Glossybox 2012 Feb

So this month's Glossybox is a limited edition Valentines Day box whereby the packaging has changed into a hot pink box with white printed logo. Although inside the box, you will find the usual wrapping layout with the card consisting of a message from the glossybox team and an info list of all the products you have received, the colour of the wrapping has also changed - grey ribbon, white and pink wrapping paper and a love heart sticker.

Anyways onto the unwrapping of the box, I was greeted with discount cards from Activeskin and Proactiv in which I am extremely likely not to use simply because they are just not worth the money.

And this month, I found 6 items. 5 of which are products and 1 bonus love heart candy in celebration of Valentines Day.

And here is the list of products I have received with personal opinions and whatnot. (:

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm (full sized 2g. rrp: $8.99)

Now I have been a user of the original Carmex Lip Balm in the pot since junior high and I can say that I'm not a big fan of the brand but its products are good enough for the usual chapped lips. The difference between this lip balm and the original is that it comes in a more stylish thin tube, it smells less strange and has SPF15.

It states that it also contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera but the feel of the balm is no different to the original; non sticky, gives a slight sheen and in terms of moisturisation, it's relatively good. The ingredients are relatively chemical based consisting mostly of esters, mineral wax, oils and butters. Overall, it's not the best lip balm I have tried and in consideration of the price, I wouldn't repurchase it in shops.

Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash (60mL; rrp 475mL $39.95)

Comes in a neat little travel sized bottle and the product itself doesn't look or feel much different from regular exfoliants or face wash with microbeads. There's not much I can comment about this since I've passed my phase of having extremely bad breakouts. Though due to its high level of alcohol, salicylic acid with the combination of benzoic acid, this is going to be strong for some users and may irritate your skin quite a bit. It also contains fragrance which gives it a very refreshing, clay based mask smell and it does give me the squeaky clean feeling after.

Face Of Australia Mineral Lip Shine - Beach House (full sized 4.5g, rrp: $12.95)

To be honest, I've never payed attention to FOA whenever I shopped at the drugstores simply because they are always displayed to be a very low ranged brand. But upon trying this out, I'm now more interested in their range of products because this lip shine is very impressive. This "lip shine" comes in a lipstick tube and once you open it you would expect it to be just like a lipstick but upon application its thin creamy texture gives it a more lipbalm/gloss finish which is non sticky and extremely moisturising. In terms of colour, it gives off a very beautiful peachy bronze sheen with mini golden shimmer which will suit most skin tones and is perfectly suited to summer looks; it's not opaque but not completely sheer. This is hands down, my favourite product from this month's box.

Star and Rose Floral Wonderland Emergency Nail Files (unknown - upon request)

Basically it's just a range of mini nail files that you can snap off and use when you have a nail emergency. It's a cute concept and perfect for slipping into your handbags.

Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara (3mL; rrp: 6mL $48)

This is a relatively good mascara which will lengthen your lashes individually but since it's not waterproof, it won't hold up the curls for me at all. It is long wearing and smudgeproof as tested throughout a normal day - 6hrs. In consideration of the price and it's effects, I will not be repurchasing this simply because I have already found my HG mascara and this mascara really doesn't do much for my sparse Asian lashes.

Overall, this month's box didn't disappoint me (same neutral feeling as last month's box) and I will continue to be subscribed to Glossybox!

By the way, my brother also received his Men's Glossybox today and I will continue this post once he's opened and tried his products. (:

Labels: cosmetics, haul, review

❤ "Glossybox 2012 Feb" was Posted On: Thursday, February 9, 2012 @1:56 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

REVIEWS! FINALLY!

You guys have requested for reviews. So here is a few of the many items I have purchased over the past few months!
:D

Innisfree OLIVE Real Cleansing Oil (180 ml)

- This oil cleanser has a very thick consistency, a clear olive colour and has a rather strong floral soapy scent - therefore it does contain perfume/fragrance
- Product is dermatologically tested
- Use with dry hands and emulsifies pretty well
- Cleans relatively well but would need a couple of more pumps to clean up heavier/waterproof makeup
- I appreciate the fact that this oil cleanser contains freshly harvested organic olive oil so it's less harmful for the skin; as most other oil cleansers contain mainly mineral oil
- Purchased for US$17.30 so it's nicely priced for a cleansing oil that contains organic ingredients.
- 7.5/10

Sana Extra Long Mascara (Black)

- Has an extremely small wand and doesn't clump, therefore it's useful for lower lashes

- But this mascara just merely coats the lash and does not lengthen my lashes at all so I was very disappointed

- Is waterproof but it does smudge a little after 3hrs, also it disappears completely after around 6hrs

- Purchased for US$16.30

- 4/10

Shu Uemura EYE LASH CURLER Eye Lash Curler (with one silicone refill pad)

- Curls lashes nicely
- Extremely curved for eyes that are shaped deeply, therefore wouldn't be as useful for Asian eye shapes as seen through the comparison photo with the Shiseido curler
- Priced AUD$45 in David Jones but purchased for US$15.80 on Sasa
- 7/10

