August for me is a month for birthday parties, gatherings and meet ups. So it’s the time where there’s alot of skincare and make up going on for me. Soooo here are my reviews!

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Review #1

Bio Oil

I’ve actually bought this product quite a while ago and I’m very on and off about it. The reason I bought it in the first place is because Catherine had one bottle and she said it’s very good for her fading scars. So I did some research about it and it seems like a product which is worth trying. So I went ahead and bought one.

The problem was when I bought it, it was summer. Summer is the time where my skin is really oily and with this product, I get even oilier skin! So I stopped using it.

However, recently I suffered from dry skin using my eyes due to constant rubbing when I had a minor eye infection. Since it’s winter and I’m more prone to dry skin, I decided to give bio oil another try. The results were quite amazing! The dry skin under my eyes went away in just 1 day. I love how this hydrate my skin so much!! Other than that, this product is suppose to be fade scars and correct uneven skin tone.

So I recommend this product to people with dry skin! However, you have to be prepared because it gets quite oily when I apply it on. But for beauty, it is definitely worth it!!

It is about AUD$16 for 60mL.

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Review #2

Tea Tree Oil

Obviously, the one that I’m using is the one shown in the picture above but you can buy any brand of tea tree oil!

Tea tree oil is very useful as it is source of antiseptic oil. I used it on pimples (after I pop them XD) so it will disinfect the area and also prevents scarring of tissue. Sometimes, when I tend to break out more often, I will squeeze one or two drops on my moisturiser before applying it on.

I find it really useful to have a small bottle especially when you want to prevent pimples, not just fight it when it’s already there!! However, do it use it too often unless you have really oily skin because tea tree oil can be very drying on the skin!

I think I bought it for about $5 for a 10mL bottle.

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Review #3

Foundations :]

This month, I’ve been using foundations alot more than BB cream. I find it quite nice to have a bit of a change at times especially when foundation is able to give you that flawless finish. I love foundations on special night out!

These are the two foundation I currently use.

1) MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation

I bought this foundation when I was on a MAC frenzy last year! It costed me AUD$48 for a 30mL bottle.

I love this foundation when I first bought it and I was wearing it almost everyday. I love the flawless finish that it gives me and also the SPF 15 protection. I was also very satisfied with this buy because this product has the shelf life of 2 years which is 4 times longer than compared to other drugstore foundations.

The only problem I had with it was the light reflecting particles in the foundation. I find that a bit too dramatic to wear out in the day. Also, in summer, it has the problem of smudging like most other foundations due to oily skin.

2) Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

When I bought this foundation, I have doubts as to how it will do for my skin. Nonetheless, AUD$30 was spent for this foundation that I was unsure about.

When I used it the first time, I actually didn’t like it at all. Because it was flaking up my skin and doesn’t blend in well. So I didn’t use it after 1 use. However, I realised that the problem didn’t lie within this foundation. My skin was actually very dry due to the change of season. Hence, I gave this foundation another try after I adjusted my skin and I actually start falling in love with this foundation!

First of all, this foundation smells amazing. It has a really fruity smell. This foundation doesn’t have SPF properties which is perfectly for wearing out at night especially when you wanna take photos and not look flushed out or chubbier cause of the reflection of SPF. It gave me a really nice flawless finish which at the same time make me look slightly tanned without being too over the top. This foundation is also really really light and doesn’t cake on like some other foundations I’ve used before.

Before moving on to another review, I just want to give you all a tip with foundations. Before applying it on your face, always pump a small amount on the back of your hand and warm it up with your fingers so it blends it better with your skin. After application, I usually use a clean foundation sponge and soak it in water. Then I would dap the sponge all over my face to even out the foundation.

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Review #4

St Ives Apricot Scrub

When it comes to exfoliating, you can never go wrong with St Ives. I’ve been using St Ives apricot scrub for almost 2 years now. I switch between this scrub and this other one from Skinfood.

Exfoliating your skin not only massage it and encourage better blood circulation, but it also removed the layer of dead skin on the surface of your face. It will then brightens up your complexion making you look more refreshed and awake.

I am soooo going to exfoliating tonight :]

For me, exfoliating is done after cleansing. After exfoliation, I would tone and then put on mask or moisturiser. After the layer of dead skin is removed from the surface, it is the best time to put on mask and moisturiser because it will absorb better.

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That’s all for this month! Hooray to awesome skin~

Damn you, uni!

Anyway, the reason why I have the idea of writing this post is because I received 3 parcels last week. I made a trip to the post office twice. I was kinda wondering if the lady at the post office counter would find me very weird/strange by now since I receive parcels all the time. Perhaps, she thinks I’m plotting something evil LOL.

