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Goofing Around with Cymera [Plasticizing Myself]

Over the weekend, my friend Carol posted “before” and “after” photos of herself using the smartphone photo app Cymera. Unlike most western photo editing apps, this Asian app (I’m pretty sure it originated in Korea, since its homepage is hosted by Cyworld) allows you to make numerous beauty edits, many of which are obviously catered for the Asian standards of beauty: large eyes, slim face, and clear, smooth skin, just to name a few.

cymera

Everyone — including myself — who commented on the photos said that she looks better in the “before” version. I added that apps like these must have contributed to the increase of ulzzang‘s (the second definition’s the most accurate) in the recent years.

Nonetheless, I was intrigued. I knew that apps like Cymera existed, and that they are quite popular in Asia. (Xiaxue openly admits to using apps like this to “photoshop” herself before posting them online.) However, I had never tried one out for myself. What’s more, Cymera has an English interface and is readily available in the Google Play Store and iTunes!

Here’s my first try at using Cymera. The effects I used were: Big Eyes, Slim (makes your face slimmer), Makeup (false lashes and blush), and Cover Spots (makes your face clearer and smoother).

cymera_before_after

My Pick for a Google Reader Replacement: AOL Reader

Before I begin, I should add a disclaimer that my husband works for AOL. More specifically, he works for a new R&D department at AOL that creates new apps which may be used internally or externally by the former-ISP-giant-turned-internet-publisher. (Many people don't realize that AOL owns some of the most popular blogs out there, like HuffPo, TechCrunch, and Engadget. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that even I asked, "Wait, AOL's still around?" when he was interviewing with them. :oops: ) You've probably deduced by now, by the title of this post and the first paragraph, that J's team is the one behind AOL Reader. :-) So it's safe to assume that I'm a bit biased. BUT. I still believe AOL Reader to be the best...

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Three New Product Raves

It's funny, because although Google Analytics tells me that the majority of my visitors are male, I get tons more comments from the fairer sex. (I guess commenting on blog posts is a form of social media, in which women are more likely to engage?) And I always get positive feedback on my beauty posts. So I've decided to cater to the more vocal readers of this blog by sharing with y'all some new — well, at least to me — beauty products I've been digging lately. :-) The best part? Two of the three are "dupes," or less expensive versions of high-end products. In fact, they have actually REPLACED former HG products of mine! First up is the Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner. Long-time readers...

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My 3 Minute Makeup Routine

Are you one of those people who likes to get decked out when you’re not feeling well (emotionally or physically)?

I know that I am, along with many of my girlfriends. Improving how I look on the outside really helps me feel better, whether I am recovering from a cold, having a woe-is-me moment, or even suffering from a raging hangover. 😉

This past year, being the primary caretaker of two kids — and thus often being afflicted with fatigue, frustration, and weariness — I have found myself putting on makeup more often than not.

And I’ve gotten pretty good at doing it quickly and efficiently, the whole routine within just 3 minutes. What’s more, the products I use have been tested by yours truly to last the entire day, so this routine is ideal for anyone who’s short on time, lazy, or both, like me. 😛

First, the before-and-after shots, so you can see the difference:

geek_in_heels_3_minute_makeup

Before I start slapping any makeup on my face, I cleanse with Shiseido Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam and moisturize with Philosophy Hope in a Jar. Just recently, I have also started to dab some Philosophy Total Matteness Mattifying Pore Eraser serum on my t-zone after moisturizing, and I love it! It’s been savior for my combination skin as the heat and humidity continues to rise. 🙂

(You will see that most of the products mentioned in this post were listed among my fav beauty products last year. And OOPS! I had forgotten to factor in the cleansing and moisturizing part of the routine in the total time — they would add another minute or two.)

Friday PicDump, 05.17.2013

A chaotic life and lack of inspiration does not make for a good blogger. Here’s some eye candy for those who are curious as to what C&A have been up to lately…

Last week, while taking a walk with the girls, I came across a small playground that seemed intent on being kept hidden. Located on an overlooked side street and tucked between two tall buildings, it’s large enough for basic playground equipment and picnic tables, but small enough to easily keep an eye on your kids whilst sitting down and taking a break.

totlot_swings

I also love that it’s guarded by a heavy gate, so I don’t need to worry about the kiddos running into the street. The crowd that visits is friendly, and perhaps the best part is that it’s a lot closer to our house than my previous favorite playground. Suffice it to say, we’ve been there a lot lately. 🙂