ETUDE HOUSE Haul ♡

Etude House is a Korean beauty store, its products ranges from cosmetics to beauty remedies, such as: BB cream, mascaras, fragrance, face masks.... the list is endless! It is the ultimate make-up beauty heaven. I highly highly recommend this store and if you have the opportunity to visit Asia and this store is available, then you must visit!

I went to Etude House in Hong Kong, the store is so beautiful and very attractive even from a distant. The only factor I dislike is the price; the price is doubled or tripled in Hong Kong. I have to visit Korea and stock up!

The first store I visited, overload with people. It was impossible to even look at a product.

Therefore, I visited another Etude House another day in the earlier hours of the day and may have bought a few items....

I bought: 

- AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser 

- AC Clinic Daily Toner 

- Happy Teatime Green Tea Cleansing Tissue

- Facial Sheet Masks: 2x Red Ginseng, Pearl Extract and Promegranate

- Lash Perm Eye-Long Mascara 

- 3 Step Volumecara Mascara 

Also a free gift was given - Mascara Remover, Wonder Pore & Magic bubble O2 Water Peeling Pack.

(Some products I've listed are not in the photo because I have used it.)

I am currently towards the end of my final A-level exams, good luck everyone.
Let me know if your favourite products from Etude House!

♡

REVIEW: K Drama | Dream High

The feeling of finishing a drama then immediately wanting to write a review is how I feel, this shows how passionate I am about this drama. Initially watching the first episode I wasn't interested however I continued to watch the second episode and I was hooked soon after. Firstly, the drama's main characters are all well known Korean actors and actresses which is why I started watching from the beginning. After watching Moon Embraces The Sun I didn't think I could yet move on to another K drama.

The story: 

The main plot is about the 6 teenagers aiming to be k pop idols however of course in a drama nothing goes smoothly, the main character Suzy (Miss A) as Go Hye-Mi in this is a daughter from a wealthy family however due to her father business gone bankrupt leading him to fled the country, she had to look after herself and her sister. Her father has accumulated huge debt with a loan shark, with the disappearance of Hye-Mi's father left the loan shark to resort to force Hye-Mi to pay back the loan. In order to pay back the loan she aim to be debut as a K pop idol.... 

Here is a summary of the drama, I recommend you to watch the drama before continue reading. 

Thoughts: 

1. I really enjoyed this drama from the start till end. The drama made me smile a lot and during 12th episode it made my eyes filled with tears. 

2. I really enjoyed all the characters, I love Suzy playing Go Hye-Mi, I think she really suited the role. Also IU is so adorable in this, I want to see another drama that she is in. 

3. Two of 2PM members in the drama is daebak. If you are a fan of both Taecyeon and Wooyoung then you won't be disappointed. 

4. I really ship IU and Wooyoung in this drama, the relationship is so adorable. I wanted to see more scenes of them two. 

5. Kim Soo-Hyun as Song Sam-Dong, he is the one who makes my cry in this drama. He is my favourite actor at the moment. I am really want to see another drama that he is in. Any suggestions? 

6. Finally, I loved the ending. Sometimes I like the ending to be sad to be less fictional however I was so happy it was a happy ending. Also that Go Hye-Mi chosen Song Sam-Dong at the end. 

Overall, it's a 9/10 drama. I highly recommend it, if you enjoy a rom com then you should enjoy this. I was addicted to this drama and finished it in four days. I am very impatient when it comes to watching dramas. I initially promised myself only watching one episode a day but I broke that promise the next hour of making it

. 

I have honestly fallen for Kim Soo-Hyun after watching two drama of his and watching him on Running Man. He is so adorable and is a very talented actor. I will definitely watch another dramas of his. 

♡ 

Hong Kong : 01/04-11/04 2013

Green tea frappuccino - waiting for our appointment in Wan Chai for our HK ID renewal. 

Red taxi

I wanted to buy one - less than a £1.

