Advice for Recent Graduates Based on My Own Experiences

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We are taught from the moment we can talk that we can accomplish anything with our lives if we set our minds to it. If we ever have any doubt whether or not it's possible, we are given shinning examples of what hard-work and determination can yield. Eventually, we create our own standards of achievement. Soon we're in college trying to make our dreams come true to become like our role models. However, many of us suffer from instant gratification. In order to feel successful, we must see the fruits of our labor immediately. Because that's what happened in the case of our role models right? Well, not quite. After graduating, I was struck with the reality that success in the form that I  imagined it is VERY difficult to obtain, and is often never obtained. Does that mean give up? On the contrary, it means that we have to realize that in a social media driven world where success is measured by the amount of respect or admiration we obtain, or the number of likes we have on Facebook, we have to approach our goals differently and remember to fight the good fight. Here are some tips that I have learned to cope with post grad reality.

1. Check Your Ego

When applying for jobs, I had to do a serious ego check. I thought that since I had leadership roles and excelled in university I would have no trouble rising above the pack and obtaining a job. I had a padded resume and a similarly padded ego. I was in for a reality check when I was still jobless after several months, just like many others. Graduating university is a big deal, and I don't mean to de-legitimize that, however remember that there are MANY other people applying for the same jobs as you are. Many others with great credentials and personalities. If you think you deserve something more than someone else then you are setting yourself up for a huge emotional disaster if things don't work out. So humble yourself. That way when you get a job, you'll be genuinely grateful for it.

2. You Are Not Alone

I often found myself thinking that me being unable to find a job was my own fault. I must not be bright enough or charismatic enough. My shortcomings were because I was sub-par, as a result I began to feel very isolated and alone. What was wrong with me? Did I not deserve a job? My friends had gotten jobs just fine. When in reality others struggled with me. I phoned a few friends and they told me how they were in exactly the same conundrum as I was! Soon, I felt so much better knowing that I wasn't alone. You never are alone in this issue. Thousands of recent grads are suffering with you and would love to share sentiments with you over a glass of wine.

3. Accept Failure 

Say it with me "I am going to fail before I succeed." The sooner you embrace it, the happier you'll be. I took a job right out of university and I thought it was such a huge accomplishment. But it turned out that that job was a huge disaster. The working conditions were poor and the management was trying to push me out. I ended up having to walk away from that job. I thought I was such a failure for having gone through that. However, I realized that my role models had to fail ALOT before becoming successful. What the media doesn't show us is all the screw ups that led to the successful icon we see today. The success is great, but the failures are critical. You're going to face rejection and screw ups before you see the light. Just keep at it!

4. Do What Makes You Happy 

We are taught that we must go to college to get a good job so that we can make money and live respected and comfortable lives. The things we care about and our job are often considered separate entities. I hate this ideology. If you really want to apply for some job that you know you will love, but you also feel you can't get, apply any way! Who knows right? Always push to do what makes you happy. If you like to draw, draw and put your art online. Join a meetup group with other artists, and take some classes. Cultivate what you love, because when you have true passion for something often a career will create itself. If you're like me, you can cultivate these things in your free-time and watch the opportunities unfold. I hear too often that people let 'making a living' detract from what they truly love in life. Explore these opportunities and just go with it!

5. Keep an Open Mind 

Like my mother would say, "You're young! You have no kids! Live your life and explore." In otherwords, be open to new opportunities even if they aren't ideal or what your envisioned. Life is too short to shut doors on new things because of fear of the unknown. Take a chance and if it doesn't work out then now ya know!

Lunatic Wolf - Roses

Adorable Outfits for The Fall Season

It's getting a little chillier up in Boston and I've had to pull out a few sweaters! However, I'm not going to complain about that at all. Fall is my favorite season! I feel as though it allows me to have the most flexibility with the things I can wear. It isn't too cold or too hot. It's perfect. Whether or not fall is your thing, here are some super cute outfits you can sport during the changing season.

John Smith - There is a Stone

John Smith's music is so catchy! I love his light tunes and memorable lyrics! Enjoy this light love song called There is a Stone.

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

 Just so you know, my skin is dry and flaky beyond all reason. Because of this, I have to layer up my skincare routine. I did my research to find out how I could get as much moisture into my skin as possible. So instead of toner (because I haven't found something that works for me yet) I decided to look into a refreshing mist. That's when I stumbled upon this product. I've been dabbling in Etude House anyway, so I decided to give it a go. It's been about a month since I began using this product, so my skin has had some time to adjust to it So let's get started!

Product Description: This light and refreshing mist containing Hinoki water (Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water) delivers a moisturizing layer over skin, controls sebum, which is one of the causes of acne, and controls dry skin. It also prevents the collection of dead skin, and brightens while cleansing.

