Daily Check-in: Dec 16th 2024 🎀

Current Skincare Routine(s) 🎀

I have a morning skincare routine and two separate night routines depending on the day of the week and what skincare products I use. For example, on a night I use my AHA/BHA toner, I do NOT use my retinal eye cream. I'll also include some tips that work for me at the end!

My skin type leans more towards Oily-Combination!

🩷 Usual AM Routine -

If I washed my face and did skincare the night before, I simply splash my face with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. If I did not do my skincare the night before, I wash my face with the Cerave Hydrating Face Wash. This is the only face wash my skin likes, but I'm still looking for alternatives for my night routine!

Once I dry my face, I use the IUNIK Centella Asiatica Calming Gel Cream moisturizer. My skin loves this moisturizer. It helps with my redness and makes my skin feel so nice.

After that's soaked into my skin a bit, I rub in a layer of the Beauty of Joseon Rice and Probiotics SPF 50 sunscreen. I put this on my face and neck!

I typically apply a 2nd layer after the first one drys for some extra protection if I know I'll be outside for a bit during the day.

Cocoa Butter Vaseline or Blistex on my lips for some nice, not chapped lips before I do makeup and/or apply lip gloss/lip stick.

My morning routine is super simple and quick because I usually just want to get it done and move on with my morning. I still enjoy it, tho, because it makes me feel accomplished early on in the day!

🩷 PM Routine: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

I have an app that breaks down my skincare routine so I'm doing this off memory and what I remember from my typical routine for these days, but I do know these four days are different from the others for sure!

Occasionally, I will double cleanse and use my Hiemish All Clean Balm to remove sebum and oil impurities, but I'm not sure how I feel about this cleansing balm yet.

I wash my face with the Cerave Hydrating Face Wash using warm water and do a final rinse with cold water. Of course, I pat dry with a clean towel. I am looking for a water-based foam cleanser to follow the oil cleanse, so if you have any recommendations, please let me know!!

I then use two cotton balls to rub some Cosrx AHA/BHA Toner along my face to remove dead skin and then I spray some of the toner on my face, patting it in gently with my hands. I have to be careful with my eyes cause it will burn them if I get it in my eyes.

While the toner is still a bit damp on my face, I pump some Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence onto my cheeks, forehead, chin, and a little on my nose and pat it in gently.

I let the essence dry a little bit and then apply some Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid serum while it's still damp. I pat this in as well, as it's better for absorption than just rubbing it in. I used to use the ordinary brand one, but omg, the Good Molecules one is so much better, in my opinion!!

I need to buy a new one, but occasionally, I'll use a niacinimide serum on my forehead, nose, above my upper lip, and chin as those are my more oily areas. I used to use The Oridnary Niacinimide, but I want to try to Good Molecules niacinimide.

Next, I use my Cerave Eye Repair Cream (the blue one) under my eyes for extra hydration while the hyaluronic acid absorbs into my skin.

Depending on how I'm feeling, I'll use either the Cosrx All in One Snail Cream or the Etude Soon Jung 2x Barrier Moisturizer to lock in everything. I usually choose the Cosrx Cream as I prefer it, but it again depends on how I feel!

A little bit of vaseline to end the routine so I can wake up with soft lips!

I feel like this night routine is more complex then my other night routine but it always depends on the products I use.

🩷 PM Routine: Tues, Thurs, Sun

I do not oil cleanse and instead just wash my face with the Cerave Hydrating Face Wash, patting dry after rinsing with cold water.

I then use some of the I'm From Rice Toner, patting it into my face. I layer this one on twice, being careful with my eyes cause this one will burn them like crazy.

I follow up with the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence, patting it into my skin.

Next is the Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid serum.

After the serum dries down, i apply a quarter to a half pump of the Beauty of Joseon Retinal Eye Cream underneath one eye and another quarter to a half pump to the other undereye areas, patting in gently while avoiding my actual eyes. If there's any leftover I gently pat into the surrounding areas. I'm not sure how my whole face will react to retinal so I'm careful with this one.

I then rub some Cosrx All in One Snail Cream over my face to lock in all the other skincare products and moisture.

A little bit of vaseline to the lips to ensure smooth, soft lips when I wake up!

I haven't noticed a difference with the retinal yet due to my inconsistent use but I do like how it feels the first few times after I use it, so I plan on continuing it.

Now, for some Tips:

Pat your face dry, never rub it with a towel. Rubbing it causes friction and pulling on the skin while patting is way more gentle on the face.

Initially wash with warm water but always final rinse with cold water. A while back I heard this helps with your pores, so I've just always done it and it makes my skin feel nice, especially in the morning!