A little early night snack (Jet lag) - sushi, buns & green tea.

Hong Kong night view.

Who can spot the durian? I could smell it from streets away!

Look how tall the buildings are in HK!

@ Tsim Sha Tsui

My final night in Mong Kok. 

A mini re-cap of my trip to Hong Kong with my sister, I enjoyed Hong Kong so much this trip that I actually want to immigrate there! As Hong Kong is where I am from; I would like to experience the life style that I could have lived. The life in Hong Kong is quite up pace but I like that energy and warm weather it has. Though during my trip the weather was gloomy most days, the temperature always exceed 20 Celsius. Unlike the UK, at the time it was snowing! I am not a cold weather fan!

A little peek of Hong Kong of those who never travelled there. Definitely a tourist hot spot, I would highly recommend this place, though I maybe bias.

More Hong Kong related posts will be posted soon, I promise!

Much love

♡

Product Trial | Proactiv Solution - WEEK 6

This photo, you will be able to see that my forehead has improved significantly, the spots are less red and there are fewer new spots.

To see my progress:
Beginning
Week 1
Week 2 

Week 3 

Week 4

Week 5

Thank you for reading. 

x 

Product Trial | Proactiv Solution - WEEK 5

I do have eye lid tape on in this photo to even out my eye lids. Also I apologize this photo lighting is not great. 

Week 6 will be up tomorrow, I am now getting back into schedule, thank you for bearing with me. 

To see my progress:

Beginning

Week 1

Week 2 

Week 3 

Week 4

x

Product Trial | Proactiv Solution - WEEK 4

I can see my skin improving every single week, my forehead acne was flaming red but now it has calmed down and I can see that it is scarring but the scar will lighten gradually.

Sorry, that my Proactiv skin updates have been late recently, the posts will be back on schedule very soon.

To see my progress:

Beginning
Week 1
Week 2 

Week 3 

x 

What's in my travel make-up bag?

As I am still currently away in Hong Kong, I thought it'd be interesting for you to know what make-up I bring whilst I am away. I have to state that most products are similar to my daily make-up however a few products has been added into the make-up bag.

Make-up bag:

Louis Vuitton collection

Brushes:   

 RealTechniques - blush brush

 RealTechniques - powder brush

 RealTechniques - expert face brush (foundation)

Topshop - Powder Kabuki brush 

The Body Shop - Lip/concealer brush (eye liner + eye brow filler brush)

Make-up:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - Shade 57

M.A.C Mineralize Skin finish natural -Shade medium

Topshop Bronzer - Radiance 2 

M.A.C blush - Peaches 

L'OREAL Paris Mascara- False Lash Flutter 

Topshop Liner - Etch (eyebrow filler + eye liner)

Lush Lip Scrub - Popcorn flavour 

Burt's Bees lip balm - Mint flavour 

Topshop Lip stick - Desert 

Enjoy your spring break!
♡

My Daily Make-up

My make-up routine has been consistent, I have used all the products for almost a year or more and have re-purchased a few items; I am satisfied with the finish it gives however I think there are better products out in the market but yet I have not found it. I am still on the hunt for better alternatives.

M.A.C Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation 

M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural 

Sleek Contour Kit OR Topshop Bronzer Radiance 2 

M.A.C Blush - Peaches 

Topshop Eyeliner - Etch 

 (eyebrows filler)

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

 (eye liner)

Topshop Eyelash Extender Mascara 

Topshop Lipstick - Desert

------------------------

Just by glancing at the make-up products I use on a daily basis you will be able to have a feeling that my favourite brands are Topshop and M.A.C. Once I like a few products of a brand, I tend to stick with that brand, I have to admit I am quite conservative with my make-up. Nevertheless I am willing to try new make-up products. 