P/S: Please mind the way I write today cause I’m feeling sick and is having a headache as I’m writing this post (oh, and that’s why I’ve got time to write this because I’m too sick to go to uni today)…

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I love online shopping~ In fact, I’ve been online shopping for like a year or so now.

I know alot of you have fears when it comes to online shopping because it’s like you’re giving your money to an unknown stranger, hoping you would get something in return.

Well, fear not! Because Reeny is going to give you some tips to online shopping to make sure you get something back (and hopefully get a bargain)!

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Step 1: Internet banking and Paypal

Before we start with anything else, we need some cash. Well, of course you need money to go shopping, right?

Well, more like you need to “virtually” control your bank account to be able to “make transactions”, right?

I’m with commonwealth bank and they have excellent internet banking. But no matter what bank you’re with, you will be able to have or apply for internet banking. Internet banking not only allows you to view your current balance, but it lets you transfer money from your bank account to another.

For me, I have a savings account (for savings of course) and a credit card account. I usually use the credit card account to pay for my online shopping (it’s really bad cause it required a lot of self control so you won’t end up with a big debt).

The next time you need to do is to set up a Paypal account.

Paypal is a website that uses your bank account to pay for your online shopping (especially if you buy internationally). For more information about them before actually registering, go to their website and read about them.

When you go to their website, it will come up with a page like this…

It’s really easy. Just click on the yellow sign that says “Sign Up” on the left hand side of the page to register and get started. From what I remember, it will ask you for your details such as address and bank account.

What paypal does it, link your bank account (whether it’s savings or credit card) to their website so you just easily log in to send money to the seller to purchase your item(s). It’s really easy to use. A lot of online seller also uses paypal to receive money (you can too).

We shall get to that later…

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Step 2: Shopping time!!

Now that we have got the money, we need something to buy. But what is it that we can or can’t buy? Cause we all know that we want to buy from someone who is reliable.

Well, fear not! Because Reeny is going to introduce you guys some awesome sites that I’ve bought stuff from. I am also going to, of course, review these sites so you guys can have a idea of how the site run and how reliable they are.

Shopping Site #1 – eBay!

We’ve all heard about them, I’m sure.

Pros

eBay is one of my favourite site to buy things from. They have so many things on sale and it is just like a mega shopping mall! You also can find things that is cheaper on eBay than on retail stores sometimes. You can also find things that your country/state don’t sell. How awesome is that?

There is just soooooo many things to choose from!

Cons

Not all the sellers are reliable so you can’t buy from some of them. Some of the things they sell may be second hand.

Advice

If you’re worried about the reliability of the seller, read their ratings (0 – 100%). These ratings are rated by buyers who has actually bought stuff from the seller before and they rate things like their customer serrice, the speed of postage ajd handling etc etc. Their ratings is basically like their reputation. So if you see ratings close to 100%, they are definitely reliable. Also check the descriptions (like whether they are new or second hand, where the products are from and what material etc etc) carefully before purchasing!

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Shopping Site #2 – Sasa

If you’re into cosmetics and skincare products, this is a site for you! They are so much products there for sale that you might go crazy browsing (I know I did!).

Sasa is actually a store that is distributed around the asian countries. If you ever been to one, you’ll know that they not only sell products from their own brand, but they also sell some products from other awesome brands.

Pros

The wide variety of cosmetics brand selling on their website is AMAZING. When I say that, i really mean it. Just by checking it out will make you want to shop! Their shipping fees are all flat rates (which means no matter how many items you buy, the shipping price will still be the same). They even offer free standard shipping to Australia for a purchase more than US$75.

Cons

I actually have nothing to complain about this website other than not being able to try the products before purchasing but I guess you will have to live with this fact for online shopping. They do have a 30 day return policy though (check details on website).

Advice

If you only need to purchase a few items, gather a few friends and buy more stuff. If you’re lucky, you might gather enough to purchase US$75 and above to receive free shipping! Also, remember that not all products will suit your skin. Make sure you do your own research before buying or you might end up wasting money on things that you don’t like. Like always, read the description carefully before purchasing and make sure everything you buy is not going to be a surprise when mailed to you.

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Shopping site #3- Yes Style

This is one of the site I buy my clothes from!

Pros

If you love asian fashion and you want to buy it from somewhere reliable, you can choose Yes Style. They are a fairly big online company with many different websites for different country (even in Australia!). Like sasa, they also have a flat shipping rate which is awesome when you want to buy loads at one go (which is what I usually do). They also offer free shipping for spending over a certain amount of money!