Try to use either paper towels or a departed face towel (not your body towel) when drying your face. I myself use a separate towel for my face that I wash 2x a week and my skin doesn't typically break out.

Brush your teeth before applying skincare! This way, you don't disrupt the skincare surrounding your lips when brushing your teeth, flossing, or using mouthwash.

Always wash your hands before starting your skincare routine to minimize bacteria getting on your face.

Always try to patch test and figure out what works best for your skin, never just use what's viral or popular because not everyone has the same skin type. I feel lucky that my skin typically likes most products, but my skin is very picky with cleansers. I haven't found a cleanser besides the hydrating cerave one that my face likes. (The B.Lab Matcha Foaming Cleanser was so stripping my face turned red and peeled in certain places, a definite no go for me.)

Korean/Asian based skincare typically focuses more on hydrating the skin, while Western skincare tends to focus more on drying out the acne. I personally, as you have read, love Asian based skincare. Most of what I use is Korean skincare, and I'm still looking to expand my skincare collection because I love it so much!

Do your research! When I find a product that interests me, I watch pintetest and tiktok reviews, read the reviews on the actual shopping app, and read as much as I can on the Asian Beauty subreddit before making a purchase. I also like to read ingredient lists, application directions, and details on products, and I always Google what products can and can not mix together. it's helped me determine what to buy and what not to buy, and so far, my skin has loved it!!

Try to wash your pillowcases at least once a week and avoid touching your face with dirty or greasy hands. Also sanitize/disinfect your handheld devices/audio devices (cellphones, iPad or tablets, headphones, etc), eye glasses/sunglasses, and really just keep anything that touches your face as clean as possible. All of this helps to minimize how much bacteria and dirt make contact with your face.

Research different things that may help with improving skin. Ice rolling, gua sha, silk pillowcases, physical exfoliates, face masks, etc. Look into stuff that might help your skin or make a difference in your skins appearance and health.

This should've been higher up, my apologies, but drink your water!! Staying hydrated on the inside definitely shows on the outside, and being hydrated is an essential component to health overall!!

Wear your sunscreen!! Apply it in multiple layers to both your face AND NECK, as both are exposed to the sun for long periods of time and can suffer from prolonged exposure without proper sunscreen application. Along that line, don't be afraid to apply skincare to your neck!! I've seen photos of older individuals who took care of their face and not their neck and the difference between face and neck skin was astounding, so I personally like to rub excess hydrating serums and moisturizers into my neck as well.

Don't pop your acne! If you do get pimples, which I used to get all the time tho it's slowed down a lot, use a warm/hot washcloth or something similar to apply heat to the pimple. This will help it pop naturally, although popping your pimples may allow for the oil, dirt, and sebum to spread to other areas which may cause more acne. Popping acne with your hands may also cause scarring.

Love your skin!!! Skincare results take time, and there's going to be ups and downs while trying to find what products work for you, so try to love your skin throughout the process. Acne and other skin issues are caused by things sometimes out of our control, such as genetics, hormones, climate and weather, etc, so try not to be too hard on yourself!! Things will improve, and if they don't, after some time, seek out a reputable and trustworthy professional for an opinion and better direction on how to care for your skin!!

Wishing you all the best!! Does anyone have any experience with ice rolling or Gua sha being extremely effective? I haven't tried either, but I am looking into it as I feel like ice rolling, especially, might be beneficial, but I'm unsure. And can anyone recommend any Asian beauty water-based foam cleanser that I can use after an oil cleanse? I fear that my cerave isn't enough to fully remove all the cleansing balm residue from my face, which might end up being detrimental to my skin health.

Also, let me know your skin type and products or tools you recommend, as I am always open to including new things into my routine!! I love doing things for myself so expanding my skincare routine is definitely an interest of mine!

Til next time, lovelies 🩷

good things will happen 🧿

things that are meant to be will fall into place 🧿

Day 20 - 90 Day Challenge 🎀

Yesterday was a really good day. I took a final, went to the gym and worked an 8.5 hour shift. I got to sleep in this morning so that was nice too!

🏋‍♀️ Physical Health

50 minute workout (glute day)

5 min warm up on the stairmaster before glute workout

walked to campus and back twice

walked over 10k steps

🧠 Mental Health

I don't recall. maybe I should omit this category, since I feel like it coincides with emotional health as well?

