SHINee - SHERLOCK Review

Please be aware that I love SHINee. In fact, you could even call me a 샤월 (shawol - what SHINee fans call themselves). But their newest album was disappointing. I'm sorry guys. I mean, you all looked great...just awkward, forced and just weird. (Link to the music video)

What's with the 'fro Minho?!

Okay, let's start off from the beginning of this hype. Everyone heard that SHINee was coming out with another album, blah, blah, blah. I was pretty excited...until the first concept photos came out. I mean, they're all handsome boys but the pictures were just not to my tastes. All I really saw were shirtless malnourished boys. My first thought: Are they feeding them right? 

Taemin, you're going to need a lot more than those grapes to fill out your frame!

My second thought: What is the concept? I mean, all I see are 80s looking retro pictures of skinny boys on vintage furniture. Can anyone clarify? And even when the rest of the concept photos released I couldn't really pick anything up. Did SHINee  just decide to start living in some hippie commune or something? 

PD: "I'm sure this TOTALLY fits the song Sherlock" 

When the song and music video came out I was still a bit confused. I like the song and its really catchy and fun. The dance in the music video is precise and perfect. That's great. So where in the music video did the concept photos fit in? No where. Huh, but wait, aren't concept photos supposed to give a CONCEPT of the song and video before it comes out...? 

WHO IS THAT WEARING A SKIRT?!

I mean, the music video takes place in a museum where all the members are searching around for some girl and a treasure of some sort. They are all dressed in formal English attire and are looking dandy. But wait, I thought they were supposed to be hippies? Oh, one sec, dance part came on. Now they're a biker gang/hippie/America loving fanatics. Yep. That's what I see. 

Biker gang/4th of July Costumes?? 

I'm sorry but you need to get a new costume manager because it made no sense and had no correlation with the lyrics or video. I guess the song was okay, but everything else left me confused.

My Reaction: "이거...뭐야?" ("What...is this?")

 SHINee 오빠들, I love you guys even if you confuse me but next time, make it a tad bit easier to interpret your music videos and songs! 

What Products Do Korean Celebrities Use? (Skin Edition)

Korean Celebrities have gorgeous skin. A lot of credit has to go to the products that they use which are often very expensive and effective. However, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get good skin. You just have to have the right tools. So let's go!

It's not as easy as it looks...

If you go to Korea, you'll notice that a lot of regular people like you and me are looking great and stylish. Most of all, yo'll see their awesome complexions (most of the time). Previously, I wrote a post on easy steps you can take to improve your skin (link here : click me!) . Here, I'll be going over what types of products you should be using and what routines you should follow.

It's not easy to have good skin. Many Korean and Asian people in general follow a skin care regimen that can have up to 20 steps and dozens of different products. Some opt to buy sets of lotions and toners such as this...

These sets can be $150-$500!!

A lot of these products are on the pricey side so you might want to look for individual products that are cheaper on their own. Personally, I use an Ipkn New York lotion set which I feel isn't greasy or oily at all. It's light fresh and airy which I love.

What are my Necessities?

You definitely need the following:

• Toner (Some people say you don't need it but it's nice to put on before you put on your lotion. Gives you that nice fresh feeling!)
• Face moisturizer 
• Face Wash
• Face Cream
• Lip Balm
• Sunscreen 
• Makeup Remover
• Cleanser/Cleansing Oil
• Essence/Serum
• Facial Mask

PHEW~! 10 Products that are MUST HAVE. I know it's a long list but I'm sure you guys can do it! Let me elaborate now on why each one is CRUCIAL. I know your face right now must be like...

"SO MANY PRODUCTS...CANNOT PROCESS!!"

I'll try to make this as painless as possible...

 

Toner: After using makeup remover and cleansing oil to get rid of makeup and dirt, toner picks up any residue left over and refreshes your skin.

Facial Moisturizer: It prevents your skin from getting too dry. Even if you have oily skin, you should always use moisturizer because oily skin could be a sign that you aren't giving your skin enough moisture to begin with. But never ever ever use your body lotion as face lotion!

Cleanser: Use cleansers or cleansing oils after removing your makeup because makeup removers often LEAVE residue still on the skin. 

Makeup remover: It's the first step you should do in a skin care routine because it takes off most of the "hard to take off" make up. 

Face Wash: The skin on your face is much much more sensitive than on your body. It reacts to small changes and needs specific products to keep it in its tip top shape. Body soap should not be used for your face. Instead, you should have a separate type of soap that cleans without irritating your skin.

Face Cream: In some parts of your face, you may see that it gets especially dry. I know that my cheeks get dry in the winter. Cream is good for those parts of your face or parts that don't get oily but need extra care like under your eyes and slightly above them.

Lip Balm: No one likes dry cracked lips. Take care of them by regularly exfoliating them with a clean toothbrush and/or with a lip scrub. (Here's an easy recipe for a lip scrub: lip scrub recipe)

Essence/Serum: Essence or serum is like a more concentrated version of a lotion that usually has a specific use. They are absorbed in to the skin faster and work quicker than moisturizers. The only downside: They're more expensive.

Facial Mask: You should do a facial mask about twice a week. Choose one that works on clarifying or moisturizing as those are the most useful and gentle for regular use. Do this after cleansing and at night. On the days that you don't indulge in a mask, massage your face gently with some lotion or a scrub as it increases blood flow to the face. *Caution: Those with oily or acne prone skin should be cautious when massaging their skin as it could stimulate the oil glands more. 

