A week in advance: picking your makeup

1. You’ll want to spice up your day-to-day routine with some special occasion makeup for prom, but without going over the top. False eyelashes will help your eyes pop, and highlighter will give your face a glow in the pictures. That’s a better option than disco ball glitter—you’re going to a formal dance, not a nightclub.
2. Pick your colors wisely. People tend to pick eye shadow that matches their dresses, but that often results in an overload of one color. Instead, pick a color that complements your dress. If you’re wearing red, try a gold or light purple shadow. If you’re wearing blue, give frosty whites or light grays a shot. Consider your eye shadow another part of your outfit—you would never wear red pants with a red top, would you?
3. Go with the good quality stuff. You want your makeup to still be fresh when you’re taking all your pictures, especially after you’ve danced the night away. Don’t worry, high quality doesn’t always mean expensive—drugstore brands Wet n’ Wild and NYX both have great pigmented eye shadows that have excellent staying power when used with a base.
4. Practice makes perfect. Give yourself a run-through day and make sure you actually know what you’re doing. Besides troubleshooting, this also helps you get a good estimate of how long it’ll take you to get ready, so you can better plan your schedule the day of prom.

The night of prom: applying your makeup

1. Start early and be prepared for mini-disasters. Give yourself plenty of cushion time to fix any smudges or start over if necessary. I suggest adding an extra half hour to however long your run-through took. The worst thing to do is panic because you don’t have enough time. It might help to keep makeup remover and cotton swabs on hand, just in case.
2. Get rid of extra oil. Remember that you’re up for a night of pictures and dancing—you want to do whatever you can to keep your face looking fresh. Use a mattifying primer under your foundation and a blotting powder over it. Hint: layering your powder blush on top of a cream blush elongates lasting power.
3. Pack your purse for any emergencies. Bring oil-blotting sheets that you can easily whip out before pictures. Q-tips dipped in makeup remover are also useful to take with you. Let them dry first and pack them, then moisten with some water if you need a quick fix for smudgy mascara or lipstick.

When you get home: removing your makeup

All that makeup and sweat can’t be good for your skin, and the last thing you want is to pass out from exhaustion without taking it all off. Be sure to remove everything, including eyelash glue, which can be a pain the next morning. If face wash alone isn’t enough, use a makeup-removing toner or wipes. If you still have the energy, put on an overnight mask, which will help rejuvenate your skin.

Product Suggestions:

1. False Eyelashes: Ardell Strip Lashes ($4)
2. Wet n Wild Color Icon Single Eyeshadow ($2), NYX Single Eyeshadow ($5.50)
3. Eyeshadow Base: E.L.F Mineral Eyeshadow Primer ($3), Urban Decay Primer Potion ($18)
4. Mattifying Primer: Make Up Forever All Mat primer ($45)
5. Blotting Powder: Mac Blot Powder ($23)
6. Cream Blush: Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick ($19), Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush ($7)
7. Makeup Removing Towelettes: Pond’s Clean Sweep Towelettes ($5)
8. Overnight Mask: The Face Shop Raspberry Sleeping Pack ($10-$13), local Chinatown and Koreatown stores

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As we near the harshest months of winter, all we want to do is to stay inside with our warm blankets and hibernate. Unfortunately, with classes or work, we’re forced to go out into the brutal conditions and deal with it. To help you get through the cold days, our staff compiled a list of useful tips for surviving the winter days.

Photo Courtesy Steph Wu

Photo Courtesy Christine Wei

Photo Courtesy Joe Gray, Flickr

Photo Courtesy Umami, Flickr.

Photo Courtesy Neeta Lind, Flickr.

Photo Courtesy Vicky TGAW, Flickr.

Photo Courtesy Elanaspantry.com.

Photo Courtesy FotoosVanRobin, Flickr

Photo Courtesy Edtechie99, Flickr

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Courtesy Brandie Raasch

Making an itinerary

Although it might seem basic, making a detailed and precise itinerary is incredibly important. Make a plan that caters to your interests to get the most out of your trip. If you have a sweet tooth, for example, stop by Brussels for its amazing chocolatiers. To indulge your inner shopaholic, hit up Parisian flea markets and Florence’s artisan shops. Or for a rich but calmer culture of music, art and history, visit parts of Eastern Europe.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to do, you’ll be more prepared to tackle the when and the how. Where are you going first? How are you getting from place to place? Do some prior research on trains, planes and ferries online to get the exact prices, locations and times. (See “Getting Around” below for tips).

