Ouch. 
You wanted to get a nice dark tan while laying out and you ended up getting burned.
You should know better than to skimp on the SPF, but I’m not here to lecture you (or I’ll try to refrain….)
The Damage is done (literally), so here a few tips to help you deal.

Keep it cool: Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.
 
Keep it moist: Apply aloe or moisturizing cream to the affected skin.
* Try making Aloe Cubes by filling an empty ice tray with Aloe.  Use the frozen Aloe Cubes to ease the pain and cool down the skin
-Avoid products containing alcohol, which can further dry out skin. (Beware of sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine. There’s little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin)
 
Leave blisters intact: If blisters form, don’t break them. You’ll only slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If needed, lightly cover blisters with gauze.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: If needed, take anti-inflammatory medication — such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — according to the label instructions until redness and soreness subside.
-(Don’t give children or teenagers aspirin. It may cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease)
 
Drink Water: A sunburn can cause a mild fever and a headache. Lie down in a cool, quiet room to relieve the headache. A headache may be caused by dehydration, so drinking fluids may help.
 
Treat peeling skin gently. Within a few days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is simply your body’s way of getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While your skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream 

 Consult a doctor for sunburn treatment if:
- Severe sunburn covers a large portion of your body with blisters
- Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or severe pain
- Severe sunburn doesn’t begin to improve within a few days
 
So remember to cover yourself in SPF~
It sucks getting burned…. but at least you’ll end up with that tan you wanted! 
 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*
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• If you are constantly berating yourself because you’re not good enough…. then you won’t be.
• If you can’t see accept yourself, how can you expect others to?

Positive reinforcement works much better on children than negative reinforcement~ This also applies to you.

• Stop being so hard on yourself, accept your faults, embrace your positive traits, and work on changing the things you want to change about yourself.

• You might not feel confident, attractive, or good enough…. but take a deep breath, pretend you are, and soon you will be.
• Your self-perception shows in your behavior and actions.
• A person who is confident in a paper bag can shine much more brightly than a self-conscious person in gorgeous clothes.

Self-Acceptance and Self-Confidence are two of the biggest beauty tips I could ever give you.

 

Now, I know that there are many Koreans that love pale complexions~ I used to be one of those Koreans.

Even with my diligent Sunscreen regimen, I still get a tan and freckles, so can you imagine how damaged your skin will be if you’re TRYING to get a tan.  It can take up to ten years for actual damage from the sun to show up and even one bad burn can cause irreversible damage.

 

Soooo, to avoid all the unneccesary aging that the sun brings but still have a beautiful glow, try Bronzers.

It’s Quick, Simple, and a No-Committment way of getting a gorgeous glow.

Bronzers are simple enough- The look of the sun in just a few steps.

 

Beauty Tip for Bronzers:

* To make bronzer look natural, make sure to lightly apply right up to the hairline so that it blends in naturally.

* Start with a light hand. You can always add more and you don’t want to look “dirty” or “orange”

Powder:

This is the easiest Bronzer formula to use. It works on all skin types and works best for Oily Skin.

 

* A Matte shade is good to use for an all-over glow

 - Use a medium sized Powder brush to lightly dust across your T-Zone (Forehead, Nose, Chin) and on your cheekbones

- Another way of applying bronzer is by creating a “3″ on your face. Apply bronzer over your eyebrow, create a curve onto your cheekbone, and another curve from your cheekbone to your chin

* A Shimmer bronzer is good for highlighting.

 - Use a medium sized Powder brush to apply bronzer as you would blush for some color without using pinks or peaches.

 

Cream:

This formula works on all skin types but works best for Dry Skin

- Use your fingers or a sponge to apply Cream bronzer.  Dab bronzer onto the apple of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your ears and on top of your cheekbones. Use the remaining bronzer (on fingers or sponge) on your T-Zone.

 

Gel, Oil, and Mousse:

These can be a bit trickier to use and is best used for an all-over darker “tan” look.

- Use sparingly and apply a little at a time so it looks natural

Pale skin can be beautiful, but I think you should always change up your look a little depending on the season:  Summer is a time to play with color and experiment.

Stop looking like a vampire who hasn’t been outside in months and go for a little glow~ you may be surprised at how great you look.

 

For those of you that love the sun and are slathering yourselves in oil to get a dark tan, you’re going to regret it in the future.  Get the look without the damage by using a bronzer.

 

Remember kiddies~ SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN

SUN DAMAGE= Bad

Bronzer= Good

 

* Have a Glowingly Beautiful Day! ~*

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How often do you get caught up in your own life?
You’re too busy, You’re too stressed, You’re too tired.
You. You. You.