My skin is prone to acne and scars, also it is oily + dry. Therefore it is difficult to find a product that won't irritate my skin and not make my face look 'oily'. Another problem is that my face is lighter than my neck meaning I would have to buy foundation colours that matches my neck. I  do  not have the 'perfect' skin which I am fully aware so I rather invest more money into trying to heal my skin, that is why my make-up routine will most likely last till the product is empty and used to the last grain or drip.

Thank you for reading.

♡

First Thought | Wahaca Restaurant - Mexican Market Eating

My first Wahaca experience....

I really like the concept of ordering the street food section, you choose an approximate 2-3 mini dishes per person and share! There are a variety to choose from: Tacos, Tostadas, Taquitos, and Quesadillas. As you can see we have chosen a mixture. Next time I want to try  their burritos and a mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail)! In terms of taste, I think the flavours were not as exotic as I thought it would be, definitely splash their hot sauce onto your meal if you like that zing! I will definitely return for more as it is quite a creative restaurant!

♡

INSTAGRAM - MARCH 2013

Quite a few snaps this month, flew half way round the world to Hong Kong yesterday so there will be plenty of Hong Kong snaps to see in my monthly instagram snaps here on my blog!

@mchoilai

 ♡

Product Trial | Proactiv Solution - WEEK 3

I honestly see significant improvement in my skin in comparison to the previous weeks, though a few new spots would appear, the existing spots are slowly healing.

You can compare my skin to the previous weeks:

At the beginning
Week 1 

Week 2 

TOURIST IN LONDON

If you are not wanting to go sight seeing but have a London style retail therapy and a roam around then continue reading this post. Here's a little insight of where I usually roam around in London.

My German friend, Kimberly visited London and kindly asked me to take her to a few of my most visit locations.

Gigantic snicker bar found in Selfridges and a cheeky meal at Wagamamas.

A mini haul: High Waisted Shorts - RI, Lace Top - Forever 21, Tangle Teezer - Selfridges.

Where I recommend?

1. Beak Street - Year Zero London (Korean Kpop star's favourite London store... G-dragon)

2. Carnaby Street - Monki, Cheap Monday and David & Golliath 

3. Oxford Street - Topshop, Forever 21, Zara, Selfridges, Primark, River Island and Pull & Bear ETC

4. New Bond Street - Victoria Secret 

5. Westfield - Stratford (Olympic arena) and White City. Many restaurants, high end and high street stores

6. China Town - Not every country has an Asian culture insight, definitely try an egg tart if you have never had one before. 

7. Regent Street - High end stores - Burberry, Armani, and Levi ETC

8. Covent Garden - French connection, Muji, Jack Wills ETC and many restaurants

Oh.. and Nandos if you love chicken! This restaurant is dotted around London!

Thank you for reading and happy shopping!
 ♡

Product Trial | Proactiv Solution - WEEK 2

I found the best lighting to take these weekly shots, early in the morning I cleansed my face and took this photo soon after. This is the true image of my skin.

I feel my skin is improving, the right side of my face (left side on the screen) acne area is decreasing  however I cannot see major improvements on my forehead, the redness is reduced. At the moment, the weekly reviews are fluctuating.
I'm trying to drink as much water as I can and also do some home exercise for about 5-10 minutes to get my heart pumping. I am desperate for the sun and warm weather to return so I can go jogging again!

To see previous weeks:

 START

 WEEK 1 

Product Trial | Proactiv Solution - WEEK 1

Prepare your eyes for my naked skin... 

--------

If you have not read the Proactiv post, I suggest you to read it first before continuing.

I do not feel there is any improvement yet, I will give the product time to work on my skin. However, I do feel that my skin is quite dry in patches and parts are peeling due to the acid contained in the product. Due to this I will reduce the usage by only using it once a day.

 ♡

Product Trial | Proactiv Solution - Daily Cleansing For Acne-Prone Skin Blemishes Spots

Proactiv claims the product will help to prevent breakouts in three simple steps; the product should  cleanse the skin, help unclog pores and target the leading causes of breakouts. Also the product claims there will be DRAMATIC RESULTS IN WEEKS. Therefore I'd like to try this product and see if my skin will be clearer.