How to Use: Spray at about 20cm from face. Pat face with hands until somewhat dry.

Review: The first time I used it I noticed that it had a strong herbally smell. That doesn't bother me, because I like that herbal, organic smell and the smell completely dissipates after a few minutes. However, if you're sensitive to smells, this may not be for you. After spraying it it felt just like I was spraying water on my face. It was nothing to write home about. During the second week I noticed my typical dry skin issues disappear. It didn't do much for my pores, though I don't think its supposed to. It just would have been a nice perk! However, it accomplishes what it says it will accomplish. My skin looks bright, I have no flakes or dry skin issues, it also prevents acne! Keep in mind that it doesn't rid you of any acne, it simply keeps pores clean and moisturized so you keep acne away. Perfect for people trying to control breakouts. As someone with sensitive skin, I can also say that this is safe for sensitive skin. No burning, no drying out - just moisturized and clean skin. I can also confidently say that it evened out my complexion and reduced acne scars. All in all, this stuff is no miracle worker but it is pretty good! Will purchase again!

Rating: 9/10

Korean Makeup Trends for Beginners

Alot of people asked me why I studied East Asian Studies in college. My answer is and always will be that I have been fascinated with East Asian culture long before my teenage obsession with Hannah Montana. Frankly, its a culture that is both foreign and familiar to me. Especially Korean culture, I often find myself feeling very comfortable with Korean cultural trends and practices. With that said, it is plain to see why I grew so fond of Korean makeup. I naturally have a baby looking face, and have always hated it. In western culture, the one that looks like a mature woman is the one who carries the most fame. Sure a couple baby faces can make their way in, but the ideal is the ideal. Girls who look mature and filled out, are favored in the west. However, Korean makeup has given me the chance to love myself the way that I am, and because of that I embrace K-Beauty whole heartedly. With that in mind, I'm going to share some K-Beauty trends that you have GOT to incorporate into your makeup routine.

1. Puppy Eyeliner 

 

Puppy liner (yeah, you heard that right) is supposed look like a childish pout. Its a very simple and subtle addition to the K-Beauty routine that makes your eyes appear larger and youthful. To achieve this look use your liquid liner to make a very thin line right above the water line, then flick downwards instead of the upwards. It takes some getting used to, but give it a couple tries and you'll be glad you did.

2. Gradient Lips 

Gradient lips are essential to mastering the K-beauty look! Gradient lips are intended to mimic the look of naturally plump and juicy lips. Gradient lips are a must. Its a very simple technique that guarantees a sweet and delicate appearance. To achieve this look simply apply concealer over both lips. If you tend to have dry lips, put on lip balm before applying concealer. Then apply stain or lipstick to the center/inner lips. Blend outward and voila!

3. Orange Blush 

Orange blush is a stable of the Korean beauty look. It adds a pop of color to a very simple look. To achieve this look simply dab a little bit on your cheeks until you have created a "circle" of color on your cheeks.

4. Less Contour, More Highlight

Korean makeup is supposed to be bright and youthful. So make sure to keep your contouring to a minimum. To achieve a Korean contour, simply contour around the nose, under the cheekbones and around the bottom of the face to create the illusion of a rounded off face. Everywhere else is highlighted! So pull your illuminator out and get to it!

5. Aegyo Sal 

 Aegyo sal means cute eyes. Aegyo is a big deal in Korea! Girls aspire to encompass everything aegyo in their look and guys love to see girls with a child-like, innocent appearance. Picture it, every time you smile your under eyelids swell to show how happy you are. Isn't it adorable! To achieve the aegyo sal look, say cheese! Apply white liner to the area on your lower lid that swells. Blend. Apply brown liner directly beneath that to create a shadow. Blend. Voila!

Fall Indie Folk Playlist (September 2016)

In my spare time, I have a Youtube channel where I compile up and coming indie songs into playlists! It's such a therapeutic thing for me, because the songs I upload are soothing and relaxing. It gives me a necessary break from, well, life. Here is the fall indie folk compilation for the month of September. Hope you like it!

Shakey Graves - Doe, Jane

I discovered this gem a while ago while combing the web for indie folk classics. This reflective tune is the perfect song for when your studying or traveling a long distance.

Rachel Sermanni - Waltz

I have noticed a trend in the kind of music I listen to. I tend to prefer music that can take me to beautiful imaginary places. Call me a child at heart if you want, but music that can lift me up and captivate my imagination is music worth listening to. Especially this song by Rachel Sermanni! It's a light waltz with beautiful vocals and delicate strings to help you de-stress at the end of a long day. I like to listen to this song while doing my skincare routine at night.