❤️ Emotional Health

nothing in particular, tho I did have a good day and was I a fairly good mood all day

📚 Intellectual Health

completed my psyc final exam

🏘 Adulting

wrote out lists of gifts to get my boyfriend, his mom, and my dad and step mom for Christmas

budgeted my upcoming paycheck

worked an 8.5 hour shift

recieved an ulta package

zoom called my boyfriend

talked to my dad about my upcoming birthday (him and I are going to lunch)

🥰 Self Love/Care

morning skincare

ate yummy food that I enjoyed

so yeah, good day yesterday and today's been a good day already too! I'll try to update about today later this evening but if not, expect an update in the morning tomorrow!!

til next time lovelies 🩷

April 1st, 2025 🎀

April already? Time is flying, I feel like we barely entered 2025 and now it's April? Feels unreal almost.

I have no work today, so I'm going to spend as much time as I can on stuff that I really need and really want to do! I've done pretty good at getting stuff done lately, especially with school stuff, so I really want to keep that sort of momentum going to try and be more successful as the school semester comes to an end.

Todo Today (April 1st) ✨️

wash dishes 🫧

put away clean laundry 👕

wash bedding 🧼

clean room 🧹

clean cat litter box 🐱

take out trashes 🗑

complete assignment 6 for one of my online classes 💻

complete chapter 10 notes for exercise physiology ✏️

complete chapter 9 notes for health psychology ✏️

complete assignment 10.2 for exercise physiology 💻

make study quizlet for health psychology

make study quizlet for exercise physiology

make a grocery list to order 🍞

daily journaling 📖

read 1 chapter of Attached 📚

night time shower + skincare 🚿

stretch and/or light plates workout 💪

Seems like a lot at first glance, but I have all day to do this stuff, so I definitely have the means to get it all done.

What I Did Yesterday (March 31st) 👑

completed chapter 9 quiz for exercise physiology

worked on chapter 10 notes for exercise physiology

completed assignment 10.1 for exercise physiology

washed a load of laundry

dropped off two packages at the post office

finished paying off my rent

worked from 230pm to 945pm

I feel like that's a good amount of stuff to have gotten done yesterday, given I really wasn't feeling like doing much. Work had been so tiring lately, I'm almost glad the semester is ending because of the toll that work is taking on me physically now. On the bright side, I should be getting promoted in April, so hopefully, things ease up once that happens.

I want to start studying languages again, and of course I'm stuck between my favorite three: Spanish, Korean, or Japanese. I have lots of Japanese study resources, I live in a high population of Spanish speakers, and I listen to lots of music and media in Korean. Which one(s) do I start with to ease back into it? Pick one? All three? Help a girl out!!

🎶 Song of The Day: like Jennie - Jennie

til next time lovelies 🩷

TODO ASAP

research internship/volunteer opportunities relevant to my field of study

research possible scholarship and financial aid opportunities for summer classes

research colleges for my future masters program + decide what to pursue my masters in

narrow down my class search and focus for my education as it continues

If anyone has any advice or tips for everything I have to accomplish listed here, I am all ears as I am kind of lost on what to do and know I need to take my education more seriously.

Daily Check-in: August 23rd, 2024 🎀

Today started off a little rocky, I was dealing with some conflict but the day ended off pretty good! I want to start back up with my daily check ins now that school is in session, I'm working, and life is back to normal!

🩷 What I Accomplished

put away all my clean clothes

cleaned my bathroom

organized my closet and bedroom

meal prepped protein pasta and broccoli for the week

bought and picked up groceries for the next twoish weeks

submitted and passed syllabus quiz for intro to business

ordered my creatine and protien powder samplers

had my first therapy appointment since I've been home and set up next weeks appointment

hair oil + hair mask

morning + night journaling

night skincare + face mask

organized my desk

washed dishes 2x

took an hour nap in the late morning

💔 What Could've Gone Better

fought with my boyfriend a bit throughout the day (I hate fighting with him so much)

felt like I was bothering my dad when I called him

drank too much coffee

didn't do as much homework as I could've

💗 Stuff For Tomorrow (Saturday, August 24th)

work an ~8 hour morning shift

wash towels

look into creating a language learning schedule

Not too much for tomorrow cause I'm working like, 7 or 8am to 3 or 4pm, so I'm going to be tired at the end of the day, without a doubt.

that's all for now!

til next time lovelies 🩷

I'd love it if you guys can vote and help me stop being indecisive lol !! much love 🩷🩷

Girlies, Help! 🎀

So I am trying to decide if I should start incorporating fitness classes into my routine and I'm having some trouble making a couple of decisions! So I thought I'd turn to my beautiful community and get some help!

My options are:

start yoga at home and pilates at a studio

start pilates at home and join a yoga studio

do only pilates at a studio

do only yoga at a studio

join both a yoga studio and pilates studio

there's not a lot of places that offer both pilates and yoga in my town but I really want to diversify some of my workouts so I don't get bored and can meet all of my fitness goals too!