Kose MEDICATED SEIKISHO Clear Lotion (150 ml)

- This toner has a jelly/watery texture, is colourless and a slight floral/herbal scent
- Is slightly acidic so is gentle on skin
- Packaged in a hard bottle with a small opening so the product doesn't come out very easily
- Very effective on acne prone skin because it helped clear up the acne on my forehead - with the help of a mixture of some other products of course, but this product became a part of the process
- Can be used as a treatment mask essence for oily/acne prone skin - just squirt some on cotton pads or clean sheet mask and leave on skin for 15mins
- Purchased for US$18.40
- 8.5/10

JUJU Cosmetics AQUAMOIST Vitamin C Cream (50 g)

- A very light clear gel type moisturiser but does leave skin sticky for a while after application so I use this at night before I go to bed
- Main moisturising component is hyaluronic acid which has anti ageing properties and increases the absorbency of water as it captures water particles from the air and locks it into our skin so therefore this cream gave me more bouncy and highly hydrated skin in the morning
- Contains vitamin C for a whitening effect but rather, it just brightens your skin up instead
- Really appreciate the fact that this contains no fragrance, colouring or mineral oil and a weak acidic formula so it is not harmful for the skin; great for sensitive skin types and any gender
- A little goes a long way (2 pearl sizes per application) so this lasted me around half a year with 1 application every night
- Purchased for US$15.50
- 8/10

NARUKO MARJORAM AND LAVENDER Classical Whitening Night Eye Gelly (30
ml)

- Gel type eye cream so it is light, however it does sit on the skin for a while before it gets absorbed
- Claims to fight puffy and dark eyes, but I haven't seen much of an improvement relating to under eye circles or puffiness
- You do need a moisturiser formulated specifically for your eyes since the area of your under eyes does not contain fat, so you can get milia on that area if you use your regular moisturiser; this eye cream/gel is great in the moisturising department and will keep your under eye area well hydrated without causing any problems
- This has a slight herbal/lavender scent that is very calming
- Comes with a little scoop for sanity reasons and the product is caged in a very sturdy glass jar, so the packaging is rather luxurious
- A little goes a long way definitely applies to this product - half a pea size for each eye; so this will last a very very long time
- Ingredients list: Phytoferulin®, Portulaca Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Filling Spheres, Botanical Oils Filling Spheres, Alga Extract, Solomon Oil, Matricaria Maritime, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide, Ellagic Acid Filling Spheres, Kojic Acid, French Lavender Extract, Botanical Essential Oils.
- Purchased for US$15.40
- 6/10

Koji SPRING HEART Long Lasting Eyeliner (Dark Brown)

- Comes with a smudger and sharpener attached at the end
- Twist styled pencil eyeliner
- Lasts for around/more than 6hrs when set with eyeshadow
- Very pigmented and easy to blend if needed - great for natural look
- Water resistant and doesn't smudge
- LOVE THIS! ESPECIALLY FOR THE QUALITY AND PRICE; Beats many high end eyeliners
- Purchased for US$6.60
- 9/10

K-PALETTE Real Lasting Eyeliner 24h Waterproof (9 g)

- As shown in the pictures, you can get extremely think lines to relatively think lines
- Not very pigmented at times when not well shaken
- Colour is a deep black
- Can last for hours when set with an eye shadow
- Does not smudge until after around 6-8hrs
- Easy to remove; I use cleansing oil
- Does not last 24hr as claimed but does go well with 12-16hrs
- Purchased for US$14.10
- 8/10

That's about it for today! There's more but I think this post is long enough. *chuckles
((:

Labels: cosmetics, review

❤ "REVIEWS! FINALLY!" was Posted On: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @4:34 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

Sexy sexy jeans... mmmmmmm.......

WHATS UP JELLY BEANS!
I received my LEE Jeans from BrandsExclusive yesterday!
I found out about this website from the Vogues Sale Night and it's basically like HauteLook, but for Australians! - Since HauteLook only ships to the US and Canada *sadface.
How does their system work? Well, you sign up as a member FOR FREE and they have deals that pop up daily and you can actually save a lot on designer items here - I'd say up to 80%. I've ordered another pair of Riders by Lee Jeans and a brush set from IHana Professional that are yet to arrive, but the shipping time differs from 2wks to a month. They just recently had a Becca Cosmetics sale and I hope they'd bring it back again soon cause I missed out on that.

ANYWAYS ONTO MY JEANS!

Originally priced AUD$260 I got these for AUD$64.99 plus AUD$9.90 for shipping.
These are the distressed LICKS in black and this was what the Lee Website had to say about these wonderful Jeans:

LOW ON THE WAIST WITH A TIGHT SEXY STRETCH FIT, HUGS DOWN THE LEG AND ZIPS THROUGH THE ANKLE FOR A SUPER SLIM SILHOUETTE.

