on a truly amazing skincare journey. I have extensive reviews on (almost) every single Tatcha item, below:

• Tatcha Beauty Ritual (Cleansing Oil, Rice Enzyme Powder, Deep Brightening Serum, Moisture Rich Silk Cream)
• Tatcha Eye Cream
• Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist
• Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
• Tatcha Gold Collection Camellia Oil and Lip Balm

I would suggest first-time users to go for the Dewy Skin Mist, Cleansing Oil, Deep Brightening Serum and either the Moisture Rich Silk Cream or the Enriching Renewal Cream. While I intersperse my own skincare routine with products from other brands, I can safely say that the majority of skincare I use is still from Tatcha. If my skin acts up, I retreat to their products and know that all will be well again in a day or two.

If you're feeling generous to yourself, go for gold and order the Complete Kiri Collection, pictured above. I've never seen it myself, but the description says it comes in a custom-made keepsake box. I've received my share of exquisite boxes from Tatcha and I've kept and re-used every single one of them.

Lastly – and this is probably not needed, but – I just wanted to say that none of the above links are affiliate links. I genuinely love this brand and will champion it for as long as anyone would listen to my beauty recommendations.

The Tatcha Friends & Family sale ends December 11. Use code FF2013 at checkout to receive the discount. If you do end up trying Tatcha skincare, let me know what you think!

Illamasqua Raindrops

The legendary Illamasqua Raindrops is back in stock at Sephora.com!!

Beauty PSA: Le Métier de Beauté on Hautelook

By some technical web error, I saw a preview of all the items that will be available for sale tomorrow. While the majority of the listings seem to be nail polish, the Sydney lipstick, the powder and the mascara pictured above are on sale, as well as two eyeshadows. I was also excited to see the Champagne Dualistic Eye Pencil listed – I frequently use it as a base for eyeshadow application. If I didn't already have a backup, I would jump on this chance immediately.

The sale begins 8am Pacific on May 14.

If you're not already a Hautelook member, you can sign up through this link.

*Disclosure: If you do end up purchasing an item after signing up through that link, I will receive $10 referral credit.

Blog Sale Is Up!

 ... and more, here!

I will be updating the Blog Sale tab with more items in the next few days (I'll announce each addition on Twitter). Please enjoy :)

Spring Sprang Sprung

Spring weather is finally in full swing in New York City! The sun is shining, people's calves are showing, and I'm beginning to realize how dire a pair of open-toed sandals is to the wardrobe, though five tries to zappos.com and still nothing. Shopping, which is supposed to be super duper fun, can be such a frustrating exercise.

A long overdue update on little ol' me: something happened to my skin and I think it's called "turning 24." I've been told skin changes as we grow older – what was once taut can be loose, smooth can be coarse, oily can be dry. Mine is the latter two and some other new skin concerns, like hyperpigmentation and redness. Funny thing is, even though my skin is now so dry as to be cracking and peeling, my nose remains porous, like a permanent dotting of sesame seeds. Grr.

Most of my current products are geared toward combo/oily skin, so they no longer fit my concerns. I've been looking to purchase new skincare and for now, these are in the cart:

• Guerlain Super Aqua Serum - I tried the old formulation a few years ago and remember loving it, so I'm excited to see how the new version fares. A few reviews on Makeup Alley suggest that it was too oily on combination skin, which is perfect for me. Bonus: Nordstrom has a limited edition set that includes a deluxe-sized toner, eye cream, and mask for no extra charge.
• Tatcha Enriching Renewal Cream - As I've repeatedly said, Tatcha's skincare works wonders for me. I have finished my second mist, am working through my second oil cleanser, and desperately scraping the bottom of my silk cream. I'm excited to try this new version of the cream, touted for dry skin.
• Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil - When I announced my skin woes on Twitter, a couple people suggested adding an oil over my serum and moisturizer and it seems to be working! Rodin's oil is the most luxurious one I've ever tried. 

As for makeup, I haven't been playing at all. I can barely wake up on time for work, much less apply makeup beforehand. Maybe it's that age thing again (yes everyone, I do realize I'm "too young" to start with that, but it is how it is) but I've been gravitating toward simple looks, almost entirely eschewing eyeshadow and liner most days. Cream blush has become one of the most important items in my makeup bag, with Le Métier de Beauté Creme Fresh Tint in Poppy leading the pack.