Saving up

Even if you don’t have all the details planned out, thinking seriously about what you want to do and where you want to go will help you estimate your expenses. For such a big trip, you should start saving up months—even a year—before your trip for an ideal experience. Remember, you’ll have to spend about $100 to apply for a passport if you don’t already have one. To cut costs, consider using travel agencies like AAA to score some discounts. It’s always a good idea to overestimate expenses, as running low on money abroad would be especially tricky.

Packing tips

You probably already know less is more when it comes to packing—and this is true when you’re backpacking. You’ll start regretting your 20 pounds of clothes after a short week, if not before. If it’s space you’re struggling with, try packing your belongings in separate sacks or smaller bags within your backpack. It’ll be easier to keep everything more organized, which will then make it easier to stuff it all in.

Since backpacking trips don’t always afford many amenities like laundry, bring clothes that are stain resistant and easy to match. Odor absorbers that help keep your clothes smelling fresh can come in handy too. In addition to the basics—toiletries, first aid and sewing kits—calling cards are also very useful when traveling abroad. If you’re staying in hostels, you will want to bring your own sheet and pillowcase as well as luggage locks.

What you’re carrying all of this in is important too—make sure you invest in a backpack that’s truly comfortable and won’t hurt your back. It’s best to get one in person instead of relying on online reviews, because you’ll be stuck with this bag for the whole trip.

Getting Around

The best means of transportation will differ with every trip, but Europe has many cheap airlines for domestic flights, such as Ryanair and EasyJet. These airlines will sometimes fly into a smaller airport outside the city, so make sure to figure out how to get to your hostel. Trains are a great option as well, but they’re not always cheaper, so make sure you are getting a good deal. Overnight trains are a good way to travel and can save you from having to pay an extra night for your accommodations. The Eurail, which has routes throughout Europe, is a good resource, but each country has their own train websites as well.

Places to Stay

If you’re lucky enough to have friends and family who will give you places to stay, take them up on it. Otherwise, hostels, the most common choice when backpacking, are dirt cheap and convenient—so reserve your beds beforehand. One drawback: hostels are unbelievably loud. Light sleepers should either bring ear plugs or lots of caffeine.

Needless to say, hotels are more expensive, but you can try to cut costs with mileage and credit card rewards. Even if you can’t save much, the amenities are worth it; take advantage of the clean sheets, private bathroom, laundry facilities and, if offered, complimentary breakfast. You should also try to sleep when provided with nicer beds in a more peaceful environment.

Safety

Few young backpackers run into truly dangerous situations, but you should keep in mind some general safety rules. Most importantly, always be alert. This is a no-brainer, but you’ll stick out like a sore thumb as a backpacker. Being aware of your surroundings will be all the more important. As always, try not to walk around by yourself—even during the day. Backpacking with friends is a lot more fun than flying solo, anyway.

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­­­North America

If you’re in Boston, mingle with Red Sox fanatics at Bleacher Bar, which has an awesome direct view of Fenway Park. For a quick bite to eat, grab Boston-exclusive burritos at Anna’s Taqueria (hint: know exactly what you want before you order). Consider visiting on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday in April, when many businesses close and New Englanders head to the streets, rain or shine, to cheer on marathon runners from the minute they wake up.  — ANGELA LEE

In Columbus, make sure you head to the Short North for independent boutique stores and to Jeni’s Ice Creams for unique flavor combos like sweet corn with black raspberry. Or, the Topiary Garden is perfect for having a relaxing picnic and admiring a shrubbery interpretation of Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” On the first Saturday of the month, you can browse galleries and boutiques until 10 p.m. at the Gallery Hop. — BRANDIE RAASCH

When visiting Honolulu, make you sure you stop by Leonard’s ­Bakery and order a malasada, a delicious donut-like treat covered in sugar. The north shore of Oahu also boasts beautiful, less traveled beaches far better than the tourist crowded Waikiki Beach. While there, don’t forget to stop by a Kahuku shrimp truck for some ono, delicious freshly-caught shrimp. — JASMINE AKO