Maybe this isn’t your life.  If so, props to you (Tell me your secret!)
I find that in the everyday hub bub of life, it’s so easy to get lost and overwhelmed.

Last year, I went on a mission trip to work at an orphanage in Kenya.
I’d been interested in going on a mission trip, but never had the opportunity until last year.
I’m so glad I did.  It has changed my life in so many ways.

I am writing this from Kenya right now.

One of the greatest things I see in Kenya is the sense of Community.
The Kenyan people are so welcoming, hospitable, and they really seem to care about other people.
It amazes me that people that have so little are so generous with what they have and are always trying to offer you the best.
I find that America is a country that is so plentiful in… everything~ Yet, there’s so much unhappiness and dissatisfaction.
We may have all the material goods, but I definitely feel we lack in many of the important things in life.

One of my best beauty tips is to help others.
I truly believe that when you take the focus off of yourself, help others, and have a sense of community, you become more beautiful.

There are soooo many ways to help, both big and small:
* Help a stranger~ Hold the door open. If someone drops something, pick it up. Let someone cut in front of you (in cars and in line).
You’d be surprised at how much the little things can count.
* Share your food:  Go through your cabinets and donate dry and canned goods that will probably just gather dust. If you have leftovers, pack it up and give it to a homeless person
* Disaster Relief:  There’s so many people that have lost their homes, belongings, and the lives they knew due to horrible disasters.  Donate clothes, bedding, and First Aid Supplies
* Volunteer: There’s a variety of ways to volunteer your time: Soup Kitchens, Mentoring, Habitat for Humanity
* Adoption: No, I’m not saying you should go and adopt a child in need (Although it’d be awesome if you do!)~  For only $50, I adopted an elephant.  If you feel more love for animals than people, you can temporarily/permanently adopt animals from shelters.
* Mission Trips: If you have the time and funds, going on mission trips really does make a big difference in other’s lives.  You may not see it, but it’s there.  And you’ll be surprised at how much the people you came to help can actually help you.

How much difference can one person make?
There’s a story that I really like.

One day a man was walking along the seashore. He noticed that during the night many seashells and starfish had washed upon the beach. Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun and cool sea air, the man walked for miles.

As he strolled along, he noticed a small figure dancing in the distance. It made him chuckle to think of someone celebrating life in such an uninhibited way. As he drew closer, however, it became apparent that the figure was not dancing. Instead, she seemed to be repeatedly performing some ritual.

He drew nearer still and noticed that the small figure was a child. She was methodically picking up starfish and tossing them into the surf. He paused for a moment, puzzled, then asked, “Why are you throwing these starfish?”

“It’s high tide,” she replied, “If I leave them on the beach, the sun will soon dry them and they will die. I am throwing them into the ocean so they can live.” The man considered her actions, impressed with the child’s thoughtfulness. Then he motioned up and down the miles of the beach. “There must be thousands of starfish along here,” he said, “you cannot possibly make a difference.”

The young girl stopped. Her face darkened. She chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, “You’re probably right,” she said softly. She looked down at the sand. Then she leaned over, carefully picked up another starfish, pulled back and arched it gently into the sea.

With a tone of gentle defiance, she said, “But I made a difference for that one.”
So, you may think that what you do isn’t a big deal, or don’t feel that you can make a difference.  Trust me.  You can.  And I hope you make one for the better.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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There are certain questions you may get asked more frequently depending on where you are. 
“In Washington, the first thing people tell you is what their job is.  In Los Angeles, you learn their star sign.  In Houston, you’re told how rich they are. And in New York, they tell you what their rent is”.
I’ve been asked by many in L.A. what my start sign is, and New Yorkers may not talk rent, but what area of NY you live in usually comes up when meeting someone new.

A  pretty popular question that Koreans will ask is, “What’s Your Blood Type”. I have found that most Koreans will know what their blood type is.  I’ve also found that my Korean and American friends that are more Americanized don’t.

It seems that many Koreans believe in the Blood Type Hype (haha).  What do you think?  Does your Blood Type match your personality?

(hee hee.  “Babo” = “Stupid/Idiot” in Korean)

Here are the typical Personality Traits ascribed to Blood Type:

Blood Type A:
Positive Traits: Conservative, introverted, reserved, patient, punctual and inclined to be perfectionists.
Worst Traits: Obsessive, stubborn, self conscious and uptight.
Referred as ‘farmers’ in some descriptions, Type A’s are said to be considerate of others and loyal to a fault. They can also be secretive and reluctant to share their feelings. Apparently they don’t hold their liquor well, either.