History of my skin: I have always had acne-prone skin since the age of twelve due to puberty. Over the years my skin has improved however it is scarred. Though my skin has improved, currently my forehead has been breaking out which is new to me as I never have had acne on my forehead. Usually it's on my temples, in between my eyebrows, and on the skin of both side of my nose. 

Other solutions to prevent breakouts: Firstly, in order to help my skin improve, I will continue to drink as many glass of water or green tea as the fluid will flush out all the toxins. Secondly, I will be joining the gym, to exercise which will help the skin greatly. I have stopped running as the winter season approached but that is no excuse, gym will have to be the solution. Finally, a healthy diet is needed, I personally don't eat many unhealthy food, I found a website which explains in detail for food tips, click here. 

Bear your eyes for a horrid photo of my naked skin. 

My skins current condition: (Thursday 7th March)

I have to apologize for the photo quality, I don't think it shows how my skin truly is, it makes my skin looks better than in life. 

I will give you a weekly update of my skin condition. We'll see if there are any improvements. 

Thank you for reading.

xxx

Boots Drugstore | Haul

It is that time of the year when products needs to be changed because my skin condition is changing due to the weather, I'd like to share what I've bought:

My favourite lip balm - I decided to buy the gift set since it comes in 3 different flavours and a pretty tin is included.
1. Original Mint   2. Mango Butter   3. Acai Berry

Products:

• Baby Soft Cloth Wipes
• Use as a make-up remover and to clean my hands when I'm out.

• Baby Extra Large Cotton Wool Pads
• For my toners, the pads are easier to work with as it's so big.

• Protiv - Daily Cleansing for Acne-Prone Skin Blemishes Spot 
•  I cannot wait to begin this set, my skin is at the stage where new spots are appearing frequently. I hope this product will work as it costs £40, I will make another blog post dedicated to this product; I'll test out the product and we'll see if my skin has improved or worsened. 

•  Garnier Fresh Essentials 24hr* Hydrating day cream - enriched with grape water 
• It claims the grape water used in this product contains vitamin E, this means it has anti-oxidant properties, and the formula hydrates and helps to protect the skin.  I am intrigued to use this product due to the grape water ingredient added.
•  Burt's Bees lip balm set
• My favourite lip balm, I highly recommend this; I can honestly feel the difference due to this product. 

Thank you for reading, if you have any products that you recommend, leave a comment below! 

♡

25 Facts About Me

Now, I have seen this "25 Facts About Me" posts circulating on Youtube and blogs, I'd like to join in this fun post!

1. My blog is called 'mchoilai', this is because my Chinese name is Choi Lai & it's my middle name.

2. My current favourite snack food is frozen yogurt; the thought of it makes my mouth water.
(Shame I'd have to travel to London to get a pot!) :(

3. I only really like to eat bananas that are VERY green.

4. When I'm home alone, I speak to myself because the house is too quiet. :(

5. I'm a summer person, when the sun is out I am out!

6. I have always had this theory that Asian and White mixed race are the most attractive people.

7. Nice collar bones really attracts me, some people like hands and eyes. Nope, collar bones... Taylor Lautner.

8. My current male celebrity crush is Kwon Ji Yong - G-Dragon. 

9. My elbows are double jointed.

10. If I can move away from England, I'd choose to live in Los Angeles, California.

11. I drink at least 5 mugs of green tea a day - addicted. 

12. My favourite lipstick colour is Topshop - Desert.

13. I swear by Burt's Bees - Beewax Lip Balm. 

14. I have a dual nationality, I can live in the UK or Hong Kong. 

15. I have an addiction with spiked shoes.

16. I want to dye my hair to a light brown but I don't think it'd suit me.

17. I kind of have OCD with the my room layout and where everything is placed.

18. I always liked the name Ivy or Summer; I have always wanted to change my name to either names.

19. One of my pet peeves are people who smack their jaws whilst eating. (My sister)

20. My skin has been prone to acne since the age of 12 when puberty hit. :'(

21. I want either/both a Pomeranian or Great Dane.

Cuteness overload here.