Houston boasts a sprawling Galleria mall, but for a unique shopping experience, visit the boutiques and thrift stores in the Montrose neighborhood. The Guild Shop is the best of the bunch, with its great selection of jewelry. While in the area, see incredible art cars from the annual Art Car Parade at the Art Car Museum. For fuel, enjoy burritos at Mission Burritos, burgers at Stanton’s City Bites or cake at Empire Cafe (half price on Mondays). — KEILA FONG

Make sure you grab a bite to eat at Baguette Box in Fremont and Capitol Hill when you visit Seattle. To get around, use the Sound Transit light rail and the Seattle Monorail to avoid the horrible traffic. Scope out the underground music scene, where greats such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains got their bearings. Venues to check out include Chop Suey, Neumos and the Moore Theatre. — VIVIAN LUU

In St. Louis, meat lovers can revel in the Midwestern tradition of barbeque at Pappy’s. For those with a sweet tooth, World’s Fair Donuts boasts all kinds of fluffy goodness–arguably the best in the city–though its fruit pies are also local favorites. And while most people head to the free art and history museums in Forest Park, the City Museum, actually a giant playground and architectural marvel, is much more stimulating. — CHRISTINE WEI

For some Vancouver-style shopping, head to Gravity Pope, a local favorite known for their extensive selection of footwear with an array of brands (including its private label). If you’re on a large-scale spree, hit up Robson Street and Gastown for great boutiques and more of the larger stores. For the hungry traveler, Shabusen has an amazing Japanese BBQ and set lunch and dinner buffets. — ALEXANDER LIANG

Courtesy Brandie Raasch

When in New York City, stop by the High Line, an innovatively designed public park with beautiful views of the Hudson River, quaintly tucked away in the Meatpacking District. Have a delicious, American nouveau brunch at Five Points in NoHo, explore the glorious food concourse at Chelsea Market, or be one of the many waiting in line at various Shake Shack’s around the city for one of the best burgers-fries-shakes-dessert combo in town. New York’s best hidden shopping spots are its weekend open-air flea markets, like the Brooklyn and newly opened Hester Street Fair, where you can spot co-founder MTV VJ Su-Chin Pak. —JENNIFER KUNG

Europe

If you ever visit Palma de Mallorca, don’t forget to stop by the local bakery shop called La Mallorquina, which makes the best ensaimadas in Spain. For more local flavor, be sure to try some paella, Spain’s famous large-pan rice dishes. Bring your student ID for the student discounts that are offered at many tourist attractions. — WAN-YI FANG

Paris is surprisingly easy on a student budget if you know where to go. Café des Refuges in Montmartre (the Moulin Rouge district) is a hole-in-the-wall fondue shop frequented by college students, where you can get appetizers, fondue and a cheap bottle of wine for less than 20 Euros. Vintage boutiques have some of the best deals around (think discounted secondhand Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Dior) if you’re willing to do some serious digging. And there are few better things to do at night than sit under the Eiffel Tower and watch it sparkle in the first few minutes of every hour while enjoying a nice bottle of wine with friends. — STEPHANIE  WU

Asia

If you want a great view of Seoul, hike your way up to the Seoul Tower for breathtaking scenery. Those hunting for two-dollar meals should check out the Dong Dae Gate (Great Eastern Gate) night market, but another local haunt for traditional Korean food courses is Han Woo Ri. Don’t forget to visit the famous sauna and steam rooms to relax between all the eating and sightseeing. — JANE CHOI

Courtesy Mandy Yeh

In Taipei, home of the original bubble tea, grab a drink at any of the ubiquitous tea stands in the city. A delicious, cheap meal is available at the homey Liu Mama noodle shop in Tien Mu. For more food and shopping, head to Shi Da night market, which attracts a younger crowd, instead of the much frequented one in Shihlin. Don’t forget to check out Eslite in the Dunhua area, an impressive glass structure of a bookstore–with a food court–that is open 24 hours a day. — CHRISTINE WEI

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Summer is the best time to be outdoors, even if you don’t like playing sports and getting sweaty. You can take a day trip to a local park, many of which offer free summer events like musical performances or cultural dance lessons. Check online calendars for your city or county for ideas since they will  typically list summer events in the area. For instance, Pasadena’s Levitt Pavilion has a free summer concert series, during which sharing snacks and playing games on the lawn can be a lot of fun.

