First (posted) Gyaru attempt! :3

So! I meant to say that I've joined the ever-growing Facebook group, Black Gyaru of the World! I've been there for almost a month now? O.e. The people there are super friendly and are quick to give advice when you ask for it. I had been just watching the main page of this group for FOREVER! I was so concerned about many numerous things, such as:
1. "I'm too fricking old to join!"
2. "I'm flat broke, I can't afford this lifestyle."
3. "I don't wanna be a n00b!!"
4. "Will they accept me?"

And the list goes on... but let me tell you, these people ARE AMAZING. They respect your inexperience (and experience). And aren't afraid to point out little mistakes or adjustments you can make. I swear I check this page every 10 - 20 minutes because there is always something being updated! For any wish-to-be black Gyaru, I highly recommend you check out this group, you won't regret it! :)

As the title would suggest, I attempted a  full Gyaru look for church this past Sunday (the first attempt was only for the eyes). I skimmed Google for a collage maker and threw this together:

Cutie! ^O^ 

I was really proud of myself! ^O^ I think this is the most makeup I've ever put on for church lol, a lot of people noticed it too, I never realized the difference until I wanted to follow the Gyaru styles. Before, I'd line my top lid, brush on some cheapy foundation, slick on the gloss and be out the door. I'm so lazy! Lol! But now... HOLY CRAP I see a major difference! :)

I posted my collage to my group on FB, in hopes to get some feedback, and boy did I ever!! I think I'll just post here as a note to remember what everyone said! ^O^

1. HEAVIER/DARKER CONTOURING, mix contour powder with a matte grey if possible to avoid harsher lines! - It's not visible enough, only @ the tip of my nose

2. Begin the contouring at the edge of the eyebrows and work your way down, stronger highlight on the bridge! - I always started in the hallow underneath my eyebrows >n<

3. Use a brush!! - I tend to over-blend, so all the highlight/contour powder ends up on my fingers instead >w<

4. Curl your lashes!! - I never understood how a 'clamp' works to curl your lashes, but I'm definitely going to invest in one of these!

5. Heavier concealer! - I recently bought NYX concealer in Yellow, the crap I used before was SUPER thick and irritated my eye :(

As I'll probably keep gushing on forever, I'm so glad I joined this group! <3

Upcoming Reviews:
1. GEO Forest Brown Circle Lenses!
2. Cherry Culture Crazy Review!
3. Replica eBay lashes!
4. Quick 1-Step eBay Nails!

I'll be doing some more posting throughout the day, it's kind of slow here at work finally... haha. <3

The Challenge Pt 2: Hair

As I have probably said before, I have a lot of research to do when it comes to learning what it takes to be Gyaru, but I do want to do some hands on pre-Gyaru work until then. Hence why I've made this blog and maybe when I feel confident enough I'll post some videos of what I'll know thus far. I am making this post because I want to address all the steps I'll be taking throughout this journey.

2. Hair
The Challenge: First off, I want to say how much I absolutely love Love LOVE decision to do the Big Chop! My hair is thicker and healthier now, and it's growing so fast!! However, I have no intention whatsoever to straighten it now, I want it to grow without putting any unnecessary strain on it until it reaches my desirable length.

The Fix: Despite my love of my natural, curly hair, it's grown to a point where it occasionally becomes unruly and difficult to manage, even with my usual barrage of detangling and moisturizing.  I plan on buying a wig (or two, or three!), something suitable for everyday wear (especially work). I most likely will go for something short, although the whole reason I cut my hair was to help it grow longer! Granted, I could opt for a long curly wig, but it wouldn't suit my current style. I think this is why I love looking at pictures and reading blogs about Himegyaru, but I could NEVER follow such a style. Also, wearing a wig means I can get my hair braided and that makes moisturizing treatments much easier. :)

Speaking of which......

Click for a bigger picture! :)

I think I'm in love *____*. This wig is super cute and I love the versatility! Despite the fact that it's an eBay wig, I think it would frame rounder faces like mine nicely. My only issue is that the wig wouldn't look natural, and you know how people talk! >< 

Happy (almost) 6 month Anniversary Big Chop! :D Eck, gotta clean up mah room too!

So,  as many of you know (or don't know), it's almost been 6 months and a few weeks since I did my big chop back in February! <3 I've come a long way for sure, but I still have a while to go before I get my length back. My mom is FINALLY starting to like my hair now that it has some length to it, and my little sister enjoys 'petting' it! It's amazing to see how far I've come, I reeeeeaaally wanted to relax it and be done with it, but that's damaging and NOT in my budget!

The first part mf my hair routine, my hair crack I use every other day :D...

Then a spritz of this every morning and my hair stays soft all day!!

I confess I was a product junkie the moment I got all my hair cut, but now I've successfully reached a point where I have a regular hair care regimen. Oyin handmade is ALL NATURAL, that makes it ALL AWESOME!!! :D

More hair updates to come!!! <3

Who I'm Currently Following!