Korean Skincare Product Review: Etude House Moistfull Collagen Deep Cream Moisturizer

As fall approaches and we ready ourselves for the chillier weather, I wanted to share a review for a very hydrating moisturizer that is intended to rid you of your flaky skin blues.

Product Description: This deep moisturizing cream, enriched with collagen, penetrates deep into pores to provide long lasting moisture.

How To Use: (Note:This product is the last step of your skincare routine) Use the provided applicator stick to apply pea sized amounts to forehead, chin, and cheeks. Rub in cream thoroughly.

Review: Initially, I was pretty apprehensive to use Korean products because my skin is both sensitive and dry (I know, how lucky am I). However, I was advised that Etude House products would be a safe bet due to its moisturizing contents. So I purchased the new and updated formula of Moistfull Collagen Cream, the Deep Cream Moisturizer that came out last year. After it arrived, I immediately noticed that there was an applicator stick so you don't contaminate the cream by putting your fingers into the cream. So hygienic! The first week, I didn't see much improvement. Still had flakes here and there and my skin still looked patchy. After applying the cream for about two weeks, I've noticed some decent improvements! My skin looks hydrated and supple. Since using the cream, I have seen no flakes, no patches, and minimized pores. My skin looks very youthful and glowing!

The cream is not terribly thick, but very creamy. It glides on like silk provides long lasting moisture that is some how also pretty light. I feel as though being lighter is a good thing, since being too heavy could cause clogged pores or white heads. Even on dry skin. I have also noticed that my makeup glides on much more smoothly. No flakes after applying foundation or concealer (the biggest threat) or even highlighter!

Note: This product does not work with only one application. I have observed that a lot of girls think a single product will work miracles for them. They set their expectations astronomically high and are disappointed when they realize that one product alone will not suffice. Korean skincare is meant to be layered. So don't expect one item to be your skins savior. With this in mind, assign at least one product in your routine for dealing with your troubled areas. For example, in addition to dry skin I also have huge pores on my nose. To deal with this, I use Fresh Apple Pore Emulsion to moisturize and close my pores. This moisturizer is only for providing deep hydration and reducing other issues associated with super dry skin.

Rating: 9/10 

I only deducted one point because it takes a couple weeks for the cream to really take affect. So be patient with it!

Turn Around - Camille

Turn Around is the English version of the French song "Suis Moi" (or Follow Me) sung by Camille and written for American listeners. This beautifully imaginative song was featured in the captivating  film "The Little Prince" released recently for U.S audiences. This airy song will have you souring through the star lit sky. It also sports some French musical influences such as the folksy strings and simple backup vocals. Trust me, this song is going to take you places.

Korean Skincare Product Review: Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur

So as you know, I have decided to partake in the Korean makeup sensation to see for myself what it can do for my dry, flaky, skin. I've heard delightful things about how Korean skincare reduced redness, acne, dry patches and dark spots. Immediately I thought, "Well, sign me up!"  Skincare products in the states dry out and irritate my skin, and I was fed up with it. I did my research and figured out a couple products to start with. This particular beauty product is pretty popular in both Korea and the states, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. So lets just jump right in!

Description: The product is a lightweight cream primer that tones skin, soothes flakes away, and hides pores. In essence, its supposed to blur all imperfections to leave your skin looking bright and flawless.

How To Use: Dab a dot on your cheeks, forehead, and chin. Rub the product into your face until the cream is perfectly blended. (When its not blended well, it leaves white streaks)

Review: The product is a very light cream that is almost watery. When I rubbed it into my face, it glided on very smoothly! I really like the light consistency, especially since I am using a pretty heavy moisturizer for my extra dry skin. As a blended the cream in, I noticed that it made my skin appear a shade or two brighter than my natural complexion. It didn't bother me too much, because it didn't look like I was wearing a mask. It look more like a youthful glow. In addition, my acne scars disappeared and my flakiness was no more. It was amazing!

Note: This product is not intended to provide moisture to dry skin. So if you have flakes before you apply the product, you will have them after application. Apply a heavy moisturizer before applying if you have dry, flaky skin like me. I tried to put on the product without moisturizer and the affects were disastrous. My skin looked flaky and patchy! In other words, this product isn't a miracle worker. It adds a lovely glow under your makeup and evens your complexion. That's it! So if you have dry skin, like me, hydrate your skin really well before using this product.

Results: Its been about two weeks since purchasing the product and I can still see the improvements. My skin looks radiant, my complexion looks even, and my makeup glides over it very naturally. It also reduces the look of big pores, which is also a big problem for me. I am very impressed with this product as a primer! Will purchase again!

Rating: 10/10