well, a lot of it is genetics, of course. I’m very lucky to have a mum who was generally quite slender through her 40s (although now she’s affably plump like most older Asian ladies). but, uh, I’m a vegetarian (bc of digestive reasons, not moral), I don’t drink soda (except for the odd root beer float), and eat veggies and fruits by the bucketload!

I interned in NYC over the summer. my advice is to not forget the local markets either. when I lived in salty Balti, I worked at a teenytiny magazine that had, for serious, like six people on staff. it was a great experience because I literally got to do everything: report, write, edit, research (not to mention the seemingly requisite photo copying and faxing). so think about starting at a local magazine or blog—it’ll only make your resume stronger for when you apply to jobs in NYC!

hi there! sorry for the delayed response! best way to get to me is always twitter @evachen212. here are my answers:

*ponytails, braids, blue eyeshadow, red lips (as usual!), dreamy pearly eye makeup

*makeup-wise: luckily there are so many great brands out there that create cutting edge products with lower price points. I like Rimmel, Cover Girl, Maybelline, and Revlon! clothing-wise, I would say splurge on a few key items each season like “it” shoes or bags but buy clothing at H&M, Topshop, and Zara. better yet, buy on-trend vintage clothes and have them altered to your size/shape.

*yes, English beauty is more relaxed and offbeat. American beauty tends to be different from LA to NYC! LA tends to be sunny, beachy, and relaxed style, NY tends to be more polished!

*start interning when you’re in college and don’t be afraid to dream big. contact your favorite editors or magazines on twitter and tumblr to try to get placements as well. good luck!

thank you! I was actually pre-med in college and attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. I’m living proof that a) the best laid plans go to waste and b) you never know where you’ll end up! so it’s best never to be too rigid or too “I must have this job”—because unexpected twists and turns can lead to happy wonderful things x

I really like the ones from CoverGirl Simply Ageless. It’s in a compact and is this yummy creamy, Olay-infused formula that goes on nicely! If you like a more traditional pump-style foundation, Rimmel has a newish one out called Match Perfection that’s good as well. I would recommend buying any and all makeup, though, at a drugstore like CVS that has a wonderful return policy—they’ll take back anything that doesn’t work, even if it’s just a “oh, this wasn’t the right shade for me” situation! hooray!