Here's a little guide to all the Gaikokujin (I hate using Gaijin) Gyaru blogs I'm currently viewing, maybe you'll find some inspiration from who like I have thus far? I also have a few non-gyaru blogs that I've recently subscribed to, I'll make sure to make a note of what's what :3 Click the links or their pictures to be directed to all their awesome blogs!!

A lot of these won't have descriptions as of yet, I'm still working on how to explain how awesome these blogs are without repeating myself >3< I'll figure it out somehow!!

Gyaru Blogs... 

Dominique aka D~Tan of sEpia Memory

I just recently came across this Gyaru and read her recent stories, needless to say I think she is amazing young woman. Aside from being my age, I find reading some her post absolutely moving. It's nice to come across a plus-sized gyaru who has overcome so much, I think this girl is AMAZING!! (wait... I said that already? ^^')


Shianele aka Shuntara 

Despite being four years my junior, I truly admire this brave young woman for standing out in the Black Gyaru community and her youtube makeup tutorials are easy to follow and fun. She's recently made a switch to Visual Kei, but still keeps her gyaru roots. Her make up tutorials and reviews are really useful and has a little something for everyone!

Crystal aka The Lovely Ify

Crystal is another gyaru vet and is one of the admins of the Black Gyaru Facebook Group. She's really nice and gives great advice for anyone who asks. Watching her progress over the year has been such an inspiration! 

NaijaBarbie - Click for Her Blog!!

Another vlogger/blogger I came across through the youtube gyaru channel, BlackGyaru! I love that she can still pull off the gyaru style with her own exotic looks *___*. They're simple and cute which is perfect for an everyday look!

Vivii of Cupcake Couture

I've been reading Vivii's blog for a while now, and I really admire her style and the way she does her nails! She's definitely a strong inspiration in these categories!! Check out her blog, it's super cute!!

San-Chan Bakanours of Puffy Gal

San-Chan is an uber cute gal located in Belgium, I'm not sure what her specific style is but nonetheless, she's good with her makeup. Her blog is ridiculously cute!!

Romari of Minami Princess

I absolutely LOVE reading Romari's blog, unlike most I'm subscribed to, she focuses on her life in Japan, which is refreshing and educational... it makes me really want to travel there just to give her a big 'ol hug! (then go shopping/touring together since I don't know much Japanese -____-;) I think I follow her blog more closely than the others, and also unlike most, her face isn't bogged down with products. Instead, she has a strict skin care regimen and it shows so well! I'm jealous of her skin..... It's flawless! I highly recommend checking out her blog for something that's not 100% gyaru related :)

Philicia aka Heir of Glee

Upon viewing pictures, I thought, "This girl is, um, interesting?" I was definitely confused in the beginning, but over time, I found her individuality and looks simply amazing. Plus upon watching a video that touched base with her back story, I can't help but admire her ><. She's unique, and her blog is interesting to read, I find her personal style and tastes to be quite interesting. Never a boring moment on this blog, that's certain!! 

Daniela of Alternative Kei

Daniela is one of the Co-Founders of Gal VIP Magazine, has recently started blogging again on a regular basis, she provides excellent advice and tips for her readers. She is also a part of Gal TV, with other familiar names such as Rosie and Ninoshika! I really like her style and I enjoy learning more and more from reading her posts! 

Lhouraii Li (aka Lady Li)

Gyaaaaaaah! I don't even know what to say about this girl! I love all of her styles that she pulls off (this one, Himegyaru, is not her regular style though). She's fricking gorgeous and she can seriously do some amazing makeup! She's such an inspiration and I find it so amazing how confident she is in public but she's not all stuck up and rude like you'd expect. I would honored to meet her one day! 

Lolo from Lolo's Lovely Gyaru World

Lolo is too cute! And super friendly too! She gives out tons of great advice on the FB group I'm in :) I don't think I can pin just one style to her, she can pull off so many! Despite being so much younger than I am, she's flipping awesome and her blog has many useful tips and resources. On top of that, she's a model for GAL VIP magazine, a webzine revoled around Gai(goku)jin gals everywhere! How cool is that!! :D

Healthy Blogs!

Catherine of Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth

I remember exactly how I came across this ridiculously delish website: I was craving chocolate, but not the calories and it had just so happened that I got an email from cutoutandkeep.com for chickpea chocolate chip cookies. Healthy, filling, and guilt-free right? I settled for a real chocolate cookie instead from work XD. When the thought of cookies came back to my mind a few weeks later, I had deleted the email and was left to scour the internet. That's when I found this website and I can't wait to make some of her recipes!! Catherine is not a gyaru blogger, but a health blogger, and she's not afraid to share her life with her readers, which I really admire. I recommend anyone who wants to get healthier to look through her blog, she's an inspiration!

Katie from Chocolate Covered Katie

I learned of Chocolate Covered Katie through RFFMBT (the blog above) when Katherine posted a spinoff recipe of Cookie Dough Dip from Katie's blog. I, for one, am a giant lover of all things chocolate! So when I discovered this website that provided desert recipes that are delicious AND healthy? I was hooked! I haven't  had the opportunity to test out one of her recipes just yet, but trust me, the time is coming!!

This section will obviously expand, and I'll be sure to post the updates when I come across more amazing bloggers!!

XOXO