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Joyce Chen

Joyce Chen

Hey there! My name is Joyce, and I’m a Taiwanese American student studying Foreign Languages and Literatures at National Taiwan University. In Taiwan, I work as an English tutor to 2 adorable preschoolers. When I’m not studying or working, I love to travel throughout Asia! Throughout the incredible journey life has taken me on, I never fail to take a step back and thank God for the opportunities I have been given and to reflect on my faith. I hope you enjoy this little piece of my life, and thanks for visiting!


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Summer Favorites 2020



Sorry for the sporadic posting! I’ve got a couple of blog posts lined up, so hopefully I’ll be able to start posting on a more consistent schedule soon! 


For now, I’m so excited to share some of my favorite things that I’ve discovered this summer. I’m a firm believer in sharing good things, so hopefully you’ll find something new to try from this list! A little life update: I’m spending my summer in Taiwan so I’ve been bracing for the heat, humidity, and torrential rains. 


Kiss Me Heroine Makes Mascara

First up, a new mascara that I have been loving! I never knew how much of a difference mascara could make until I tried this one. I am not a huge fan of the intense fake lashes look, but my natural lashes could never stay curled. This mascara does an amazing job at holding the curl and making the lashes look super long. Bonus: It’s waterproof! I tested it at a waterpark and it’s safe to say there were no signs of smudging at all. My lashes looked as good going out as they did going in. 



Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mousse Mask 2x 

Taiwan summer has really taken a toll on my skin, and my minimal skin care routine is no longer cutting it.. So I decided to start being a little bit more deliberate about taking care of my skin, starting with this clay mask. In terms of face masks, I used to only use sheet masks (tbh because I’m lazy) but now that my skin is leaning towards the oily side, this clay mask is a life-changer. My face feels soooo clear and soft after using this. Plus, it’s super affordable so totally worth a shot! 



Zara Denim Shorts

When you find a pair of denim shorts that fit you just right, you really want to wear them every day. These shorts are SUPER high-waisted (I’m always a sucker for high-waisted) and have a cute belt to tie a knot in the front (removable). They’re more of a mom shorts style, so they fit looser around the legs and are a little bit longer. I’m a huge fan of the fit because when it’s hot, I don’t really want anything sticking to my skin too much, but I also want something long enough so that my sweaty skin doesn’t have to touch the seat (and the residue of whatever sweaty person sat before me...) when it sit, esp on public transportation. 


Sunglasses

These sunglasses (pictured with shorts above) were from a cheap jewelry shop because I wanted something a little trendier. When it comes to sunglasses, my philosophy is that it’s worth investing in high-quality classic styles, but it’s safe to go for cheap for trendy ones that may go out of style quickly. I really only use these as an accessory, since I love wearing sunglasses more as a headband. When I’m looking for serious eye protection in the blazing sun, I’ll revert back to my trusty Ray-Bans. 



Steve Madden Kensley Black Leather Loafers

I bought these loafers (with gold hardware) for work, since I realized most of my flats/loafers were actually… not black. I have to say, Steve Madden really surprised me with these shoes. Most Steve Madden shoes I’ve owned in the past have been sturdy but always lacking a little bit in the comfort department. BUT, these leather loafers feel SO lux for their price point and I’ve been able to get through long events wearing these. Plus, outside of work, they can be easily styled up or down! 



Netflix Show: Selling Sunset

OKAY, HEAR ME OUT. It’s a trashy reality TV show, I get it. But, under all the insane drama, you get to see a ton of beautiful LA homes! It’s like Architectural Digest home tours with a whole lotta tea. I started watching from Season 2, per a friend’s rec, and I went through it in just a couple of days. I like keeping the show on in the background while I tidy up or do light work since it’s something I don’t have to pay a TON of attention to in order to keep up. 



Podcast: Fashion No Filter

Since I have a pretty long daily commute, I like to use the time to listen to podcasts. I prefer conversation-based podcasts, since they usually feel much more engaging. Fashion No Filter is hosted by fashion journalists Monica Ainley and Camille Charriere, where they discuss all the behind-the-scenes of the fashion industry along w/ special guests. Recently, they released an extremely insightful episode with Elizabeth Paton on super-relevant topics like sustainability and racism in the industry. I would highly recommend checking out this episode if you’re interested in the ethics of fashion!



Bible Verse:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

We hear it all the time, to stay humble, but what does that actually entail? I’ve personally been reflecting and praying upon this idea a lot lately. Other versions of this verse use the words exalt you in place of lift you up. I really love this verse especially because it’s telling us not that we should make ourselves insignificant, or that we’re going unnoticed. Rather, we just need to trust that in due time, we will be lifted up in His name, and in His glory. 


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