Courtesy Mandy Yeh

Alternatively, look for your hometown’s little-known tourist gems. Ask your city hall or neighborhood library for more information, or search their respective websites.  Several years ago, my hometown mayor placed a time capsule underneath a statue of a lady and baby that I never found particularly noteworthy. However, local newspapers later revealed that the statue is one of twelve identical “Madonnas of the Trail, ” extending from California to Maryland and honoring pioneer women since 1928. I was surprised at my ignorance of such an important historical monument for years.

At night, stargazing provides a low-budget outdoor activity. Before you go, do some online research to find a good viewing spot and make sure you don’t get lost. A good place to start is Stardate Online, which has weekly stargazing tips, meteor shower dates and a beginner’s guide for the newly adventurous. If you live near mountains, map a route during the day to get familiar with the road, which can get dangerous at night. When you get to your designation, enjoy the sunset before having a competition to see who is the best at finding constellations. A contest is a sure-fire way of making a simple activity more interesting.

Don’t feel like driving? Plan a midday picnic in your own backyard. Invite friends to bake or cook and enjoy the fruits of your labor outside. Try new and interesting dishes by browsing online recipes such as these 20 picnic foods. This includes dishes like a Bucket of Mud, which promises to be a scrumptious dessert despite its deceptive name.

For those who enjoy nighttime activities, try pitching a tent in your backyard. It might sound tacky, but it can be better than dealing with the hassle of spending a night far from civilization. You’ll be distant enough from parental supervision to stay up as late as you want, but close enough so that you can walk inside the house and enjoy modern plumbing if nature calls. Plus, if the bugs start to attack or the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll find refuge steps away from your “campground.” If you live in a city with no backyard, revisit your childhood by camping out in your living room. Turn the lights off and use flashlights to navigate the house. Sleep in the tent as if it really is the only modern piece of furniture available, and go back in time with games like monopoly or tell ghost stories. Even if it doesn’t feel like the real deal, reveling in your cheesiness with friends can create the fondest memories.

A summer without exotic travel plans doesn’t mean you’re condemned to boredom. Challenge yourself to find new and interesting things to do, even if it means taking a cutesy idea like camping out in your living room to a whole new dimension. Look online or think creatively because, outdoors or indoors, there’s always something fun waiting for you—whether it’s exploring your hometown or throwing a low-key event in your house.

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1. Hydration

Courtesy shuuemura-usa.com

Being on the plane for even a few hours will make you dehydrated. To prevent this, always pack a bottle of your favorite moisturizing cream to hydrate your skin. I personally cannot fly without Shu Uemura’s Facial Mist or Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Cream. Just don’t forget the 3-1-1 carry-on rule.

2. Personal earphones

Courtesy sonystyle.com

Some airlines have begun charging a fee for personal earphones. Save a few bucks by taking your earphone or headphones with you. To block out any crying babies on your flight, try these Noise Cancelling Headphones by Sony.

3. Eye mask

Courtesy fredflare.com

If your flight companion’s reading light makes it difficult for you to fall asleep, invest in a cute eye mask, like these options from Fred Flare.

4. Neck pillow

Courtesy travelingchic.com

Portable and comfortable, a neck pillow lets you sleep on the go without worries of neck pain. We like this plush, squishy and cute version.

5. Cardigan

Courtesy nordstroms.com

Air conditioning on the plane can be a little too chilly, especially on a long flight. Always pack a light, oversized cardigan or jacket, like this one from Kensie, available at Nordstroms.

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Courtesy Steve Howard

Steve Howard, the creator of ASIA Travel Tips and former publisher of ASIA Travel Trade and Frequent Traveler, used to travel every week of the year and visited at least five hotels each day. Because he was scoping out each country so meticulously, either by meeting the general managers of these hotels or doing site inspections, people would often go to him for advice on choosing the best travel destinations.

