Seoul Finds

Cathy Cat Cat Eye Wonder Film Mascara (curling and...

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:05:00 -0500

Cathy Cat Cat Eye Wonder Film Mascara (curling and volume)

Watsons, Edae

Description: 우수한 발수력으로 오랜시간 흐트러집 없는 속눈썹을 유지해 주는 필름 타입의 컬링 & 볼륨 마스카라. 융점이 높은 hard wax 사용으로 water resistance 및 peel-off 능력 강화. 물에 대한 발수력이 강한 필름 형성게 사용으로 일상생활에서 번집을 최소화. Big size 소나무 브러쉬로 가볍에 쓸어 올려 처집없는 컬링과 깔끔한 불륨 효과 동시 부여.

Review: At first I thought the packaging of the cat-shaped mascara tube was weird. But, the more I look at it, the cuter I think it is. This mascara does what it says it will—volumize and curl. The mascara forms tubules along your lashes (sounds weird but it looks like mascara coating) wash off easily with water and doesn’t smudge due to the oil in your skin.

It was also on sale for 18,000 won plus buy one, get one free!

Heroine Make Kiss Me Long & Curl Mascara S (lengthening and...

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:02:00 -0500

Heroine Make Kiss Me Long & Curl Mascara S (lengthening and curling)

Watsons, Edae

Description: 슈퍼 롱업 섬유와 속눈썹 롱코팅제가 새롭게 함유되어 5배 길어지는 슈퍼 사이즈업 속눈썹 연출과 동시에 24시간 쳐짐 없이 깔끔하게 지속됩니다. 컬링 셋 폴리머 배합으로 뭉침없이 윤기있고 아찔한 속눈썹으로 장시간 유지해 줍니다. 눈물, 땀, 피지에 강한 멀티프루프 맛카라입니다. [This mascara newly includes super long fibers with long-lasting coating, that create super-sized eyelashes that are five times their previous length and, at the same time, cleanly endure without drooping for 24 hours. Combined with curling setting polymers, without crumpling, with gloss, dizzying eyelashes are maintained for hours.]

Review: I really like this mascara which does what it says—lengthens and curls. It applies smoothly and catches all the little eyelashes that are sometimes hard to reach with a too big or clunky-shaped mascara wand. It definitely gives a fluttery, natural look to my eyelashes and I like how it subtly brings attention to my bottom lashes. This mascara does not come off with water or soap, and must be removed with makeup remover.

Also, it was on sale for 15,000 won and came with a free pocket calendar!

SKIN79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm (whitening, UV...

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:18:00 -0500

SKIN79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm (whitening, UV protecting, SPF25 PA++, wrinkle improvement)

Olive Young, Hongdae

Description: It is 3 effects functional beblesh balm. By Adenosine and Arbutin ingredients which are effective in whitening, wrinkles improvement cultivate more bright and elastic skin. Intercept ultraviolet rays UV A and UV B at the same time and protect your skin exposed from the sun more thoroughly. Abundant nutrition of Gold and Caviar Extract cares skin intensively to make shiny, healthy skin. [sic]

Review: I really like this BB cream because it matches my skin tone and it absorbs well into my skin. As this one matches my skin tone, I can see an immediate brightening and lifting effect without it looking too unnatural. I really like how it just gives my skin a more awake look. But it doesn’t look or feel too thick. You press down on the top and it will press out a small drop or big drop depending on how much you press down (really you need less than you think). The description claims there are also gold and caviar extracts in this which make this a little more luxurious for your skin.

With BB creams, you just have to keep trying different kinds to see which one matches your skin tone and which one absorbs well into your skin.

Ariul Berry Vital Recharging Gel Mist with organic acai berry...

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:00:00 -0500

Ariul Berry Vital Recharging Gel Mist with organic acai berry extract

Watsons, Sinchon

Description: Feel the amazing strength of the Super Berry! Ariul Berry Vital Recharging Gel Mist freshen your skin with its moisture jellies, it provides moisturizing for the dry skin to be shine with vitality. [sic]

Review: Can you tell how much I loved this moisture mist? I almost used up the whole bottle before I got around to reviewing it. I got it on sale, and it’s actually currently on sale again. This mist’s unique feature is the little gel droplets in the liquid.

