3 Easy Chinese New Year Nail Art Ideas

Chinese New Year is happening in a couple of days! So to kill my boredom today, I am creating 3 super easy nail art design to prep my nails for the day. 

1.  Gradient Bokeh

Using red polish (of course) as my base colour and layer it with silver (transparent) blink polish. I did not use anything but the brush of my polish to create this gradient effect. Fyi, this gradient effect is very different with ombre effect. 

How to:

1. First, blot the brush of your polish on a piece of paper until it almost leave no liquid/ polish (dry) on the brush.

2. After that, smudge it on the 3/4 of your nail. Your nail will look very messy now but that's fine.

3. Repeat the first step but now focus on your 1/2 of your nail. By this time, you will begin to see the gradient on your nail.

4. Now you can fully dip your brush on your polish but only to smudge the tip of your nail.

5. You will now see gradient colour on your nail but still look messy.

6. Top it off with silver blink polish to complement the look and to hide the messiness underneath. 

2. Playful and Cute

This playful and cute nail design is very fun to create. I use red and yellow polish for the dots lining for the sake of  CNY!haha. I don't use yellow polish that much. So how do I create the perfect slanted red polish?

How to:

1. Cut your masking tape into small pieces and tape it on the area that you DONT want to paint. In this case, I tape the bottom half of my nail.

2. Paint red polish on your nail normally. You dont have to worry staining the other side because of the tape partition.

3. Wait until it's dry and peel off the masking tape.

4. Now you can see two different colors on your nail with a clean line. 

5. Use the end of your bobby pin to create the dots in the middle.

3. Mysterious 

This last but not least design turns out to be my favourite. It is actually more like a Halloween design than CNY design! But who cares it's still red!haha.. This is a gradient concept so scroll back to the first design if you want to know how. The different is Im using a Maroon Red Glitter Polish here, so I skip the Silver Blink polish.

even my cat likes it :D

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this small tutorial! 

Happy Chinese New Year and hope you have a prosperous year ahead!

xx, Jessy

YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation Review

YSL Touche Éclat Foundation

This is probably the most expensive foundation I ever splurged on. But you get exactly what you paid for! I used to use the YSL Touche Eclat Highlighter back then which a lot of you may have already known because this product has so much to rave about. However, I gave up that product after I moved back to Malaysia because it was almost impossible to get that product on hand.. well unless I bought it online which I didn't.

Until one day I watched a lot of youtubers were talking about the release of YSL Touche Eclat Foundation!! The Touche Eclat highlighter itself is amazing, so I really bet with all my heart the foundation must be flawlessly beautiful. I watched one of my fav youtuber, bubzbeauty, where she explained she'd been using the YSL Foundation and it made her complexion looking all gorgeous. She did not have to say it because I can really see it myself. You can watch the video here.

Price:
I got my hands on this YSL Foundation back in November 2013 in Paris since I could not get any of YSL products in either MY/SG/ID that time. It costed me around €50/ IDR700,000/ RM200/ SGD75 I believed. Before I purchased, the lady was helping me to find the perfect colour to match my skin (yess with all the struggles and efforts to communicate, we finally made a deal loll).

Packaging:
It has a clear glass on the body with a gold lid on top that gives a luxurious look. One thing I appreciate the most is that they have a pump bottle design. It is very important for me because it is hygiene, easy to travel with (it doesn't leak easily), manageable (you know how many pumps you need to apply).

Texture, scent and finishing look:
It has a silky light texture. It glides perfectly on your skin, very blend-able and leave a flawless dewy radiant look without being too cakey and shiney. You can build up from medium to high coverage. It has a super light floral scent to the point I can't almost smell it. It caters a whole range of shades from fair to dark, yellow to rose undertone. Or you can go here.

As you can see, my skin looks more polished and healthy after I applied the YSL Foundation. You can spot the biggest difference on my under eye dark circle and fine line at the side of my nose. Yes, you can still see the dark spot due to my acne scars on my chin even after I applied the foundation which I don't mind at all. However, if I want a complete flawless look, I have to touch up with my concealer indeed. 

Personal use and application:
- This is my everyday makeup routine foundation.
- It gives a very natural radiant look and good enough to even out the complexion.
- It lasts me for 1.5 years until now and still counting.
- I use one small pump (almond sized) for the entire face and neck on a daily basis.
- I prefer to apply it with hands over brush.
- I am on the shade BR20 (MAC NC30)

Recommendation:
One of my holy grail products! Highly highly highly recommended if you want to splurge on makeup products. Definitely will repurchase it again.

xx, Jessy

Pink on White

Hi! Happy Sunday everybody! 

