Youtube: "hello" by adele | cover by sejunghong (aka me)

REVIEW: Sephora Collection Sleeping Masks

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $4 each

Why did I pick this product?
My friend, Christine, picked these up for my birthday. I instantly got excited because they looked so cute and winter has been wrecking havoc on my cheeks lately. Everything was just perfect timing. There are many different masks that serve different purposes.

Where to buy it?
You can buy it at Sephora.

Sephora claims: It is a line of rich cream-gel textured sleeping masks, each with a skin refreshing benefit. Each of these masks is infused with a different active ingredient for relaxing the skin and achieving a brighter, more revitalized complexion. The luxurious cream-gel texture melts into skin for penetration of the active ingredients while you sleep. These masks are dermatologist tested and are quick and easy to use. 

Pomegranate Mask: Awakens and tones the skin while reducing signs of fatigue for a revitalized look. 

Ginseng Mask: Provides a tightening effect while toning for a supple, fresh, and energized complexion. 

Lingzhi Mask: Smooths wrinkles and minimizes the signs of aging for younger-looking skin. 

Green Tea Mask: Absorbs excess sebum and purifies for a matte, clean complexion. 

Lotus Mask: Locks in water and reduces the signs of fatigue for the appearance of plumper, more rested skin. 

Rose Mask: Plumps skin and gives an immediate radiance boost for hydrated, more luminous skin. 
Honey Mask: Nourishes and relieves dry skin instantly for softened, balanced skin. 
Pearl Mask: Evens and helps minimize irregularities for skintone that is even, fresher, and brighter. 

Research results: 
Pearl Mask: In a use test on 22 volunteers, after 42 days of use: 
- 90% felt skin is moisturized 
- 81% felt skin is fresher 

Ginseng Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 42 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is suppler 
- 96% felt skin is firmed 

Lingzhi Mask: In a use test on 20 volunteers, after 42 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is smoothed 
- 100% felt skin is younger-looking 

Lotus Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 91% felt skin is re-plumped 
- 91% felt skin is fresher 
- 91% felt skin is softer 

Rose Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 96% felt that skin is softer 
- 95% felt that skin is ultra-hydrated 

Green Tea Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 28 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is purified 
- 96% felt skin is fresher 

Pomegranate Mask: In a use test on 22 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is toned 
- 100% felt skin is invigorated 

Honey Mask: In a use test on 22 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is nourished 
- 100% felt skin is re-plumped

Pros:
- Simple packaging 
- Many uses
- Lots of choices
- Hydrating
- Affordable

Cons:
- Not resealable

Bottomline: I love this. Go buy it. If you're tight on cash, just avoid ordering that extra side of fries and buy one of these. One "mask" is good for at least 3-5 uses. They are super hydrating and refreshing. If you like gel-like textures, you'll like this product. It's very light, yet moisturizing. I have only tried the Rose Mask but will most likely purchase the others after I finish the two that I already have. If I have one negative thing to say about this product, it would be that I wish it had better packaging. Since it can be used more than once, I wish it was resealable. I'm guessing they didn't do it because it would end up raising the prices. Nevertheless, I would 120% recommend this product!

REVIEW: Sephora Collection Contour Matte Gel Eyeliner in All Black Everything

★★★★ out of 5

Price: $14

Why did I pick this product?
Maybe it's because I have oily eyelids but none of the eyeliners stay on my lids. Liquid eyeliners flake off after a few hours. Gel/pencil eyeliners smudge and make me look like a panda/raccoon. I decided to pick this product because the liner can be brought up by twisting the bottom and it was waterproof, pigmented, and "long-wearing." Also, it was at a price point that I didn't mind paying.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Sephora claims: A long-wearing, smudge-proof gel eyeliner pencil in intensely pigmented matte shades. This luscious pencil features a creamy gel formula that glides on for a modern matte finish. The waterproof formula will never smudge or fade. It is formulated without parabens.