When you spray the mist, you can feel the liquid and little droplets of gel on your skin. Pat lightly and it immediately absorbs into your skin. The only thing that sort of put me off when I first started using at home was the strong berry scent (which I hadn’t detected at the store when trying it) but it fades with time or I got used to it.

Ariul Pore Vanish Clay Mask Watsons, Sinchon Description:...

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 02:45:00 -0500

Ariul Pore Vanish Clay Mask

Watsons, Sinchon

Description: Ariul’s Pore Vanish Line temporarily reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, helping to keep them purified, refined, and smooth. Rose fruit extracts help to even skin’s texture, refine pores, and regulate sebum production while significantly hydrating the skin and giving its vitality for refreshed and balanced skin.

Review: I definitely recommend this clay mask. The packaging is cute and it comes with a spoon to scoop out the clay which helps to keep your fingers and germs out of the pot. When you spread the clay on your skin, it has a really light, whipped, creamy texture which makes applying it very easy unlike other clay masks that I’ve tried. I did have to wait a little longer for it to dry because the texture feels a little more wet. It washes off easily and I was impressed at how clear my skin looked.

My pores really did vanish but the effect only lasts for about an hour or so.

This would be perfect for a date night. Apply the mask about an hour before you need to get ready and put your makeup on. Wash off. Moisturize and go on date as is. Or, immediately after moisturizing, apply makeup on your super clear skin.

(Stove-top) Baguette Parmigiana

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:58:37 -0500

Ingredients: leftover baguette slices, leftover tomato sauce, shredded gouda

Directions:

Step 1: In a hot pan, drizzle the baguette slices with olive oil (in my case, glob not drizzle). Flip the slices a couple of times until they get crispy on the outside and a little golden.

Step 2: After both sides are crispy, then spoon some tomato sauce on top (but not too thickly because it has to get warmed through for the cheese to melt).

Step 3: Sprinkle shredded gouda on top. Then, turn off the heat and cover for a few minutes or until melted.

Done!!

Kabocha Squash Soup

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 06:52:00 -0500

Ingredients: kabocha squash, onion, garlic, flour, butter, sage, parsley, salt, pepper, chicken stock, butter, cream, potato

Directions:

Step 1: Stick the kabocha squash into a roaster pot (or an oven), and cook until you can stick a knife into it.

Step 2: Remove the outer rind and seeds. Then smash the butternut squash through a strainer with a spoon. Just keep pressing until all of the butternut squash is collected into the bowl below.

Step 3: Add two pats of butter to a pan. Then add minced garlic and onion. Once the garlic and onion is translucent, add a couple of leaves of sage and parsley. Then add a heaping spoonful of flour, a little bit at a time. You want to add a little and mix until incorporated; then add a little and mix until incorporated.

Step 4: Add a splash of milk and mix until incorporated. Add a second splash of milk and mix until incorporated. Add a third splash of milk and mix until incorporated.

Step 5: Add half of the butternut squash and mix until incorporated with the rue. Add a half cup of chicken stock and mix until incorporated. Add another half cup of chicken stock and mix until incorporated. Add another half cup of chicken stock and mix until incorporated. (At this point, there is about 1.5-2 cups of chicken stock in the soup. If you like soup thinner, then add more chicken stock.)

Add a little bit of chopped baked potato.

Add a splash or two of cream.

Done!!

Mini Burritos

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 06:01:00 -0500

Ingredients: flour tortillas, taco meat (ground beef or beans, onions, garlic, mushrooms, taco seasoning), tomatoes, onions, cilantro, pepper, lemon, cheese, salt, pepper, cumin

Directions:

Step 1: Roughly chop tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and pepper. I try to have a 2:1 ratio of tomatoes to onions.

Step 2: Make pico de gallo. Put the tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and pepper in a bowl. Squeeze half a lemon in. Add salt, pepper, and cumin. Mix together.

Step 3: Saran wrap counter. Create assembly line of taco meat, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese.

Step 4: Put half the tortillas in a hot pan. It is easier to make the burritos with hot tortillas. Keep an eye on the tortillas and keep flipping to keep them from burning but to keep them warm.