Cons

This website have limited and expensive cosmetics and skincare products. I usually shop at sasa if I want to buy products for my skin. Like many online websites, you can’t try on the items to see if they fits you before purchasing.

Advice

Before making your purchase, they should have a size chart somewhere in the description to tell you how big/small their clothes are. Be sure to measure and purchase the right size!! Don’t assume that you’re a small/medium or whatever because the sizes varies from one item or another!

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Step 3: Paying!

Now this is one of the important parts in doing online shopping too! What’s so hard about paying? Well, of course it’s the money. Please please please make sure you have enough money in your account to make the purchase (otherwise they will charge you credit fees!). Also, think before you purchase! From experience, I can only say that you have to be responsible for your own money. Don’t spend your money over-buying… and most of all DON’T buy things for yourself with someone else’s credit card without their permission!

If you do decide to purchase the item(s), it is also good manners to make the payment asap. I always like to make the payment as soon as I have purchased the item. It shows your sincerity in buying their products, which in the end results in a fair and awesome transaction. The sellers usually “like” you better when you pay faster and they will mail it to you faster/packaged your stuff better etc etc. It’s all about trust.

Cause paying sooner or later doesn’t cost you any extra money.

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Final advice:

Online shopping is easy if you follow instructions and read carefully. If you do not understand something, you can email the seller for more details. It doesn’t cost you anything to ask questions. It also makes it easier for you and the seller to make the transaction smooth. The most important thing is that you buy what you need. Don’t spend a bomb on something you don’t need (or can buy from retail shops near you for a cheaper price).

Finally, good luck!

…annnnddd I look constipated =.=

aaannnnddd!! Almost finished editting my draft for the awesome post!

It’s not just blogging I tell you.

It’s everything from going to lectures, revising for homework, making lunch to drinking water, choosing a pair of earrings and even making trips to the toilet in the middle of the night!

Hmmm.. nah I’m kidding about the last bit XD

I have a fantastic (I hope!) blog entry lining up that I have yet to complete!

The only reason why I haven’t finished it is because it is freaking long AND freaking informative too!

You guys better stay tuned for it~

BTW, guess what? I think I’m a little chubbier! And my hair share the same colour with the strawberries XD

Random, but nothing more to say

Stay tuned for the super long post! :]

We’re halfway through winter in Perth! And hooray to good skin days :]

For the month of July, I’m going to review on some products great for saving time and effort in the morning before you go out cause I know everyone loves a few minutes more of sleep in cold winter mornings XD

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#1: TRESemme Thermal Creations Straightening Balm

What’s the easiest way to look fresh, awake and ready for work and school? Straight hair!

The easiest way to achieve straight hair is to use straightening irons. But not with the help of TRESemme Thermal Creations Straightening Balm. The reason why I love this so much is because its easy to use… just put some on your fingertips, spread it evenly on your hair especially the roots, then you’re ready to straighten :]

The straightening balm is heat-activated hence it will allow easier straightening. It is also vitamin enriched to ensure healthy looking hair after straightening. Sounds easy right? Yup, it is easy!

This straightening balm costed me about AUD$10 for a 150mL bottle.

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#2: Simple Daily Radiance Eye Cream

Skincare is really important when you want minimal make up in the morning before you go out.

I’ve been using this eye cream and I find that it’s really nice to use in the morning because it has light reflecting particles in it that can reduce the look of tired eyes. I have to admit that I don’t actually have dark circles but for those who have, you should try using eye creams to help with the darkness, puffiness or wrinkles.

Funny thing about this product is that I actually got my little sis to buy this because she had horrible eyebags. But after she used it, it seemed like she was allergic to something in the content of the eye cream. So instead I took it from her to try it out (hoping that it won’t give me the same reaction XD) and it worked great.

I did put some of the cream on my hand to see if there is a reaction before using it on my eyes though. Don’t want puffy small eyes when I go out!

Other than that, this eye cream is about AUD$18 for 15mL. Eye creams can range from varies prices depending on its quality and brand. I prefer to buy something cheaper to start with. But if you have really bad bags and wrinkles, you should try something stronger and probably a bit more expensive.

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#3: Prestige Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner in Black (01)

Eyeliners are important when you want to make yourself look refreshed and awake.

I’ve recently watched one of Michelle Phan’s make up tutorial video and I really love the simple look when you tightline your eyes. It makes your lashes look fuller. I use Prestige eyeliner in this case because it is retractable (so it remains blunt and I don’t have to sharpen it) and pretty much more waterproof than alot of other pencil eyeliners I’ve used in the past.

It is also easier to tightline your eyes then line it normally so if you’re in a hurry, it is a good way to make you look awake without having to pack on so much make up on your eyes. You can also go gentle on your eyes and apply a brighter lip colour so it saves you some time on application of your make up.