22. I am slightly obsessed with BIGBANG.

23. I would like to learn to speak Korean, but first be comfortable with English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

24. I think Shia Labeouf is attractive, there is something about him!

25. As this is the 25th fact, my birthday is on the 25th February, I passed my driving test on the 25th July & it's my lucky number!

-----

Thank you all for reading my post on my "25 Facts About Me", I hope you enjoyed reading this and not finding me too weird; as I have only vested more time into my blog this year, I thought this post is a little more personal and you get  a touch of my personality + likes.  ♡

INSTAGRAM - FEBRUARY 2013

More and more Insta snaps, cannot wait for my Instagram wall! I'll show you the finish once it is done. 

Cannot believe March has swept by this quickly! 

Keep your eyes peeled for more snaps. 

@mchoilai

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY TO ME ♡

I want this to be a time to say 'Thank you' to my family and friends, I truly appreciate them being here for me, loving and caring for me. I think birthdays should not be as materialistic as it is today but it should be a time to say 'Thank you'.
I'm 18 now which means I am legally classed as a young adult; I am no longer a child. I definitely have to thank my parents for bringing me up and being such loving as they are, we all have our quarrels but I still love them through the most happiest and sadest part of life.

♡ I remember my mum would organise a small gathering every year for my birthday with all my Chinese friends.
♡ My dad pronouce 'birthday' as 'bothuday'... he would sing 'Happy bothuday'to me every year - makes me chuckle.
♡ My sister, you are my bestest friend that I can have ever chosen. 

Today, Monday 25th February 2013. I spent my birthday as another normal day. I do not want to hold a gathering or a meal this year on this day because I want to spend my time with my family, because they work I rarely see them throughout the day and night. I want them to find me at home so we can talk as often as we can, also I liked that my birthday was relaxing. I like to disconnect myself for some time because that is the best time to relax and pamper yourself.

REVIEW: The Moon That Embraces The Sun

Firstly, I have to begin by praising this drama; I cannot believe the numerous times I have cried for certain scenes, this drama is incredibly moving. I would definitely recommend this drama to those who aren't afraid to cry for a fictional story.
I understand I am behind the hype and have forgone the moment when all were captivated by this drama, but I believe all The Moon That Embraces The Sun fans will still be able to recollect their memories of this drama and share their thoughts with me here.

Some of my favourite scenes ♡

The Story: It tells a love story between Crown King Lee Hwon and Heo Yeon-Woo. They met by fate during the civil service examinations congratulatory ceremony. Their love blossomed since the first day they met. Later Yeon-Woo became the crown Princess as both Lee Hwon and Yeon-Woo wished.  However, the darkness of this story begins early....
I will leave you to finish the story. I guarantee you would feel wanting to watch episode after episode just by the first few scenes.
If you have not seen the drama yet, please stop reading as there would be many spoilers discussed hereafter.
Tip: put a box of tissue in reaching distance before you start watching. ;)

My Thoughts...