Step 5: Take a hot tortilla (it should almost be too hot to touch and feel kind of melty in your hands.) Place a spoonful of taco meat, spoonful of pico de gallo, and a little bit of shredded cheese in the middle. Also, add a spoonful of sour cream to make this oozy and juicy (I live in South Korea where sour cream is extremely difficult to find—I went to two grocery stores and two department stores, and was not available—so, I didn’t use it. But, I highly recommend.)

Step 6: Fold up the sides and close, then saran wrap. Place all the saran wrapped burritos into a ziplock baggy and put in the freezer. When ready to eat, take a couple out to thaw. Put them in a heated pan and keep flipping until golden on both sides.

Eggrolls

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:37:00 -0500

Ingredients: egg roll wrappers, ground beef, ground pork, egg, carrots, onions, garlic, green onions, rice noodles, salt, pepper, soy sauce, grape seed oil

Directions:

Step 1: Mince the carrots, onions, garlic, and green onions. Break the rice noodles into small pieces, soak in hot water, and then squeeze out the excess water. Put the ground pork and ground beef into a large bowl in even portions. Whip an egg in a small bowl.

Step 2: Add the minced carrots, onions, garlic, green onions, and rice noodles with the pork and beef. Add a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, and a splash of soy sauce. Also, add about two spoonfuls of the whipped egg. Mix everything together until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Open up the eggroll wrappers and peel apart the wrappers carefully. The wrappers can dry easily, and your hands will be messy from the filling and sealing of them. So, have the wrappers ready to go. Lay out a long piece of foil to work on (in my case, I saran-wrapped my counter).

Step 4: Lay a wrapper out in a diamond shape. Put about a spoonful or two small spoonfuls about one third of the way from the bottom. Quickly dab the edges with egg.

Step 5: Fold the bottom towards the middle and seal. Fold the sides towards the middle and seal. Then, roll all the way up.

Step 6: Repeat. Until you have used up all the meat and wrappers. Put the eggrolls into the freezer for later as they freeze well. If you want to eat immediately, put them in the freezer for at least the time it takes for the oil in the pan to heat up, as it helps them to hold their shape and fry crispy.

Step 7: Add grape seed oil to the pan, and put the heat on low-medium. (If the heat is too high, the outside will burn and the inside won’t cook. If the heat is too low, it won’t cook well.) I turn the egg rolls over every couple of minutes, until golden on both sides, and until the egg rolls stops bubbling. Tap them on the side of the pan to shake out excess oil, and then let drain on paper towels.

Done!!

Spicy hot potato, pepper, onion, garlic dish

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:00:00 -0500

Ingredients: potatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, cayenne pepper, grape seed oil, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, salt, pepper, dashida

Directions:

Step 1: Peel and cut about two-three large potatoes into thin slices. Cut about four peppers into diagonal slices. Chop about four cloves of garlic and a fourth of an onion.

Step 2: Add grape seed oil to the pan, and put the heat on medium-high.

Step 3: Add a couple of shakes of cayenne pepper to the oil, and you should hear a sizzle. Then add the sliced potatoes. Keep stirring to keep the potatoes from burning and until the potatoes start to soften.

Step 4: Once the potatoes start to soften, add the onions. Then add a couple of shakes of salt and pepper; also, add about two small spoonfuls of soy sauce and a little drizzle of sesame seed oil.

Step 5: Once the onions and potatoes soften even more, add the green peppers and garlic. Also, optional, add dashida seasoning.

Keep stirring until potatoes are completely cooked.

Done!

Dr. Jart V7 Facial Mist Olive Young, Sinchon Description:...

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:57:00 -0500

Dr. Jart V7 Facial Mist

Olive Young, Sinchon

Description: “The water mist helps restore radiant and healthy skin with 7-vitamin complex and hydrating factors. Through the PIT emulsifying method, a micro water formula saturates into the skin deeply for all-day hydration. Vitamin water spray rehydrates skin suffering from harmful environmental factors and revives your skin to be fresh and vital.”

Review: I bought this because my skin is extremely dry and the description said it contains vitamins. I really like facial mists because I can spray one on my skin periodically throughout the day. But, I am always on the hunt for one I really like. I liked the Dr. Jart facial mist but I wouldn’t buy it again.

Makeup remover stick Too Cool For School, Edae Review: These are...

