Lifestyle Mirror

This week, we're excited to feature the lovely Dovey Kim of Cute and Mundane, who constantly serves up artistic inspiration and pretty pack shots alongside thoughtful testimonials. You can click through the slides above to see some of her favorite beauty books and desert island essentials, and then shop some of her festive gold picks in honor of 2013. Interview by Xiao Lim (@xiaoo).

1. Your photos are stunning. How do you take them (camera, lighting setup etc.)? 
When I started blogging, I didn't really have any dedicated photography equipment besides me and my camera. In fact, I still don't! My setup typically consists of a couple sheets of white printer paper for a backdrop, and the sun shining through my apartment windows for lighting. If I feel like something's missing, I'll rummage around for household objects to spice up the shot. I truly believe that good ideas are what make photos beautiful, not the complicated and expensive setups and gadgetry that we often associate with professional photography.

2. What are your favorite brands/products?
I'd have to say my all-around favorite brand is NARS. I'm in love with their wonderfully nuanced colors and cultural references; even their minimalist packaging is uncommonly delightful! I'm particularly fond of NARS' nail colors, eyeshadows, and their quintessential multiples. In addition to NARS, I have a soft spot for Bobbi Brown, since my early forays into the world of makeup were informed by her books "Makeup Manual" and "Beauty Rules". Also, her customized palettes are second to none, in my opinion. I cast a wider net when it comes to fragrances, but if I had to choose, I'd say Dior and Prada are my current favorites. Dior J'Adore is a classic, and the Dior Addict series is easy to wear. Prada Infusion d'Iris is my current everyday fragrance.

3. What's the most important thing you learned from blogging?
Blogging is a rewarding hobby, but it can quickly turn into a full-time job if you aren't careful! I love poring over the latest beauty trends, products, and inspirations, but I also love spending time with my family, friends, and my pillow! It's important to take a step back from the keyboard once in a while and enjoy the good things in life.

4. What is the best beauty product you've ever tried?
When I first tried the Urban Decay Naked2 palette, I ended up using it almost exclusively for two months! It's still my go-to for travel thanks to its perfect array of everyday shades.

5. Where do you envision your blog a year from now? 
I've always been captivated by the dynamic relationship between art and beauty, and I've loved sharing my explorations of light, color, and art with my readers in Cute and Mundane's "Inspired by Art" series. In each installment, I discuss a work of art that inspired me, and create a color palette based around it. I've created palettes inspired by Renoir, Calder, Mondrian, and other artists that strike my fancy. This is unequivocally my favorite part of blogging, and I hope to devote more time to it in the coming year!