The other good thing about spring/summer is that I will be wearing huge sunglasses that cover up half my face, so I really won't need much.

In this photo I am wearing Ellis Faas Blush S302, a peachy pink liquid blended out with fingers. I applied it lightly here, but as usual you can layer it for more impact. Lips are lined with a pink MAC lip pencil, topped with Dior Addict Extreme in Plaza. The sunglasses are a new acquisition from Oliver Peoples, while the trench coat is a great purchase from Club Monaco two years ago.

PS: In an effort to spring clean and clear up some clutter (again), I'm holding another blog sale. Items will be uploaded beginning tomorrow. Here's a sneak peek:

Tell your friends!

Full disclosure: This blog post contains sample products sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration, as well as affiliate links.

Catching Up + Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

It is cruel irony that the scarf is in crisp focus in the picture above when the main subject should be the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, but perhaps that is meant to be. I've been meaning to digress a little from makeup and see how everyone is doing. How are you? What is the weather like at your place? Are you happy? Would you like to talk? I love hearing from you, whether it be through the comment box below or email, even though I may take forever to respond. As ever, if you have any questions or would just like to say hi, the fastest way to get to me is to tweet me.

As for me, life has been pretty time-consuming. I'm at a place where I actually notice each day pass by and feel both exhilaration and panic as it does. Did you know it's almost the end of February already? Didn't the year just begin? New York is as lively as ever but I have to remind myself sometimes to forgo the headphones and gadgets, look around and actually see, or I will miss all these sights and the anonymous faces on the subway will remain anonymous. A part of me perpetually carries the fear that I will have to leave this place soon, even as I fight to stay everyday. We'll see.

I'm sure you've noticed that I've been slightly absent from this space and on my social media accounts. While I will never completely abandon Messy Wands, I have been making a concerted effort to live a more offline life. It scares me sometimes when I struggle to remember what I did a day or two before, and I do believe it has to do with the short attention span I've developed by hopping from Twitter to Facebook to reading two paragraphs in an already open browser window to checking mail at three different email accounts. If my mother was reading this, she would scoff that her memory, at her mid-50s, is still better than mine.

Anyway, some of those offline things include reading The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, waiting eagerly for Matilda and Pippin to open on Broadway, making home-cooked meals at least five days a week (then bringing leftovers to lunch, which oddly makes me feel accomplished), and playing Agricola. I will go skiing in Vermont next week even though it terrifies me, participate in the frenzy that is Sleep No More sometime in March, attend a performance of the complete Bach Cello Suites in April, and I can't wait to add more exciting events to my calendar.

Digression aside, we now have to talk about that rosewater mist. Since being introduced to the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist, the traditional toner+cotton combo no longer interests me. I now alternate between the Tatcha and Jurlique mists as toner substitutes. As befits the name, the Jurlique mist smells quite strongly of roses, but works well to provide an additional boost of moisture beneath your serum and moisturizer. I've been using it 3-4 days per week (3-4 spritzes per use) for the past month and I'm barely a quarter way through. For $22, I think you'll get your money's worth.

Full disclosure: This entry contains a sample product sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration.

Birthday Wish List

It is a little over a week from my birthday (not even trying to hint: it falls on the 18th) and I thought it would be fun to compile a fantasy birthday wish list. The funny thing about them is while they are expensive, they are not exactly out of reach forever (with prudent saving and a lot of ramen dinners). I mean, none of them exceed five figures? I guess this could alternatively be called my Material Items Goal.

MacBook Pro 15"/MacBook Air 13", $1199-2799

I've owned my current workhorse for five years, so much so that the bottom left portion of my trackpad has stopped working and my battery runs out within half an hour. It's still functional, but it starts freezing up when I have Photoshop or one too many apps open at one time. That said, I have a perpetual dilemma between these two. I lug my 3.5 pound Macbook around five days a week and it's a real strain, so an Air would be great on my shoulders. On the other hand, the 15" one has an actual graphics card, wider screen, more powerful processer...

Burberry Mid-Length Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat, $1,395

Is this not on everyone's wish list? I like just about every trench coat in the London collection, but the first one I ever get (ha!) should be the classic black.

Alexander McQueen Britannia Skull Box Clutch, $1,695

Life is too short for simple black clutches! I still don't own a clutch for formal occasions, but I made an unofficial pact with myself to not get one until I can get something drastic.

Celine Trapeze

Sigh.

