“Well I twitter and facebook daily, blogging just takes so much out of you”.

“Blogging is your origin, you came from the world of  blogging. Don’t forget your roots Michelle”.

So inspired to blog yet again, here I am. I must admit, twitter really does spoil the fun out of blogging because it’s so instant, but blogging is so intimate and I am not limited by a few hundred characters.

My adventures has taken me to new heights. If you did not read, I am the new spokesperson and video makeup artist for Lancome. Not only is this exciting, but extremely ironic because I interviewed to work at a Lancome Counter 3 years ago. I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I’ll write that up another day.

Here is my first video with Lancome. I love the fact that they let me do whatever I want, no restrictions, all artistic freedom is pretty sweeeeeet.

BTW, if you’re diggin the makeup I’m wearing, you can win it all here. Just leave a comment as stated and a random winner will be selected.

http://www.thelancomeblog.com/2010/02/michelle-phans-first-lancome-how-to.html#comments

I have to get ready to do a show, makeup for the Chris Benz show. I’m super excited because we’re doing a goth look on the models. I’m gonna insert some fangs on them too and turn them into sexy vampires!

-Michelle Phan

I compared blogging to being in a relationship. Most relationships require attention and  commitment. You can have the greatest love in your life, but let’s face it… it can wear you down and next thing you know you are on a break. Depending on how long the breaks are, maybe you need time to think, recollect your thoughts, or just need a breath of fresh air.

I’ll tell you this, I didn’t need any of those. In fact, I’ve been DYING to blog. What is my excuse?

No Time.

Hahaha, oh no, I pulled the time card out. Not again. But seriously, if you followed me on twitter and facebook, you would know I’ve been on an airplane to a different country or state every week. November and December sucked the life out of me. Even on YouTube, I did not post up a new video, and that’s a big deal considering that I usually upload a new video twice a week, if not, at least once!

I really apologize, and I’ll try my best not to do that again. Traveling is no fun for me, honestly.

As much as I love to see new places, the process of getting there is what I loath the most. I’m scared to fly (surprisingly) , if only Star Trek can come up with the teleportation sooner, I would be a happy camper.

Luckily, most have my flights have been enjoyable. I’ve been overseas, New York back and forth for 2 months. Seems like every week I was on a plane to go to work.

I got to watch my favorite movie while enjoying yummy snacks.

I LOVED the dinnerware. WOW.

16 hours flight, oh yeah You will NEED skin care.

My essentials.

And of course, a hydrating mask. I’m using my own IQQU hydrating mask.

Some of my makeup I carry on board. You gotta look purdy!

There is nothing better than landing safely, heading to your hotel

and enjoying your room.

I need a bathroom with good lighting. It’s essential for makeup.

I love hotels, but nothing is better than home right?

My New Years resolution? Blog more. Let’s see how long this will last haha. Hopefully better than my diet and exercise.

See ya on the next update. I’m so inspired to blog more. Let’s hope I don’t go on a break, I need to give my blog relationship more time and love =)

So what are you New Years resolution? Anyone going to blog more?

Kindly,

Michelle

Kindly,

Michelle

-Michelle

IQQU Jasmine Rice Scrub debuts next week.

IQQU Handcrafted brushes will be revealed next month.

IQQU products will be on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I was overseas working on the new eyeshadow formula. It’s been taking months and months to perfect it, but it’s almost finished. I’m not a fan of signing up for private labeled makeup, I’d rather create my own custom formula. Private Label cosmetic is when you can take your name and stamp it over makeup formula that is already existing. You would be surprised to know how many of the popular brands are all sharing the same private label.

Okay, I’m getting ready to leave to the airport. I’ll be home in a jiffy.

Hugs & Kisses

Michelle

-M

“Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

Things may not all go according to plan, but that is the beauty of it. You can either do 2 things.

1. Be upset and moan and groan.

2. Accept the beauty of spontaneity and seek for an opportunity within it.

Life is all about embracing the imperfections in life. I’d like to call them happy accidents.

Ending with an emo photo of yours truly, and no I’m not going to jump you crazy loons.

Kindly,

Michelle

I also decided to cut my bangs before my trip. I used kitchen shears, but hey, it works!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday…or err…Tuesday for me.

Cheers

Kindly,

-M

The answer is simple, and most of you will roll your eyes to it.

Don’t wear any makeup…

It’s as easy as that.

Believe it or not, your skin benefits from makeup. Wearing foundation gives your skin sun protection, about SPF 8. Now you need at least 15, but SPF 8 is better than nothing right?

Don’t let this give you an excuse to wear makeup at every waking hour. You should give your skin a break from makeup. I usually don’t wear makeup on Sunday. I just wear a light moisturizer  and lip balm.

The trick is, when you don’t need to wear makeup, remove it right away. If you have to go out later, apply a fresh application of makeup instead because your pores will build up sebum and block your pores if you leave your makeup on for more then 10+ hours. Thus clogging them and later forming nasty pimples.

I ALWAYS remove my makeup before I sleep. Even after I am so so tired that I can barely brush my teeth, I remove every inch of makeup on my skin. It takes a great deal of discipline to grow accustomed to this routine, but it is a MUST if you wear makeup on a daily bases. It will pay off later. Sleeping with makeup on ages your skin faster…unless you crave to have wrinkles now then go for it!

Now I am not one of those girls who takes photos of herself with no makeup and claim how ugly I look. I don’t fish for compliments from people to reassure me that I look good without makeup. I know I’m not hideous without it (rememeber it’s not ego, it’s confidence), but I know for a fact I look a BAGILLION times better with makeup. It’s okay, I’m confident to post photos of myself without makeup. Heck, you’ve seen videos of me with no makeup. Shrugs, doesn’t bother me. No one is perfect.

So give your skin a break, and let it breath. You air out your carpet and house, so why not your skin?

But I’ll tell you this. It’s easier to pull off the all natural look if you have clear skin. You don’t need big doe like eyes, a tiny nose and great hair. You can have all of the above, but if your skin is in bad shape, you’ll have a harder time pulling off the no makeup look.

Remember, reduce your dark circles. Clear your blemishes. Even out your skin tone, and you can pull off the no makeup look with ease. Haha, I know it’s easier said than done, but I am confident you can do it!

I’ll help along the way too =)

Kindly,

Michelle Phan

Remember?

Here is an example of some of the inspirational colors I took off of. I’m sure you have all seen this default wallpaper for Windows I think? It’s so flippin gorgeous, I swear it has to be photoshopped! Haha.

Some people were disappointed the I did not push the colors more, but I diluted the colors for a reason.

It looks more wearable and modern. If I were to pushed all the color’s saturation, I would end up looking like a circus clown. I toned it down to create a more celestial yet subtle look.

This photo was taken in natural daylight with no flash. Contacts are geo lens in nudy green.

I achieved this look with Ben Nye Lumiere palette. This is what makeup artists use for performances on theater. The colors show up better from afar. Ben Nye’s color output is phenomenal. The intensity is vibrant and rich. I recommend this to all the color lovers out there.

Here are some more snapshots I took. I played around with the color overly because the lighting (besides the first one) was so dull and blue.

It’s amazing what a few colors can do. It can create illusions of sunsets on your eyelids.

Speaking of illusions, check out these cool wall paintings. Nothing is photoshopped. All paints and line work were strategically placed to create 2 dimensional illusions in each room.

Amazing right? I’m sure a lot of mathematics were involved. And a steady hand.

I’ll end this quick post with a photo of the ever so charming Mr. Bun Bun and I trying to look like muffins. I fail though from his cute overload.

Kindly,

Michelle Phan