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:55:00 -0500

Makeup remover stick

Too Cool For School, Edae

Review: These are amazing multi-tasking cotton swabs. I used to use makeup remover swabs from Bare Escentuals, but the ones from Too Cool For School are so much more user friendly. With the Bare Escentuals makeup remover swabs, you have to break off the tip on one end and the makeup remover becomes absorbed at the other end. But, I could never really use the other tip because it just hung off the end.

With the Too Cool For School makeup remover swabs, you twist the tip off and, once the makeup remover becomes absorbed at the other end, you twist the tip back on. Then you can actually use both ends. So useful and the packaging is so cute!

Hobak Jeon

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 04:52:00 -0500

Ingredients: zucchini, flour, egg, salt

Directions:

Step 1: Cut the zucchini into thin slices. Lay them out and sprinkle with salt to draw out some moisture. Use a paper towel to dab off the moisture. Do the same for the other side.

Step 2: Add grape seed oil to the pan, and put the heat on low-medium. (If the heat is too high, the outside will burn and the inside won’t cook. If the heat is too low, it won’t cook well.)

Step 3: Coat the zucchini in flour and then egg. Once the pan is hot, place the zucchini into the pan.

Step 4: Once the bottoms don’t stick or is slightly bubbly, flip. Flip several times to keep from burning and to make sure the insides are cooked. But, I like my zucchini to have a soft crunch, so I cook only until the egg is slightly golden.

Step 5: Let drain on a paper plate and paper towels.

Done!

Round Gogi Jeon

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 04:32:00 -0500

Ingredients: egg, flour, minced carrots, minced green onions, minced garlic, minced onion, ground beef, seasoning (salt, pepper, soy sauce)

Directions:

Step 1: Put the ground beef, carrots, onions, green onions, and garlic in a bowl. Add a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, and add a splash of soy sauce. Mix everything together roughly. If necessary, add a tiny bit of egg to help hold everything together.

Step 2: Add grape seed oil to the pan, and put the heat on low-medium. (If the heat is too high, the outside will burn and the inside won’t cook. If the heat is too low, it won’t cook well.)

Step 3: Roll the ground beef mixture into little balls, and then flatten slightly. Coat in flour and then in egg. Once the pan is hot, place the flattened ball into the pan. (There should be a little sizzle. I also press a dent or two in the middle with my finger tips; when it is cooked, the flattened ball will plump and become round. Also, I can then add some drops of egg into the little dents.)

Step 4: Once you see the bottoms start to bubble, flip. Flip a couple of times to keep from burning and to make sure the insides are cooked.

Step 5: Let drain on a paper plate and paper towels.

Done!

Tear Eyeliner (glitter eyeliner) Etude House, Edae Review: Love...

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:16:00 -0500

Tear Eyeliner (glitter eyeliner)

Etude House, Edae

Review: Love this glitter eyeliner. The glitter is very fine so it applies smoothly and looks really pretty. It is glittery, so, to refine the effect, I dab it on in tiny dots along my lower lashline as opposed to drawing a line.

Iope Foundation Compact Watson, Edae Review: Best foundation I...

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 23:55:00 -0500

Iope Foundation Compact

Watson, Edae

Review: Best foundation I have ever tried. I don’t like wearing makeup because it always feels so heavy on my skin. I was actually turned off by the appearance of the foundation compact because of the sponge. However, this is an amazing foundation. The foundation is a liquid that is held in the sponge in the middle. With the round pad, you dab onto the sponge very lightly and then just lightly dab all over the face. This gives a super light coverage (which is buildable) and, though it is light, it helps to even out the appearance of my skin without feeling like there is something heavy on my skin.

How to use: (1) Using the round pad, dab onto the sponge very lightly. (2) Dab lightly all over the face until desired coverage obtained.

Fruit Bingsoo, Paris Baguette - so good and so pretty! Royal...

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 23:33:33 -0500

Fruit Bingsoo, Paris Baguette - so good and so pretty!

Royal Pudding Jelly, Paris Baguette - so addictive!

참외, Chamoe (Korean melon) When these come out, I know summer...

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 01:07:46 -0400

참외, Chamoe (Korean melon)

When these come out, I know summer has arrived!!

Ehwa Womans University

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 05:54:36 -0400

Ehwa Womans University

Chicken fajita salad On The Border, Sinchon

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 05:52:40 -0400

Chicken fajita salad

On The Border, Sinchon