Howard’s extensive experience has made him one of the top experts in the Asian travel industry. He advises tourists to shop around and explore different channels, such as travel agents or online resources, for flight and hotel packages. He personally prefers to book directly through an airline’s website, which can allow for more flexibility if you need to change your ticket, but only when he has verified that there is not a much lower priced flight available elsewhere.

He said, “It’s also important to stay informed, watch the news and look out for promotions. Low-cost airlines, for example, are only really low-cost if you book a long way in advance or are lucky enough to find a promotion just as it is being launched. The rest of the time, they can be even more expensive than full-fare airlines and tend to have a lot more restrictions with regards to luggage—both check-in and carry-on—as well as for changing tickets.”

“Another thing to consider,” he added, “is the age of the aircraft and its in-flight amenities. Singapore Airlines is undoubtedly one of the best airlines in the world, but on some routes the aircraft is old and does not even have a modern in-flight entertainment system where you can stop and start the movie.”

Courtesy Teerapole Vongput

Teerapole Vongput, a travel expert who edits Circle of Asia and created a website catering to sustainable travel and tourism in Asia, suggests contacting a travel agent at least three months in advance. He also advises going directly for budget airlines that offer significantly lower prices and says that cheaper airplane tickets with several stops are only worth the extra hassle when they add more mileage to a traveler’s frequent flyer membership. As a word of caution, he added, “Some people may not enjoy getting on and off planes and waiting for hours before the next flight.”

When it comes to packing, Howard and Vongput both agree that no matter how long one stays in Asia, preparation is key to an enjoyable vacation. Vongput recommends reading up on a variety of destinations before making plans to book a ticket. He said, “Information about food, culture and climate will help you pack wisely. Never forget to bring along your medication, a photocopy of your passport and emergency contact numbers in the host country. If you go to a tropical country like Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar, you may need to bring mosquito or insect repellant.”

Howard added that he finds traveling with a multi-socket or outlet plug, preferably with surge protection, an absolute must on all trips. Any private information or emergency numbers, he advises, can be stored in one’s laptop, phone or USB memory stick.

Once there, those who are unfamiliar with a foreign country or are visiting for the first time may often turn to tour guides for a sense of direction. According to Vongput, travelers do not usually meet their tour guides until they arrive at the airport. For better or worse, this usually means that landing a good tour guide is more a matter of luck than experience. He said, “If you book your tour through a travel agency, I suggest you tell them what you expect from your guide. Some of our clients are interested in photography. Some tourists like architecture. Others want firsthand experience of the way of life of the locals. Generally, travel agencies will try to find a guide that meets the client’s requirements.”

Now that we’ve shared how to travel smartly and make the most of your trip, you’ve got no excuse not to start reading up on destinations and searching for cheap flights.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobie_openshaw/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

You realize there’s a coffee stain on your resume. You can’t sit comfortably in those pants. You anxiously wonder who you’ll talk to. There are 1 million and one things that could stress you out during a college interview, but we have 10 pointers that might help relieve some anxiety you may have.

10. Take the initiative. If you get the interviewer’s information and it’s up to you to make contact, do it right away. Keep in mind that interviewing high school kids is done out of the alum’s love for their alma mater — not out of an obligation to cater to you. Be flexible when scheduling the meeting and always be prompt in answering emails or phone calls.

9. Don’t eat. In many cases, you’ll be in a Starbucks or a café of some sort. An awkward situation could arise if your interviewer generously offers to get you something. There is no right or wrong (of course, assuming you have the decency to not order everything on the menu), but logistically, here’s the breakdown: You’re going to try to give this stranger a glimpse of your life and personality in a very limited period of time. Do you really want awkward pauses as you finish chewing your pastry and crumbs fall down the front of your blouse? All it takes is a sweet smile and a “No, thank you” to jump that obstacle.

8. Think about yourself. What makes you stand out? Why do your friends like you? Colleges can see you were the captain of the swim team, but what did you do as captain? Why were you sel.ected as captain? This isn’t the time to re-list your activities — it’s the time where you emphasize the person behind the SAT scores. Make a list of characteristics that you want your interviewer to notice, such as your sense of humor or your strong work ethic, so even if you’re asked which donut you are, you have an idea of what to say and what kind of message to convey.