Oliver Peoples Thesoloist Teardrop, $535

Sometimes I'm ashamed at how expensive the things I like can be.

Le Labo Bergamote 22 EdP 100ml, $220

Finally, a beauty product! Truth be told, I'm suffering from beauty lethargy right now. I just have so much makeup lying around with no where to put it anymore. I would run another blog sale, but I barely have time to blog twice a week, much less take pictures, edit, price, and ship them out immediately. Maybe in summer?

Anyway, I've been sniffing a few Le Labo scents and Santal, Rose, and Bergamote came up top of my want list. I picked Bergamote to obsess over in the end because it suits a fragrance novice better. Rose and Santal can get a little overwhelming. Bergamote smells like spring in a bottle.

Catbird Rings

Ever since buying my alphabet ring, I've been visiting the Catbird website every couple of days or so just to stare wistfully at the other dainty bands they offer. Why are rings so expensive? Why do I have an irrational want to stack five of them on my finger? Particularly obsessed over this, this, and this.

And um, unlimited amounts of Amazon.com/Nordstrom/Bergdorf gift cards. Y'know, because everyone can stand to have more of these.

Funny thing about wish lists. I wrote this up but realized that I will still be perfectly happy if I don't eventually own any of the above things. I like pretty things, I really do, but I'm now very conscious about materialism and how it affects me, and if possible I would like to be less of a slave to it. I have a great family, a loving boyfriend, and I live with one of my best friends. In the end, that's all that really matters.

How I Clean My Makeup Brushes

Picture taken from Instagram

There are many ways to clean brushes. Many brush-centric (MAC, Shu Uemura) companies sell accompanying brush cleaners while some make brush soaps (Becca). I've always shied away from them because the cleaners include alcohol, which I believe damage the brush hairs in the long run. My method takes longer, but ensures that my brushes are baby soft no matter how many washes they go through.

I treat brush maintenance with the same zealousness as my haircare routine. I use whatever shampoo and conditioner I have in my current rotation to clean my brushes. Just wet it, lather up, rinse under warm water, condition, then rinse again. Be sure to hold your brush head down while washing so water doesn't seep into the ferrule and weaken the glue that holds the hair together. I dry my brushes over the edge of a table to maintain the shape. If you think about it, the process is almost exactly like washing hair.

Since I wash my hair with Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo (we have to talk about this one day. For now, one word: awesome), I have perhaps the world's most pampered brushes.

I took an hour to thoroughly clean thirty brushes. Bending over the sink wasn't fun, but the waking up to a row of like-new brushes the next morning? Priceless.

Pretty Little Things

image from my Instagram

While being sick is generally an unfun thing to do (I say "do" as if it's something one actively pursues. Uh, no), as a beauty blogger it comes with a specific territory of challenges - redness, dry and flaking nose and mouth - on top of the general malaise. My body decided to stick it to me all at once too, so on top of that, I have a huge pimple above my mouth and, I kid you not, one on my bottom eyelid that's basically on my eye. Who has energy to think about makeup when they're so busy feeling sorry about themselves?

Not me. I have been on-and-off almost sick for a week (hence the silence. Sorry) it's like those diseases are taunting me. Perhaps I should be grateful I'm at the stage where I'm not sick enough to warrant being in bed all day, but being on the brink for this long quickly gets old.

I have nothing to give you beauty-wise, except I have been makeup free for an entire week, and as much as I dislike admitting my mom is right, my skin does fare better from this imposed holiday. My skincare routine is also nonexistent, basically only three drops of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate at night to soothe the dryness.

The ring above was one of those little indulgences that turned out to be so worth it considering its increase to my personal happiness. Throughout the years I've accumulated tons of jewelry that I barely wear, even though I was tempted to procure it at the time, so by now I am well-versed with avoiding those purchasing pitfalls. While the majority of rings on Catbird make me clutch my heart for both pretty and monetary reasons, this dainty alphabet band is a (relatively) palatable $96. It has not budged from my finger for the past month, and though it becomes a problem when in contact with knitted sweaters, I continue to take my chances.

2012 Introspection

I know I'm super behind on this, but I just simply can't get on with the usual until I "look back" at 2012. My 2011 Introspective was one of the best things I've done for myself, because throughout the year I kept going back to that post to remind myself what I learned from the year before. I told myself I had to do one every year, so here goes:

I experienced so much change in 2012. For the first five months, I was a beauty intern at Vogue and was lucky enough to even have two published pieces on Vogue.com (here and here, if you wanted to take a peek). I also met my girl crush/idol Eva Chen, who gave me wonderful advice about everything from working at Vogue to career to life, really.