Blood Type B:
Best Traits: Animal-loving, creative, flexible, individualistic, optimistic and passionate.
Worst Traits: Forgetful, irresponsible and self-centered.
Referred to as ‘hunters’, Type B’s have very independent natures and tend not to be concerned about what other people think of them. Although often described as shallow and lazy, they can be quite passionate about the things they hold dear. Patience is not their strong suit either.
Type B men have acquired a very negative reputation in Korea and are not considered by many to be good husband material. Often described as ‘players’, they are perceived as being selfish and mercurial, quick to anger and not terribly reliable. That said, their bad boy image makes them very attractive to women, but not for the long term. (Type B women do not share in this bad rep, for some unexplained reason).

Blood Type AB:
Best Traits: Cool, controlled, empathic, introverted and rational.
Worst Traits: Aloof, critical, indecisive and unforgiving.
Referred to as ‘humanists’, Type AB’s are said to be controlled more by their heads, than by their hearts. They are rational, good with money, but unpredictable. Although inclined to be distant, they prefer harmony and as such, work well with mediators. Some consider them two-faced, and therefore untrustworthy.

Blood Type O:
Best Traits: Ambitious, athletic, robust and self-confident.
Worst Traits: Arrogant, insensitive, ruthless and vain.
Referred to as ‘warriors’, Type O’s are viewed as natural leaders and are often, also, natural athletes. They tend to be outgoing, expressive and passionate, but can also bore others to death with their obsessive drive for success coupled with their absolute convictions that they are winners. This certainty that they will always win explains why they aren’t afraid to take risks or gamble. They have a strong physical presence and are unlikely to ever be overlooked.

There is also a “Eat Right For Your Blood Type” Diet.

What You Can Eat on This Diet

• Type A (“for agrarian”) flourishes on vegetarian diets, “the inheritance of their more settled and less warlike farmer ancestors,” says D’Adamo. The type A diet contains soy proteins, grains, and organic vegetables and encourages gentle exercise.

• The nomadic blood type B has a tolerant digestive system and can enjoy low-fat dairy, meat, and produce but, among other things, should avoid wheat, corn, and lentils, D’Adamo says. If you’re type B, it’s recommended you exercise moderately.

• The “modern” blood type AB has a sensitive digestive tract and should avoid chicken, beef, and pork but enjoy seafood, tofu, dairy, and most produce. The fitness regimen for ABs is calming exercises.

• If you’re blood type O (“for old,” as in humanity’s oldest blood line) your digestive tract retains the memory of ancient times, says D’Adamo, so you’re metabolism will benefit from lean meats, poultry, and fish. You’re advised to restrict grains, breads, and legumes, and to enjoy vigorous exercise.

So, if you don’t already know, go and find out what your blood type is.  Try the Blood Type Diet and see if you notice any changes. Let me know what you think!

* And girls, STAY AWAY from the “B” boys. They really are Bad News Bears…. O_O    ermm… j/k? *  

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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Do you have skimpy, wimpy lashes like most other Koreans?
Have no fear.

The Basics:

1. When removing False Eyelashes from the tray, don’t peel them from left to right (or vice-versa) because you can stretch them out.  Instead, put your two thumbs around the middle and gently push the eyelash down.  It can help to lightly bend the eyelashinto a U-Shape                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                – If you decide to cut the Lashes in half, Bend them into a U-Shape and cut them right in the middle
2. Put a very thin layer of Eyelash Glue on the band of the False Eyelash.
* (I usually squeeze the glue onto my hand first to make sure too much glue doesn’t get onto the lashes)
- Wait about 15 seconds for the glue to dry and become tacky
3. Bring the lashes as close to your real lashes as possible, adjust, and gently press down.
* (When applying a full set of lashes, I usually place the lashes from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner)
*(When applying a half set of lashes, I usually place the lashes from the outer corner of the eye and work my way in)
- You can use your finger, or any flat object (like the flat end of a tweezer) to secure the False Lashes right on top of your own.
4. Open up your eyes so that the Top Lashes don’t get glued to your Bottom Lashes.
- If they get stuck, just separate them with your fingers.  If there is excess glue on your bottom lashes or under your eyes, wait for it to dry and gently rub off.

* Extra *

5. Gently use an Eyelash Curler to curl the Lashes together
6. Apply Mascara to bond your False Eyelashes with your own.
* (I like to brush through with  a clean Mascara Wand after so it looks more natural and there are no mascara clumps)
7. Apply Eyeliner as close to the Lash Line to fill in any gaps between the False Lashes and your natural lashes
8. When removing False Eyelashes, gently press down on your eyelid and remove the lash from one corner to the other
* (I find that removing from the inner corner is the easiest)
-Remove and clean the excess glue from the Lash Band.  You can probably use these False Eyelashes once more.