Let me know what you guys suggest and if you can, leave some comments with your experience with pilates or yoga studios! Please keep in mind I am a plus sized girly, so I'm a little anxious about group fitness but I think it'd be super beneficial!

First Impressions 🎀

I've had 4 of my 5 classes so far (one doesn't start til october) and I definitely have some thoughts on them, so I thought I'd share my first impressions!

Principals of Accounting II:

the professor seems a bit disorganized, nervous, and semi chaotic but I like his energy

so many people in southern attire, I was a bit surprised

might take a decent amount of study time and energy to keep my grade up in the class, but I'm always up for a challenge and I definitely know I'm capable

gotta figure out a time efficient study routine for this class

Learning (Psychology)

professor has an accent, no idea where he's from, but it's a cool and thankfully understandable accent

feels very content heavy. I definitely want to buy the textbook for this class

need to find a way to stay awake, that's one of the classrooms that make me sleepy

that professor likes to talk for sure (1 hour and 15 min of just the syllabus? man's can talk)

Integrated Survey of Organic and Bio Chemistry

the professor is definitely a science guy, him being the professor makes perfect sense

i really like how he explains and teaches

appreciate that all the content needed is already posted to our class online and all the slides are available already

I love science based classes because I know how to succeed in them and this one seems no different

I have a friend in the class so that's nice!

Intro To Business (Online)

lots of content

lots to do

I gotta make sure I time manage for this class cause otherwise, I'm gonna fall behind

an introduction video?? why not just a discussion post?? ahhhhh

Overall, with working full time, this is going to be an incredibly stressful, incredibly busy semester, but I'm so up for the challenge, and I know I can do it. I just gotta study efficiently, time manage properly, and keep disciplined. I WILL be successful.

til next time lovelies 🩷

🎀 Goals for May 🎀

Well, I'm two days *late* but it's the beginning of a new month and I figured, why not set a couple of goals for this month? My spring semester ends next Friday, the 10th, so I want to have some things to focus on for this month before I travel to Colorado in June for work <3

🩷 May Goals 🩷

have 1-3 more meeting with my italki teacher

study Spanish for some time every day

get daily movement (either 10k steps or 20+ minutes of a workout, low impact preferably [i love at home mat pilates])

read 10 pages of a book daily

keep up with my accountability buddies (if they still want to!)

maintain a consistent morning and night routine (journaling, skincare, etc)

prepare for my work trip (suitcase, plane ticket, buy my necessities, etc)

start modifying my current food intake (I don't like the word diet) due to a new health issue I discovered with my doctor

not too many goals, not too stressful. I'm going to habit track some of this as well to help keep me motivated, and hopefully continue working with my accountability buddies to keep me on track this summer! here's to another beautiful month of life 💕

til next time lovelies 🩷

Daily Check-in: July 8th, 2024 🎀

Monday was a really good but really tiring day. I was falling asleep on the ride home from work, and I almost fell asleep on video call with my boyfriend. Twas rough. But I managed to stay awake, enjoy my time with him on video, and then fall asleep immediately after!

🩷 What I Accomplished

15 minutes of Spanish study on Busuu (about 3 lessons and a checkpoint quiz)

got some recommendations to aid in my Korean learning

did my morning skincare

did my morning journaling

worked an 8 hour shift

got a response from the Financial aid office at my University about some requirment they had emailed about, and got my worries lessened

talked to my boyfriend on the phone before he went into work

💔 What Could've Gone Better

was late to work on accident because they updated the schedule and no one told me

found out they didn't pay me right for my upcoming paycheck and I now have to talk to my boss about fixing my pay and paying me what I've earned and am missing

had a mini fight with my boyfriend because of his mom and some other underlying issues that we're working to resolve

got really anxious in the morning and had to leave the hotel room for fresh air

still haven't done laundry

need to study languages more

💗 Stuff For Tomorrow (Tuesday, July 9th)

appointment over zoom with my psyc doc from home

scholarship applications!!!!

look at and compare prices of airbnbs and hotels for when my boyfriend comes to visit me once I'm back home

actually do my laundry

morning skincare + journaling

night time skincare + journaling

study Spanish on Busuu + do some listening practice (maybe some shadowing as well to work on my speaking)

review Spanish flashcards!!!!

refill my water bottle + the gallon we have in the room

look at furniture + decor to buy for when I move once back home

job search on Indeed for when I go back home

💕 Song of The Day: Hurricane by BadVillain

this song is so good, like what the heck

Tuesday is gonna be a day where I am on my laptop quite a lot. But it'll be a good day, ill be productive and get lots done! Hopefully I can head into town tomorrow or do something fun after my day today.

til next time lovelies 🩷