This one is really cheap like AUD$13 or something similar to that. Very affordable.

Really loving this one :]

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I haven’t been buying much but these are the three products I’ve used and liked for the month of July.

My skin has been feeling wonderful lately. Let’s hope the weather change is gonna do anything funny to it!

Hooray for August baby~

Did you miss my face while I’m gone?

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Another uni semester starts tmr and I’m going off to bed now! Wish me luck the first day.

Especially when it comes to making friends.

Think about it… there are two types of people in our lives. Friends and enemies.

There are two types of friends.

Friend #1 – The ones that you don’t know that well but you get along with them relatively well (they’re mostly the hi and bye friends)

Friend #2 – The ones that you know very well and love them to death XD

On another hand, there are also two types of enemies.

Enemy #1 – The ones you just don’t like but you don’t know them that well (probably met them once or twice or heard rumors about them but just don’t like them)

Enemy #2 – The ones you know well and you just dislike them so much that you never want to see them again.

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This is how it goes…

You meet A.

From a few or even just one meeting, you categorize them into Friend #1 or Enemy #1 probably based on your impression on them (sometimes, even based on their appearance). Because humans are so blinded by first impressions!!

Friend #1 usually stays as Friend #1. Maybe you don’t contact each other for years until one day, A talks to you again. It may progress to Friend #2 if you get along with A well. Maybe you find common topics and interest. Maybe you’ll be impressed with their work and hobby. Maybe the timing for getting to know them better was right.

Or maybe Friend #1 can progress to Enemy #2. Maybe they’ve gone things that you don’t like. Maybe they offend you and your prorities. Maybe they’re just plain selfish.

Perhaps after you met A, you’ve decided to catagorize them as Enemy #1. Perhaps you just don’t click with them. Maybe they don’t like you either. Maybe you just can’t stand their character. After time, perhaps you get to know them better and still finds them annoying. Then they’ve became Enemy #2.

Or maybe over time, they’ve earned your trust and you start to find more common things amongst each other. Or you have found common goals. Then they’ve became Friend #2. This process is highly complicated but possible too. Ever heard of the term, “know your friends well, but know your enemies better”?

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But what’s the point of me telling you all these?

Well, give you an example. I made a new friend several months back. At first, she was a Friend #1. Gradually after time, she became Enemy #1. Then for some reason, she proceeded to borderline Enemy #1 and Enemy #2. But anyway, there was one day where she said something that offended me. So I decided to voice out my opinions about my dislikes. Surprisingly, she accepted my opinions and also made an apology to me.

She was back to Friend #1. Now she is borderline Friend #1 and Friend #2.

This incident taught me something very important in life.

Friends can definitely become enemies. But enemies can definitely become friends.

However, you can’t predict the future. So, to tell if someone is friend or foe, you’ll have to get to know them better.

Bonding with someone can help you understand them better. Even though, sometimes it brings you disappointment cause the ones which you used to call friends may just become your enemy. But if you never try, you’ll never find out.

Though you may have to climb a few huddles to find out…

It’s better to have 1 good friend in your life than 100 hi-and-bye friends, right?

And who’s to say all your enemies will remain your enemies for life? At least hate someone knowing why you hate them. Don’t blindly hate someone and miss a chance of finding out if they can actually be your best friend.

Best friends are hard to come by!

In another words, never judge a book by its cover. Read the book, and decide if you want to keep it on your bookshelf :]

Curling your eyelashes are one of the crucial step when doing your eye make up. Pretty curled lashes will make your eyes appear bigger and you will look more awake.

So girls, if you ever have the need to go out but don’t have enough time for make up, just curl your lashes, put on some mascara and you’re ready to go! :]

Everyone has different sets of eyelashes… some have shorter and some have longer eyelashes. We’re all born differently. I am very lucky to be blessed with a long set of eyelashes. However, some of the tips provided here are for both long and short eyelashes. For short, it will definitely lengthen and make your lashes look more noticeable. For long, it will enhance your eyelashes.

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Tip #1: Clean lashes

Although some of you might think that people with long eyelashes have a better advantage at making their lashes look prettier. You’re wrong!! Sometimes, if the eyelashes are not curled properly, it will have horrible uneven strands. It’s just hair. When you have long hair, but you don’t tidy it up, it will still looks like it’s in a mess. However, short hair is much more manageable.

To prevent eyelashes from looking like a mess after curling, it is important to have CLEAN EYELASHES. That means, all the mascara from previous day have to be removed entirely! You can softly touch your eyelashes to see if they’re hard before you put on your make up to check if there is any mascara left on it. If so, you should remove it with a gentle make up remover.