It might sound complicated and it may seem difficult, but with a little bit of practice, you’ll be a False Eyelash Expert in no time!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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So this is kind of a hot topic… But I’m gonna go there~ Koreans and Plastic Surgery

Koreans get a lot of Plastic Surgery.
It seems that about 70% of women in their 20′s-30′s have undergone Plastic Surgery. (Don’t quote me on the stats… Just trust me.. It’s a lot!)
* Almost everyone you see on Korean Dramas/Movies/Music Videos has had some sort of Plastic Surgery.
* Koreans are getting Plastic Surgery to further their career.
* I’ve even heard about parents getting their children Plastic Surgery as a Graduation present.

Personally, I’m all about people doing whatever they want. You only have one life~ Live it the way you want.
However, it does make me think when someone wants to get Plastic Surgery…or when a whole nation so wholly accepts permanently altering your face/body.

Perhaps you may see it ironic that I, a Makeup Artist (who’s profession is to change the way someone looks), am saying this….
Here’s the thing~ Makeup washes off.
Maybe getting the double eyelid isn’t that much different than the fact that I put on thick eyeliner every day, everywhere I go… but the idea of Plastic Surgery scares me.
[ Mind you, I am a big chicken who still screams when I'm at the Dentist/Doctor (True Story)... but doing something so permanent is REALLY scary to me]

A lot of Korean women get the Double Eyelid Surgery.
I hear it’s not really a big deal…. I care to disagree.
You’re SEWING/CUTTING YOUR EYELID! How can that not be a big deal?
Nose Jobs and Cutting of the Chin (?) are also pretty common.  Breaking your nose and slicing your face does not sound pleasant to me.
Yes, with all that Plastic Surgery, you may have “prettier” features… but can you still recognize yourself when you look in the mirror?

Plastic Surgery also seems to play a part in getting jobs.
I’m not going to lie and say that looks don’t have an influence or play a factor in society.
OF COURSE everyone likes looking at an attractive person.
And yes, unfortunately, people may judge others based on their looks… but this is a temporary thing.
Initially a person who is attractive may stand out more, but if there’s no substance… the beauty fades.
Some of the most attractive people in the world have the ugliest hearts… and that makes them an ugly person.
If you have the qualifications, the confidence, and the personality, you’ll most likely get the job.
If you have to have surgery to get a job… find another job!

I’d previously written about how Korean Adults can make negative comments, which can make you feel bad about yourself….  but what does it say when parents encourage their children to change the way they look by suggesting, giving as a gift, or forcing their children to get plastic surgery?!?
“Parents make their kids get plastic surgery,” says Dr. Shim Hyung Bo, a plastic surgeon practicing in Seoul, “just like they make them study. They realize looks are important for success.” Which means that in today’s Korea, getting your eyes done can be easier than getting the keys to dad’s car” (http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/1101020805/plastics.html)
* To me, it’s always really sad when a parent can’t accept their child for who they are.
When they can’t accept something as personal as the way their child looks… what kind of message is that sending?
Instead of teaching children that they need to change the way they look to fit into society’s ideal of beauty, how about teaching children the value of their self-worth and showing them love and acceptance?

It truly makes me sad that South Korea has become a country that accepts, embraces, and even encourages Plastic Surgery so easily.

• First of All~ It’s Permanent! You will never have the same face you had before. NEVER!   NEVER EVER!
• Secondly~ What if you don’t like the results? God Forbid something goes wrong, or you’re not happy with the way you look.
• Thirdly~ It can become an addiction

**************************************************************************************************************

Hang Mioku is a 48 year old woman who became obsessed with plastic surgery. She started getting plastic surgery at the age of 28. After having multiple operations, her face was left enlarged and disfigured.  After surgeons refused to work on her anymore, she resorted to injecting cooking oil into her face.  She became known as “Standing Fan” by the neighborhood children because of her large face and small body.

*********************************************************************************************************************

Apparently, the number of Plastic Surgeries has declined since the Recession hit. I think this is a good thing.
I hope that Korea stops looking at Plastic Surgery so lightly.

To me, Plastic Surgery can seem like a loss of Ethnic Identity and a loss of Self.
But I don’t know….. maybe that’s just the way I see it…

I don’t want to make people that have had Plastic Surgery feel bad about themselves.
If you’ve done it…. I’m sure you had your reasons, and I hope you like the results.
If it’s made you happier, more confident, feel more beautiful… that’s wonderful!  Do what you gotta do~*

I just hope that people realize that Plastic Surgery IS a big deal.
It’s not just something that everyone does, something that will make you a better person, and it is most definitely NOT an appropriate graduation gift!

But those are just my thoughts…. What are yours?

P.S. You’d be amazed at what a little eyelid tape and makeup can do~*

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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