7. The clock is not your friend. In an interview setting, longer doesn’t necessarily mean better. It’s great if the conversation seems to be flowing, but more often than not, the interviewer has somewhere else to be or another student to interview. Interviews have been known to run from as short as 10 minutes to as long as over an hour.

6. Use Google. Type in your interviewer’s name and you will often be able to find anything from his or her occupation and political affiliation to college major. Doing research could give you a head start on figuring out what you want to talk about during your interview. It’s not wise to rant and rave about the health care policy if your interviewer donated large sums of money to the GOP. If you share passions with your interviewer, then you have a huge opportunity for a great conversation.

5. Bring your resume. Ask your interviewer if he or she wants to see it as soon as possible after you sit down. This step isn’t crucial, but using a resume usually makes it easier for both parties.

4. Name drop. Don’t overdo this, but your alum obviously had a great time at the school if he or she takes the time to interview applicants. Show genuine interest by talking about specific buildings on campus, specific professors and specific traditions. Not only will this prove the school is special to you, but it will also probably spark some stories from the alum. Remember, an interview isn’t just an opportunity for the school to get to know you; it is also an opportunity for you to get an inside scoop.

3. Strategize. Interviewers aren’t supposed to ask which other universities you applied to, but inevitably, you might end up being asked that very question. You can’t refuse to respond, but a general tactic is not to reveal every single school you actually applied to. Pick schools that are similar to the school you’re interviewing for, so it reiterates that this university really does embody what you’re looking for.

2. Show gratitude. Send a thank you card ASAP — right when you return home from the interview is not too soon.

1. Relax! Make jokes, smile and don’t sit like a mannequin. This is a stressful and exciting time of your life and the alums understand that. Take the time to really listen to their experiences and make sure to share anecdotes from your own life. There’s no need to use every SAT word you learned during junior year, nor any reason to be anyone but who you really are. That’s a cliché for a reason.

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Our love affair with food may be our longest, most precarious relationship to date. Our tug-of-war with food is a two-way street: sometimes you “give in” to food and other times your food works for you. To get the most of this relationship, figure out what you want with food at any given time, and use our cheat sheet to eat accordingly.

Foods That Curb Hunger:
Solids Foods are More Filling
I have tried the “liquid diet,” and it does not work. Eating solid foods rather than drinking liquids can help you feel fuller and make you less likely to snack later on in the day because (surprise) it actually stays longer in your stomach.

Eat Mindfully to Feel Fuller
When your stomach is physically stretched thanks to food, it sends a signal to your brain that you’ve had enough to eat. But whether or not you listen to that signal is really up to you. It’s important to stay in tune with your body’s signals. We’ve all been guilty at one time or another of watching T.V. or checking our emails while we eat, but multitasking can distract us from our body’s signals . Next time you sit down for a meal, try to eat slowly and consciously, and you might find dinner more enjoyable.

Foods That Give You Energy:
Food can boost energy by providing sufficient calories And let’s face it, energy (whether we have it or lack it) affects our mood, so it’s important to learn what types of food can positively affect us.

Eat nuts
Almonds, hazelnuts and cashews are all great sources of energy. Brazilian nuts are also natural mood boosters.

Lean meats
Lean pork, lean beef, skinless chicken and turkey are all healthy sources of protein and can help you feel more alert and focused. They can even fight insomnia, so you can finally get rid of those dark  circles under your eyes.

Whole grains
Foods like whole-grain bread, pasta and rice are full of fiber. Eating whole grains can help slow the absorption of sugar, unlike candy or sugar which can give you a sugar high before your energy level drops severely.

Some extra tips:
Tea is a good alternative for coffee. The caffeine in tea can improve alertness, reaction time and memory. As nourishing as caffeine can seem, the old saying still rings true: “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” so don’t skip it! Eating breakfast every morning can give you more energy and put you in a better mood throughout the day. Another tip: eat small meals frequently, supplemented with snacks, instead of a few large meals. Eating a little something every three to four hours can help you better sustain your energy.

No more guilty relationships with food – have it work for you for a change!