Sunscreen: You know when your mother told you to wear sunscreen on the beach or you'd turn into a shriveled old woman in no time? Well, she was right. From the moment you hit puberty, you start aging. Though the effects are not visible, they will be unless you take care of yourself early on. Sunscreen should be used DAILY when you go out. Even during the winter as UV Rays can cause damage year round. But use oil free sunscreens on your face if you will be using makeup as well because foundation and oily sunscreen could be too heavy for your face. 

And something that's not written up there: EXFOLIATE your face and body at least 1-2 times a week. This gets rid of dead skin cells and dirt.

Maybe one day you'll have skin like his! 

You should use them in this order:

1. Makeup Remover
2. Cleanser
3. Face Wash
4. Toner
5. Moisturizer
6. Face Cream
7. Essence/Serum (5 minutes after you put on your moisturizer)
8. Lip Balm.

*As for Face Masks do them after you wash your face.

**Sunscreen should be applied before you go out.

Easy Korean Celebrity Skin

When we look at Korean celebrities, they have awesome complexions. I mean, wow. It looks like they're photoshopped even in real life. Celebrities like Song Hye Kyo, Lee Min Jung, and countless others-men and women alike.Even in un-shopped photos, I can barely see as much a a pore on their skin!

I mean come on, can't she save some pretty for the 

rest of us girls?

However, it takes a lot more than BB Cream and Pact to make their skin this flawless. They have rigorous skin care routines and watch their diets to keep their skin and bodies looking glamorous.

Look at that! Barely any makeup and beautiful looking skin.

I could kill for that skin-call me "Korea Celebrity Chainsaw Massacre".  XD

Now here, I will unfold the secrets of marvelous skin...

Easy Steps to get the Skin You Want
Even when you walk out in Korea, you'll see people with great skin. Many Koreans invest hundreds to thousands of dollars a month for skin care and beauty products. However, you don't need to spend lots of money to have beautiful skin but you should be well equipped and dedicated.

"Omg, how do you get your skin like that?!"

Take off your makeup when you get home!
Yes, yes, yes. I know. You've heard this one countless times but you have to listen to me! Wipe that gunk off your face AS SOON AS you get home. I don't care how many fancy, schmancy anti-aging moisturizing properties it has. Makeup is a temporary solution that is only supposed to be worn for a few hours.

1. First, take cleansing oil or makeup remover and remove your eye make up. That stuff is the hardest to take off. 
2. Go wash your face. 
3. Moisturize and continue with your skin care regimen. 

Now, how are you going to wash your face? Here's how you should.

1. Take your face soap and use warm water to work up a lather.
2. Wash your face using upwards and outwards motions. This helps to prevent wrinkles. (This also applies when applying lotion and makeup)
3. Rinse your face with COLD water. This closes up pores and helps tighten your skin.
4. Continue with skin care routine.

*If you're taking a shower, wash your face AFTER you wash your hair. Residue from your hair that comes off with the shampoo and conditioner can stick onto your face after you wash it.

Rain works hard for his skin! You should too! 

Know your Skin Type

Know what type of skin you have. If you have oily skin, you want to look for lotions and products without much oil. If you have dry skin, look for products with moisturizing qualities. Easy as that. 

With all the skin products out on the market, now a days it isn't just one type fits all. Look for products that fit your needs. A lot of times, you might have to go through some trial and error but it's MUCH MUCH better than using the wrong product for your skin. Everyone is different, as is everyone's skin.

 "I've been using the wrong type of lotion and now my skin's all greasy and gross!"

:( Typical Bad Skin Day

Way to Go for H2O

For all you "not so bright" people out there, H2O is the chemical formula for water, otherwise known as the elixir of life, and for some, a fountain of youth. Drink more of it! I mean, we are mostly made out of water.

Water is crucial to keeping your skin hydrated. It pretty much fixes you from the inside out. No, you won't see a humongous change overnight, but keeping water with you will help keep you hydrated and keep your skin nice and supple.  

Water can increase blood flow to skin and give you a nice complexion. Dehydration can lead to more noticeable fine lines and wrinkles 

• Carry a water bottle with you at all times
• Try water with mint, lemon, cucumber to encourage drinking
• Trash your sugary drinks, they just make you more thirsty. 

Separate Your Face and Bath Towels

You shouldn't be using the same towel for both your face and body. Your body towel has all the leftover residue that wasn't washed in the shower from your body and hair. You don't want that on your face! Here are some more reasons why you should have separate towels: 

• Acne! Oils and substances in Shampoos and Conditioners are left on the shampoo and transferred to your face where they can clog pores and cause pimples!
• Germs and Bacteria! Since most people use change bath towels weekly, germs and bacteria can congregate on the towel. When on facial skin, these germs and bacteria can cause a lot of damage! 
• Blackhead Prevention! Blackheads are caused by dust, oil and bacteria in pores. Using a separate towel helps prevent this.

"Well, someone hasn't been being thorough!" 

I hope you guys enjoyed this! I will soon post another article on what types of products to use and how to use them! The link will be here as soon as I'm done. 

Thanks! Email me at ahitsarah@gmail.com if you have questions or comments! Better yet, leave your comment below!