Pink and white is such a perfect color combination to wear for feminine look. I don't actually fancy a feminine look that much but I do love the clean look. 

Wearing my old top from Top Shop and tucking them in my white skort from Tapas Fashion. I paired it with my newly bought nude wedges from Steve Madden.

I feel so awkward writing this because I don't usually post specially for my OOTD. Anyway, still thank you for reading :)

xx, Jessy 

4 Cafe for Hangout in Surabaya

I paid a visit to Surabaya for a week to settle some stuffs and returned home just few days ago. I was very fortunate to have met few friends there, or else I would be all alone.

I was actually very excited to visit Surabaya because.. ehm kinda feel isolated back here in my hometown. Anyway, I visited few cafes and spotted some nice spots to take pictures too. And let the pictures begin.

Le Cafe Gourmand

1. Address: Jalan Graha Famili, Lingkar Dalam Barat, Jawa Timur 60112, Indonesia

It was Friday afternoon when my friend and I got there. There was only two tables occupied including ours. We decided to try their brunch menu so I ordered their Salmon Egg Benedict and my friend ordered their Sandwich. Sadly to say, I have to say their brunch menu is not something you should consider. First, it took them super long to serve the foods despite we were the only table who ordered their foods. Second, the look is not that appetizing despite the price (IDR 57k). Third, the egg was totally overcooked! Oh well, but the salmon was fresh. Service wise, the waiters were friendly and professional. 

It was a bit late afternoon when more and more tables were occupied. Most of them were nomming on their ice cream because it was indeed their specialty. What makes it more fun was their colorful cones that we got to choose. My friend and I shared one cones with two single scoops, Dark Chocolate and Tiramisu (IDR 40k).

Sushi Hana Premiere

Address: Jalan Mayjend Sungkono No. 101-103, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60256, Indonesia

Sushi Hana Premiere is located at Java Paragon Hotel, Surabaya. The atmosphere, service and food were top notch here. I love love love their fresh handmade sushi here. We did not get to try that much foods because it was just the two of us. Overall, it was perfect! Recommended! 

(IDR 170k)

Nanny's Pavillon 

Address: Tunjungan Plaza 4 4th Floor Jalan Basuki Rahmat No.8-12 Tegalsari Surabaya Jawa Timur 60261, Indonesia

is a French American kind of cafe/ restaurant. They have a cute vintagey concept restaurant. I heard the waiters will all be dancing at the certain hours too. I think this is something that restaurants nowadays use to attract more people as a way to interact which I actually find it interesting. 

Anyway, we tried their Tiramisu pancake with a twist of baileys and topping off with vanilla ice cream. It was so goodd!! I really like their Baileys on the bottom. 

(IDR45k)

Kirkos Resto & Bar

Address: Jalan Mayjend Sungkono No. 89, Ciputra World Surabaya Lantai 4 No. 3, Jawa Timur 60239, Indonesia

This restaurant was so huge and empty when I came around 1pm. The foods were ok edible. I bet the whole point of this restaurant is their strong bar themed. They indeed have bold decorations which is nice for taking pictures. I ordered their Chicken Curry Rice (Indonesian Style) + Calamari Rings + Ice Chocolate for IDR110k. I personally think their beverages is a bit overpriced. However, I would not mind paying that amount of money just to chill with friends. 

ps: it's starting to get busy during dinner hours.

Playsuit by Cotton On

xx, Jessy

22 and feeling old

Birthday has already passed almost a week ago, yet I still don't want to turn 22 just yet. I still remembered how I was so eager and excited for my upcoming birthdays 7 or 8 years ago. I really thought being adults were so cool because they could do zillion stuffs that I was not allowed or eligible of. Ever kicked out of the pub because you are underage? CHECKED! Ever kicked out of the casino entrance which I did not even realize if that's a casino entrance? CHECKED! Canceled the whole plan to go on a cruise because you are underage? CHECKED! ps: I was only 17 and a half and none of my friends I was planning to go with on a cruise was above 18, so yeah.

I really thought turning 17 was the biggest step in my life. In Indonesia, we have something called 'Sweet Seventeen' and the birthday celebration can go as big as a wedding party which is crazy and awesome at the same time. Nahh, I did not do that. Mine was only a small dinner party with few friends. And I can't believe that was almost 5 years ago already!!! I honestly still can't believe I am turning 22 this year #feelingold, and my school/ university life (fun time LOL) is up! #welcometoworkinglife.