Mascara residues hardens your eyelashes. If you proceed without removing the mascara residues, not only will the curling but out of shape but it will also make putting on your new coat of mascara more difficult.

Removing mascaras can be a pain in the ass sometimes. But if you have a mascara that is difficult to remove like me, then I would suggest that you use an oil-based/creamy-based make up remover.

At the moment, my two sisters and I use Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil to remove our make up.

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Tip #2: Clean equipment

If you have clean eyelashes but uncleaned eyelash curler, you will still have the same problem as above. Hence, I suggest that you clean your eyelash curler before and after you curled your eyelashes :]

On a side note, it doesn’t really matter what kind of eyelash curler you use. More expensive ones probably last you for longer.

I’m currently using the Shiseido eyelash curler.

I bought this for about $16 (?) and have been using it for over a year now. I haven’t even changed the sponge yet!

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Tip #3: Curling technique

Okay, I have to give some credit to my sis, Catherine, for this one. She was the one who taught me this curling technique.

So if you’re asian like me, your eyelashes would normally look like this uncurled.

LOL, okay don’t laugh cause we all know it’s true XD

Usually most people would choose to curl your eyelashes at only one point of the eyelash.

Don’t laugh at my drawing again!! Cause it’s true. So, alot of people curl their lashes like this. You will find that from the front, it looks fine. But my drawing is exactly how it would look like from the side view… not very pretty isn’t it?

Well, and if you continuely curl your lashes at only one point, you will find that you need to curl with more “strength” to get the lashes to be more noticeable and not like flat asian eyelashes from picture 1.

So, HOW should you curl?

You should be curling your eyelashes like this!

Curl your lashes (starting from the roots) a few times from different points. When you curl your lashes, you can’t expect it to look curl straight after 1 go. You would have to repeat the above curling steps a few times before you get the curling nice.

Once you get pretty curls like this, you’re basically halfway done! :]

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Tip #4: Use the right mascara

It is sooo important to use the right mascara for you. If you use a mascara that weighs down your eyelashes, then your curling step would have all gone to waste!

Also, choose a mascara that is right for you. If you have short lashes, you can go for lengthening mascaras. If you have thin lashes, go for volumising mascaras. If you have long lashes, go for mascaras that is has a light formula.

I have used three mascaras that I really liked in the past (and they do not weigh your eyelashes down!)

I cannot tell you HOW MUCH I love Shiseido Majolica Majorca mascaras. They are so so so awesome.

The only disadvantage in these mascaras is that they are slightly more expensive than the normal drugstore mascaras and they’re difficult to remove (with the average make up remover.. the oil-based make up remover works fine for removing this mascara).

My next favourite mascara is the Maybelline Full n Soft mascara. Like I’ve mentioned before, it does not weigh down your eyelashes. It is perfect for defining every lash.

It volumises quite well but doesn’t length very much (not much of an issue for me). The best bit of this mascara is that it will leave your lashes very soft just like you’re not wearing any mascara at all~ (try it!)

The next one is the Maybelline Sky High Curves mascaras (see how I love Maybelline mascaras? XD). This mascara really defines the curl which I really like. Once again, nope doesn’t weigh down your lashes. It lengthens and volumises your lashes slightly better than the Full n Soft. However, it definitely hardens your lashes a fair bit after application.

Choosing the right mascara for you is about trial and error. However, you can definitely do your own research and find out which mascara you should purchase to try out. I suggest trying drugstore mascaras because alot of them are not bad and is more gentle on your wallet :]

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Tip #5: Fake eyelashes

Is your eyelashes too short? None of those above worked for you? Then maybe you should go for fake eyelashes.

It is important to choose natural looking fake eyelashes to wear (especially if you’re gonna be wearing them quite often).

I have to admit, I’m not an expert on fake eyelashes!

The last time I wore them was… last November XD

Yer, but practice makes perfect!

So, if you have short lashes and you need to go out for a special occasion, why not try fake lashes?

If you do wear fake lashes, it is important to curl your normal lashes with your fake one so it looks more natural!

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I hope you girls reading this have learnt something useful for your daily make up routine!

And remember, make up can only enhance your look. Smiling from within is a more important step to becoming beautiful :]

Like how the whole world can be sad on one very particular day.

Where people’s sadness can connect with each other and bring one another comfort.

And at the very end of the day, we end up smiling because we can.

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I just got home not too long ago from filming… so tired and have work tmr! XD

Going to bed soon!

By the way…

If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

But if someone can’t stop being mean to you, then who cares about the previous line?

LOL.

For no reason…

Would someone like to cheer me up?

… pretty please?