Pros:
- Simple packaging
- Easily glides on
- Good color payoff/pigmented
- Waterproof

Cons:
- The tip becomes too blunt to draw a sharp cat eye
- Not that smudge-proof

Bottomline: I think I would repurchase because, out of the one's I have already tried, I liked this one the best. It's affordable, travel-friendly, and well-pigmented. I did not give it five stars because it still smudged a bit and the tip was too blunt to make any detailed lines. It doesn't really matter for me because I usually do a toned down smokey eye. I have monolids, which may be why the eyeliners keep smudging onto my lower lash line. Anyhoo, I would recommend it to a friend.

Dolcezza in Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA

http://dolcezzagelato.com/locations/fairfax/

Cute but expensive gelato place in the Mosaic District (Fairfax, VA). They have a lot of unique flavors that are fun to try out. 

UNION MARKET IN D.C.

yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bbq-joint-washington

yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/takorean-korean-taco-grill-washington

yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/panorama-bakery-washington

Special Announcement

Hello fellow bloggers/lovers/friends/readers/all of the above,

This blog used to be called "messyhairbun.com" but (silly me) I forgot to extend the pay for the domain name. Therefore this blog will be officially launched as "sejunghong.blogspot.com!" It will still be run by me (alice) and will be consistently updated (now that I am out of school). Feel free to click around and explore this newly decorated blog. Thank you!

Love, Alice

Bartaco + Northside Social Coffee and Wine in Reston, VA

yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bartaco-reston-reston-4

yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/northside-social-coffee-and-wine-arlington

Juk Story + Siroo in Annandale, VA

tuna+veggie porridge

beef+veggie porridge

yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/juk-story-annandale

Pinkberry at National Harbor

tart+mango+blueberry froyo

REVIEW: Tarte park ave princess (Contour Palette)

★★★★ out of 5

Price: $34

Why did I pick this product?
I have never contoured my face because but I wanted to try it out. Honestly, the packaging looked so cute and alluring. Also, it comes with a bronzer, highligher, and blush, so I thought it was a good deal.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Tarte claims: Be a contour de force with tarte’s newest complexion-enhancing essential – a 3-in-1 contouring palette featuring the iconic park ave princess™ matte bronzer and a complementing highlighter/blush duo. The trio of rich, skin-nourishing pigment is infused with Amazonian clay and works wonders to help balance all skin types for a fade-free, effortless finish. Available all year round, this chic palette features a sleek, portable design and full size mirror so you can dress up your look and create an instantly slimmer appearance at home or on-the-glow! 
3-step contouring shades include: 
• Amazonian clay matte waterproof bronzer in park ave princess™
• Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in posh (pale pink) 
• Amazonian clay highlighter in champagne gold

Pros:
- The packaging is beautiful 
- Comes with a mirror
- Subtle color and good color payoff (the colors are so pretty)
- Travel-friendly

Cons:
- The color of the bronzer may be limited to certain types of skin colors

Bottomline: I personally was very pleased because I liked how subtle the colors were. I think this palette is perpect for beginners, like me, who are just starting to learn how to contour their face because it doesn't leave behind harsh lines. It gives your skin a healthy glow, while naturally contouring your jawline. However, if you're going for that "Kim Kardashian" look, I wouldn't recommend this because it may be too light.

Good For You | Selena Gomez ft. A$AP Rocky

Cool For The Summer | Demi Lovato

Eat | Zion.T

Comes & Goes | Hyukoh

VA is for Lovers

NYC Trip (7/18-19)

I don't know what it's about NYC but, in the midst of the sewage smell and crowds of people, it's so magical. Maybe it's the flashing lights or endless hustle. Every nook and cranny of the city seem to scream out that it's filled with life. 

Every time I stop by NYC, I have one purpose - to each as much good food as possible. I loved trying new things and places that people recommend. Here are some of the pictures that I was able to take of the food before I devoured them. Enjoy!

Oh my. Don't even get my started with the meat at this place (Kang Hodong Baek-Jeong). It's da-bomb-diggity (dot) com. We got the large beef combo for about $99, which feeds four people. I know it sounds like a lot but just try it. Trust me. You won't regret it. The prime boneless short rib is so tender that it melts in your mouth.

I heard this place (Dominique Ansel Bakery) was really good when it came to their wonderful array of desserts. Although I didn't get the chance to try out their famous cronuts, all of their desserts were so good. Well-worth the trip!