My brother's birthday and my birthday is just 2 days apart so we always celebrated at the same time. So here are da picturess!  

xx, Jessy

Customized Cupcake by DeLuca Cake

It's Amazing

I am going to share this 'Amazing' song for you guys. I actually first listened this song from one of my local TV channel. The song itself is very soothing and you're gonna fall in love with the lyrics. This song has definitely made my day and cheered me up. I hope you guys will like it. Enjoy ! :D

Jem - "It's Amazing"

Do it now

You know who you are

You feel it in your heart

And you're burning with ambition

At first, wait,

Won't get it on a plate

You're gonna have to work for it harder and harder

And I know

'cause I've been there before

Knocking on the doors with rejection (rejection)

And you'll see

'cause if it's meant to be

Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

[Chorus:]

It's amazing,

It's amazing all that you can do

It's amazing,

Makes my heart sing

Now it's up to you

Patience, now, frustration's in the air

And people who don't care

Well, it's gonna get you down

And you'll fall (fall)

Yes, you will hit a wall

But get back on your feet

And you'll be stronger and smarter

And I know

'cause I've been there before

Knockin' down the doors,

Won't take "No" for an answer

And you'll see

'cause if it's meant to be

Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

[Chorus]

Oh-oh-oh

[Electric voice:]

Don´t be embarrassed, don´t be afraid

Don´t let your dreams slip away

It's determination and using your gift

Everybody has a gift

Never give up, never let it die

Trust your instincts and most importantly

You´ve got nothing to lose

So just go for it

[Chorus 2x]

Ah-ah-ah

xx, Jessy

Lyrics credited to Azlyrics

Video credited to Youtube

Focus on things you genuinely love ♥

- Don't compete with others

Because you will never win

Don't compete with yourselves 

Because you are never good enough

Compete with time

Because when it's gone 

It's gone for good - 

I am turning 22 in just a couple of days. It's always the perfect time to make reflections and jot down what are my New Year/ Birthday resolutions, plans and goals. I have never been into this kind of stuffs before because I reckoned I always failed [read: procrastination]. In the past, my life was just going with the flows. I took whichever paths that seemed convenient to me. I did not really have any strong determinations to reach certain points at my life. There were times when I thought of life and promised to get myself there, but when the morning came I lost all the persistence I ever needed.

Well, I'd be lying if I say I do not have any proud moments so far. Probably, studying abroad is one on my top lists. As some of you may have already known, I lived by myself since I was 14 and pursued my study abroad when I was 15 y.o. A little something here, I was always known as a shy and timid girl back then. I knew it and I wanted to change that so I begged my parents to send me abroad. I was very fortunate to have my parents' trusts and supports on me. Most of my relatives, friends and neighbors could not believe that the "Jessy in their perception" would go out there all alone. At the age of 17, I felt very proud of myself but it was still not enough. I wanted more challenges in life. I had an opportunity to continue my study at Hong Kong so I took it. Long story short, it only lasted for a year and I gave up.

Now you see, human nature will never get you satisfied because there is always more. "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities". It's the same concept when competing with others. It's good to have idols or someone you look up to in your life, use them as your inspirations not as your comparison. I realize our society has just gotten worse day by day. Social media is controlling our benchmark, telling us what is good and what is not and where we belong. The more followers, likes, retweets, comments etc you have, the better person they are. But hey, you know what those people on top might not even care about that, they are paying more details and attentions on what they are actually doing. And of course, hard works will eventually pay off.

Meanwhile, you are running out of time before you even realize. I was so caught up with people's opinions on what they might think of me if I do this and that. I wanted to be good, to look good. The worst part was I did not want people to see that I was in crack. I have had regrets for not grabbing more opportunities when I was still a student and more commitments into something I genuinely loved. But yea, regret is pointless and wasting time. It's better to find a way to move on and to fix things up. 

Now that I have come to the fifth paragraph, I swear I did not actually plan to make this looks like an essay but it actually looks like one. So whatever and anyway ... Focus on things you genuinely love and pour your heart and commitments on it. Without you even realizing it, you are halfway there already. 

xx, Jessy

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Christmas Time

It is probably super late to say but better late than never, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybodeh! I am of course excited to welcome 2015 and grateful for the amazing 2014.

2015 is somehow frightened me in a way. I know for sure my life will have to go through some adjustments. Some... or maybe most aspects in my life will change. I quite dislike transition because I can't make a smooth one. But they say, the bumpier the ride is, the more you can learn. I couldn't agree more with that. Someday something at somewhere won't turn out like it is supposed to be.

I still have no idea what's ahead but I know 2015 is gonna be a brand new year of me. 

"To live a life" sums up my 2015 resolution. 

To add on, this is a little something I called the Christmas photos edition...

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