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Hong Kong celebrity make-up artist Gary Chung is the make-up director of Portfolio HK School of Professional Make-Up. He has glammed up models for everything from magazine covers to catwalks, and has worked at fashion shows, corporate events and weddings. You can find out more about Gary and his work by visiting http://www.portfoliohk.com/gary.php.

What eye shadow color palette works best on Asian skin tones and why?
Different shades are useful to achieve various looks and functions:

• For de-puffing: shades of bronzes and grays work best for Asian eyes.
• To combat a fatigued look: use shimmery lilacs and silvers to brighten tired, smaller eyes.
• For versatility: browns are usually the most wearable color, but be careful because dark and matte browns can easily make the eye area look dirty and accentuate dark circles, if not applied properly.
• For fun colors: I only use bright blues and greens for editorials and fashion shows and not so much on a daily basis.

What is one of your biggest secrets for Asian make-up application?
My biggest secret for Asian make-up application is using a thin eyeliner. A thick eyeline can make Asian eyes look smaller. To define Asian eyes, I recommend using a super fine-tipped eyeline brush, like Bobbi Brown’s Gel Liner in Ink. It makes a clean, bright line that accentuates eyes nicely.

What is the biggest mistake most Asian girls make when applying make-up?
The biggest mistake I’ve seen is when girls use the wrong shades of concealer. To cover dark circles naturally, one should use a moisturizing product. When using concealer around the eye area, always remember to apply it to the darkest area first, then blend gently to the lash line and slowly outward until the concealer creates a perfect blended emulsion with the foundation. Finally, set it with a loose powder using a soft eyeshadow brush in a pressing motion.

What’s your favorite product dedicated to Asian features?
Japanese-made “liquid” compact; it looks like a compact powder and works like a creamy liquid foundation. It’s easy to use, covers well even without concealer, and usually has high SPF protection.

Any other advice to add?
Using the Japanese-made “eyelid glue” can make droopy and small eyes appear larger and well-rested. Please refer to the video below for further information on this eyelid glue. (Note: the demonstrator speaks in Japanese but the video itself is self-explanatory) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojj51av3mJU&feature=related

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Let’s face it. It happens to everyone: You want a fresh hairstyle for the new school year and realize your new hair-do is a major hair don’t. What can you do when your anticipated perfect haircut turns out to be downright hideous? Follow these easy tips to look fabulous in no time!

Be optimistic

First of all, don’t panic. Hair will eventually grow back. Keep reassuring yourself because a pessimistic attitude won’t help.

Be brave

Go to the store and buy hair product that will keep strays away. Scoop a small amount and rub between your hands before applying it to dry hair. After spreading it over you hair, start styling – be creative!

Accessorize

If hair wax isn’t your thing, try hair accessories instead. They never go out of style and you can always switch them up – whether you’re using hair bands or cute clips, your hairstyle will never look dull. If hats are up your alley, try a trendy fedora or beanie to spruce up your look.

Get your hair back

If you’re still not happy with your hair, there is always something to fall back on – hair extensions! If professional hair salons are too much for your budget, try clip-on extensions. Find the right shade that matches your hair color. Straight or curly, it’s up to you. In no time, your hair will be long and luscious once again.

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School is now in session and it’s time to look your best!  Here are a few tips on looking ultra chic and feminine for the new year.

SKIN

A new school year is a fresh start, so revitalize your skin with Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar ($18) at Sephora. With one use, it gently exfoliates, hydrates and protects your skin, leaving you with a healthy glow. Also, spray some of Anna Sui’s Dolly Girl ($38) for an innocent but flirty scent of jasmine, cinnamon, musk and magnolia.

EYES

There is a great range of eye shapes and sizes amongst Asians, but we have come up with two ways to make any eye twinkle. Apply a glittery white eye pencil such as Shu Uemura’s Drawing Pencil in Me White ($18) or Anastasia’s Eye Lights Shimmer in Sand Shimmer ($21) at the inner corners of your eyes and along the bottom to brighten up your look. To make your eyes appear bigger, outline your upper eyelids with Clinique’s Crème Shaper for Eyes in Starry Plum ($15), Dior’s Crayon Eyeliner in Precious Violet ($25), or Smashbox’s Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Navy Blue ($22)

EYEBROWS

If you aren’t a fan of tedious plucking and shaping, give yourself a young and natural look by keeping thicker eyebrows. But make sure you let it grow neatly by using some friendly tweezers such as Tweezerman ($20) from Sephora or get them threaded ($15-40) at a salon. Although shaving your eyebrows seems like an easier and quicker alternative, they will look messy within a week.