It was so hot in SOHO so my cousins and I stumbled upon a juice bar called Juice Generation. I got the Kale Kolada, which has the option to be served in an actual coconut. So, how could I resist? I got a cool picture but it tasted way too healthy for me. I think many health nuts would really enjoy this drink. It's filled with kale, spinach, coconut juice, coconut oil, and bananas.

This famous corn from Cafe Habana tasted good but I don't know if it lived up to its hype. But maybe it's my fault for having high expectations for a corn... I mean how good can corn be? If you're around the neighborhood, try it out. It's pretty cheap so it may be worth the trip. The grilled corn is basically covered in mayo, cojito cheese, and pepper.

Until next time, NYC. I'll be back for more. Better believe it.

Love, Alice

The Beach | National Building Museum in DC

a germ-free ball pit for adults? yes, please!

Since I'm only five feet tall, I was literally pulled into the deep ends of the ball pit. My boyfriend had to fish me out of there. If you're a "germaphobe," have no fear! The balls are manufactured specifically to kill 99.9% of the germs that touch them. The admission is a bit pricey but if you're a student, be sure to bring your ID to get a discount! Have fun.

Location: National Building Museum in DC

Freebies | Desktop Images

In my spare time I like to click around pinterest and mess around with font combinations. I was inspired to make these desktop backgrounds after an encouraging talk sesh with one of my best friends. I hope these can serve as a constant reminder and encouragement as you go about your day.

The photoshop brushes are from a blog called angie makes! Click there if you want to look at some of her awesome stuff! These brushes were free so I just downloaded and installed them onto photoshop.

These are designed for 1440x900 screens. If you want a different size, comment or email me. Thanks!

In order to download, follow these instructions:

• Click on the image to enlarge
• Right-click the enlarged image
• Select "Save Image As"

I hope you like them!

REVIEW: Clinique Moisture Surge Intense

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $52

Size: 2.5 oz (100 ml)

Why did I pick this product?
No matter how much lotion I put on my face, it has been so dry. My skin felt rough and flaky because the cold, harsh winds have been attacking my face. I didn't have a moisturizer in my skincare routine so I decided to try one out. I heard so many good things about this moisturizer. Also it doesn't hurt that the packaging is very cute.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Clinque claims: Rich, oil-free cream-gel plumps skin with 24-hour hydration. Instantly rehydrates. Helps repair skin's moisture barrier over time. Works for extra dry to dry skin.

Pros:
- Gel-like texture
- Really moisturizing
- Leaves a dewy complexion 
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized for hours

Cons:
- Could be a little sticky feeling in the beginning
- Smells a little "chemically"

Bottomline: Although it has a few cons, I still gave it five stars because it does what it's supposed. It keeps my skin feeling moisturized and makes my heart look so healthy and dewy. However, I have to warn you that this is formulated for really dry skin. So if you have oily skin, I don't recommend using this. Try the regular Clinique Moisture Surge. Also the bigger size is currently limited edition and it's already sold out on the Sephora website. Obviously other people think it's really good too!

REVIEW: Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream (Rinse-off Formula)

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $20

Size: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)

Why did I pick this product?
After snowboarding, my cheeks got so chafed due to the cold winds. Also, because of the harsh winter cold, my face started to get flakey. My mom and the lady at Sephora suggested getting a scrub because it'll help exfoliate and get rid of the dried skin flakes. I picked this because it was the most affordable and reasonable for its size. Also, I currently use a lot of Clinique products for my skin so I thought it would be more compatible.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Clinque claims: Dermatologist-developed exfoliating cream deflakes, refines. Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. Clears the way for moisture. Works for all skin types.

Pros:
- Creamy texture
- Doesn't dry out skin
- Refines skin

Cons:
- None

Bottomline: I absolutely love this scrub! I've used it for about a week and it has made my skin tremendously soft and even. It got rid of all my dried skin flakes without being too harsh on the rest of my skin. I haven't broken out and my skin isn't irritated by it. If anything, I feel like it helps me avoid pimples and blemishes. Also, it has a lot of product and the price isn't that bad. If you're looking for a scrub, I'd say go for this one!