• The young actors and actresses began the story so well, especially Yeo Jin-goo and Kim Yoo-jung. In my heart, I did not want the adult actors and actresses to replace them later on in the story. However, the adult actors has connected with their character as well as the young actors had. 
• One of my favourite characters of this drama is the king's personal servant. I adored the King Lee Hwon and his relationship. I enjoyed watching the king punishing him, and the face he would pull after.  It greatly amused me, especially when the king told him to make a snowman. 
• I knew the king's half brother, prince Yang-myung would not betray his brother in the scene of the minister's rebellion. I did have sympathy for him that he did not know the previous king, his dad does love him and he loved Yeon-woo but couldn't obtain her love.
• I still do not understand the reason for Prince Yang-myung to die, he said he has to die because he did not want to cause trouble to his majesty. Is he the other sun?
• Queen Yoon Bo-kyung, I had sympathy for her. She just wanted the king to love her. I did not think she was the villain of this story. However, her younger self, when she was a playmate of Princess Min Hwa, it seemed she was very evil. 
• King Lee Hwon gave Yeon-woo the other hair piece that comes as a pair in the political debate room.... I cried. Very touching.
• Seol died protecting her young majesty. That scene was moving, I did cry indeed. 
• Prince Yang-myung and Yeon-Woo scenes are adorable, when he would flick her forehead and jokingly tell her she is ugly. 
• I'm glad there was a happy ending to Princess Min Hwa as I don't think she deserves to be punished for long, she was innocently tricked by her grandmother. 

My Favourite scene:

It definitely has to be when the fifteen year old crown King Lee Hwon met the thirteen year old Yeon-woo. I had to re-watch that scene immediately once I've finished the drama. That scene is the scene where the love blossomed, and I liked that the love was as strong as eight years ago when they met. It was truly touching. 

There are many scenes that I love watching that has touched my heart but it cannot beat the first scene when they met, what is your favourite scene?

I can put my hand on my heart and confess that I have cried uncountable amount of times during this drama, you would be lying if you haven't cried once watching it. The scene where the crown king was watching Yeon-woo being taken out of the secret moon pavilion due to her sickness made tears spill like a tap from my eyes.

No doubt this is a 10/10 drama.

Finally, thank you Jung Eun-gwol for writing this novel.

I would definitely watch this drama again. Maybe a few months later? I am in love with this drama.

If you have any dramas that is as DAEBAK as The Moon That Embraces The Sun, please recommend it to me.  ♡

Creams Cafe.

I have heard wonders about Creams Cafe, I am a foodie; I love exploring food that I have never tried before. I am willing to try any recommendations. That is why I had to visit this new hyped place, Creams Cafe. 

If you do not know what Creams Cafe is, it is a dessert bar. I walked in and it immediately reminded me of an American styled diner: leather seats and tables, flashing disco ball, and music blasting!
Here, they sell ice creams, sundaes, waffles, crepe pancakes, and milkshakes. If you have a VERY sweet tooth, this is your place to be!

I ordered the Nutella waffle with ice cream and crushed oreos on top. (Personally, I thought it was too much)

Before you do go to Creams, you have to know:
1. Only have a small meal beforehand
2. The portions are very generous, don't over order
3. Prices are mediocre - Waffles and a bottle of coke came to £7

I would definitely return for another sugar craving adventure. I have to try one of their huge ice creams, there are a range of flavours to select from.

If you have any 'must visit' restaurants, bars or markets, please leave recommendations in the comment section below!

HAUL ¦ Topshop + Forever 21 ♡

- Sunday 17th February 2013 

- Oxford Street, London 

A few cheeky snaps for you in the changing rooms

Topshop 

* GREY Roll Back Crop Tee - £10

* BLACK Roll Back Crop Tee - £10

* ACID Joni Jeans - £36

I heard Joni Jeans in Topshop are very good replicates of AA Easy Jeans; I have always wanted a pair of soft high waisted jeans. This pair is perfect, I am hunting for a darker colour that is currently not in the range. The jeans really hugs my legs and creates a slimmer illusion, it also gives me a flattering bottom. My favourite piece that I have bought. 

.

FOREVER 21

* BLACK & CREAM Stripe shoulder cut out blouse - £18.75

This blouse stood out from the other items, Forever 21 is a hit or miss store for me. I only found this blouse that I particurlarly liked. I envisioned myself wearing this piece with a pair of leggings and heels for a night out, a simple night look with the comfort factor.

Thank you for reading,

this is a small haul.
If you find any good buys. Leave a comment below + share.

xxx