CHEEKS

Don’t let your sun-kissed glow fade away with the summer! Keep your skin looking healthy by applying these sweet colored blushes. Try Bobbi Brown’s Stonewashed Pink Cream Blush ($22), Nar’s Blush in Torrid ($25), or Benefit’s Sheer Cream Blusher in Hush! ($18) for a dewy finish.

LIPS

Say good-bye to bold red lipstick and say hello to natural lip color! Urban Decay’s Envious Lip Stain ($17), M.A.C.’s Viva Glam Lipstick V ($14), Cover Girl’s Continuous Color Lipstick in Almost Nude ($6), or Nar’s Lipstick in Morocco ($24) will leave your lips looking velvety and feeling soft. Don’t forget to protect and give your lips a tingling sensation with Burt’s Bees Beewax Lip Balm ($3)!

HAIR CARE

The warm, toasty sunshine may have damaged your hair over the summer, so bring back the lustrous shine to your hair with silk amino acid-packed Redken’s All Soft Shampoo ($10) or Kerastase’s Bain de Force ($30).

HAIR STYLE

Try a framing your face in a different way and let your bangs grow long. Part it to the side and tie a low pony tail. Before you tie your hair, give it a light wave for a gentler look or simply keep it straight for a more sophisticated feel.

NAILS

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t sport rich, summery colors. Adorn your nails with an energetic shade like Sephora’s Orange nail polish ($2), Maybelline’s Seashore Darling ($3), OPI’s Los Cabos Coral ($13), or Chanel’s Nail Color in Paparazzi ($20).

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All that screaming, jumping. and bumping at concerts can be a pretty good workout. But you don’t want to end up a melting mess when it’s over — especially when you’re taking pictures with your favorite band backstage. Here are some tips to look amazing at a concert from the beginning to the end.

Have a drink

As in water – dehydration can give you headaches, nausea and hunger pangs.  Make sure you stay fully hydrated to enjoy the event. Plus, sufficient amounts of H₂O on a regular basis will give your skin a healthy glow.

Remove body odor

Make sure you apply deodorant and some fresh-smelling body spray such as Cucumber Melon Eau de Toilette ($19) from Bath and Body Works. Antiperspirants help decrease the amount of one’s perspiration, but also close and block pores in the meantime. Remember to shower and scrub when you come back home!

Cover up a bit

Though concerts are mostly held in the dark and it’s hard to see those blemishes, don’t rule out the possibility of outstretched-arm self-photography of you and your friends at the event. Try the waterproof and ultra light Dior’s Skin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup ($42). This long-lasting foundation applies smoothly and evenly.

Shine brightly

Since it’ll probably be dark, line your eyes with bright colors like Vincent Longo’s Vibrant Eye Waterproof Liner ($18) to make them stand out. Then outline along the bottom of your eyes with Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Dime ($16) to highlight them. As for eye shadow, give your eyes a metallic feel with Shu Uemura’s Pressed Eye Shadow in Iridescent Deep Gray ($20).

Let Glow

Of course too much shine will make your face look like plastic, so give your cheeks a quick, liberal wipe with Benefit’s Waterproof Benetint ($25).

Sweet lips

Say no to lip gloss! Hair, be it yours or others’, may be flying around and hitting your face. Imagine how many loose strands would be stuck onto your lips by the time the concert is over – yuck. Embrace matted lipstick with Covergirl’s Continuous Color Lipstick in Parisian Pink ($5).

Hairy matters

Try a high pony tail with a bit of volume on top — it’ll help you keep cool with your hair off your shoulders.

Breath control

Make sure you bring some Tic Tacs or Listerine Strips. You’ll be shouting in order for your friends to hear what you are saying, but you wouldn’t want to overwhelm them with your bad breath!

Although you will be tired when you get back home, make sure you shower and wash your face thoroughly. Your pores will need to breathe and you need to clear out the dirt.  You don’t want to be waking up with a painful breakout the next day!

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