I graduated in May and moved to New York City in September. And if my exultations through my posts and social media accounts aren't apparent enough, I am absolutely head over heels in love with this city. I don't think I'll live here forever, but for now and (hopefully) for a few more years to come, this is where my heart will be.

Funny story! My roommate and I met each other on Craigslist. We were both in desperate situations and had to find whatever we could, but we ended up in a great neighborhood and a nice apartment and are now having the time of our lives. Everyone who knows us tell us they would never ever have paired us up to live together, but it works so well that she's now one of my best friends and confidantes. I was never really a big believer in soul mates, but now I am pretty sure she and I are meant for each other. The picture above is a good representation of how it's like living in our apartment. I love that girl.

I ended a 5-year relationship in November, and since then what I've been trying to do is make more friends and expose myself to new food, new adventures, new things, new people. I've been posting less recently because a huge part of me wants to take the time to relax and enjoy life outside the screen. For the past year, my daily schedule had Messy Wands stamped on it, and while I love it like it's my child, I have to say it's pretty liberating to actually feel like a girl in her early 20s.

That said, Messy Wands has grown too. I love the new lighting and new design, and I'm hoping to diversify content in 2013. I am still very thankful and grateful to each and every one of you who took the time to comment and give me ideas when I was in my rut. It seems that some of you would like to read lifestyle/fashion posts (feel free to share your thoughts below!). I can't promise that I wear very interesting things, but I do like other pretty things besides makeup, and I would love to share them with you moving forward.

People say some of biggest changes you'll go through in life is after high school and college graduation, and I guess they're right. For 2013, I would like to be proactive and reach for what I want, because if there's one thing I learned by now, it's that you won't get what you want if you don't ask/fight for it. Nicely, of course.

Have a good year ahead, lovelies!

A Year Of Faces

I thought of compiling my favorite looks throughout the year in one handy little post, but it just ended up being a lot of my face, so I realize this post may be a little narcissistic, but let's trudge on. It's kind of fun to see how my face changed throughout the year (or thankfully, didn't. Yes that clock has started ticking). I'll say my eyebrows looked fabulous in the beginning of the year, though. I wonder what I was doing then?

As much as possible, I tried to find photos previously unpublished. There may be some repeats, but I hope you enjoy!

February

Emulating Laura Mercier Spring

Paul & Joe Color Powder CS in Siamese, Please 

March

Guerlain Rouge G Garconne

Le Métier de Beauté Northern Lights

June

Le Métier de Beauté Pallid Incandescents

July

NARS Vent Glace and More

August

I don't think I ever posted this, but I like this particular blush placement and the nude lips. Now if only I knew what I used /cries

Lipstick Bandits: Sheer

How To Fake A Higher Nose

September

Le Métier de Beauté Nouvelle Vague

Didn't publish this Peter Som NYFW Fall 2012 runway recreation because I laughed at myself after.

I combed through the archives and couldn't find this, so here! I think this was taken the week I started having the urge to chop off my hair and I remember I wanted to have a photo of myself in waves before it was all gone. I was wearing literally only one product on my face/eyes/lips - Mistura 6-in-1 Beauty Solution. It worked, but it did make me look a little warmer than usual.

Clean Lines And Cat Eyes

Rouge Bunny Rouge Raw Silence

I did this look after I procured Chanel Notorious but for some reason never published it. I think it was a recreation of Vera Wang NYFW Fall 2012, but I cannot be sure anymore. Burberry Porcelain on lids, Notorious to contour!

Suqqu Kakitsubata and Paul & Joe Color Powder CS in Inseperables

October

Recreating Armani's Fall Campaign Look

Chanel Rouge Allure Rouge Noir #109

Burberry Lip Velvet in Military Red No. 310

Addiction Arabian Nights Makeup

November

3 Looks, 1 Palette: Ecrin 6 Couleurs 2 Place, Vendome

Tarte Liners Work As Shadows Too

Keira Knightley Harper's Bazaar Editorial Recreation

Dolce & Gabbana Ultra

MAC Grey Friday

Editorial: Copper + Blue

December

Suqqu EX-08 Hanamari and Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro #200 Terra

I hope you've enjoyed reading and found inspiration from Messy Wands throughout the year!