All in all, I love these jeans very much! They hug my legs perfectly and would flatter most body shape (since I myself don't have very skinny legs). To me, they literally make your legs look skinny, unlike many skinny jeans that don't flatter the more curvy.
Made from 98% Cotton and 2% Elastane, these are super stretchy and wraps around the leg like leggings; except THEY'RE JEANS!
There are studs which are pinned through and not stuck on on the right front pocket and the left back pocket which gives these a rather edgy feel.
Dress em up or down; flats for a casual day at the shops or add a pair of heels and you're ready for a night out!

Overall, I highly recommend everyone to check these out because I really want to buy myself another pair if they were back on sale on BrandsExclusive again.
I JUST REALLY LOVE THESE. Like more than mango cheesecakes.
Oh! Almost forgot! For anyone looking for a size comparison, I'm usually a 27 for jeans and is in a size 8 for these babies. (:

Labels: haul, review

❤ "Sexy sexy jeans... mmmmmmm......." was Posted On: Thursday, July 7, 2011 @10:55 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

TRANSFORMERS! ROBOTS IN DISGUISEEE

Today was the first day screening of Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon in 3D and I went to watch it at Event Cinema in Townhall with Conan junkie after school. Haven't seen him in a year so I guess it was kinda like a reunion for us?
mm anyways onto the movie.
first thing's first. ROSIE HUNTINGTON'S BODY IS SOOOOOO HOTTTTTTTT!!!!! The 3D effect made it even more alluring. (:
Overall the movie managed to captivate me and surprisingly kept me awake; even though half of that was because Conan kept throwing popcorns on me throughout the movie.
But yeah. it had an enough amount action, sexy cars that I'd never be able to afford and with a touch of a sexy Victoria Secrets' model.
It kept me on my seat. And i believe it will keep you rather entertained for two and a half hours too.
(:

Labels: Friends, movie, review

❤ "TRANSFORMERS! ROBOTS IN DISGUISEEE" was Posted On: Thursday, June 30, 2011 @8:50 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

Winter Nails

Since it's only the beginning of winter in Australia, I thought it would be relevant to talk about this today~
Recently I got a package from Rachel (raeview on youtube) and inside was a box of mini nail varnishes from Essie's 2011 Winter collection!

The first impression I got from these weren't very nice as the colors are ~~slightly~~ boring and the brush inside was very flimsy.
But now I am starting LOVE these!!!

Why?
Considering that these polishes come in mini forms (5mL), the brushes would also be small. So what I did was just use a larger nail brush and after doing so, it gives a great matte finish that's perfect for everyday wear - the color combo gives me a feeling of a white Christmas where you just snuggle up at home with the family and a mug full of hot chocolate in your hands.
They apply true to color and you will require around two coats but otherwise these polishes are not streaky.
With a top coat, you'll probably get 3-4days wear out of these babies without any chipping!!! (not too sure if you do strenuous housework but this counts for a generous everyday amount)

The colors in this box included:
Masquerade Belle: a dark crimson red

Silk Cord: a classic bright red

Hot Coco: a grey toned chocolate color (Favorite!)

Going Incognito: a very rich pine color

Since Essie used to be only purchasable from nail professionals, there is no wonder the quality is as such. Thank god they are now available for purchase at department stores in Australia like David Jones, cause I'm definitely going to grab myself some full sized ones - these retail for around AUD$10-$20each!

Labels: haul, review

❤ "Winter Nails" was Posted On: Saturday, June 11, 2011 @8:31 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

new favourite: sheet masks

I've recently joined the Asian sheet mask craze with a massive order of My Beauty Diary masks from Sasa.

LINKS:
Official My Beauty Diary Website
From: My Beauty Diary Mask.com

My Beauty Diary Masks are face masks which originates from Taiwan. My Beauty Diary is very popular in Asia as My Beauty Diary Masks are suitable for Asian skins, made of natural ingredients, proven effective and most of all, they are affordable! Even Taiwanese actresses, Big 'S' (Da S also known as Barbie Hsu) and Small 'S' (Xiao S also known as Dee Hsu) recommend the masks.

The masks itself has really nice scents but can sometimes be a little over powering.
Also what is great about them is that the mask stays on while you either try to read or watch tv because the essence is not too runny but does stay moist for as long as an hour or more.
The shape of the mask fits the face perfectly and yes there would be excess essence inside the packet where you can rub on your hands or where ever you desire.
I usually just use them once a week when I can be bothered/remember to but they do make a very nice treat!
Overall they are decent masks and gives an instant effect that goes away after a day or so. - definitely not comparable with SKII masks though! BUT are great quality masks at their price (US$1-2each or a box of 10 for around US$12-$13)
But be warned, some people have been prone to break out from these masks and there are sellers out there who offer fake ones - yeah I know, stupid but true.
Also note that different colors or ingredients give different effects such as moisturizing, whitening, anti-aging, acne care etc.
If anyone wants specific reviews on any of the packets shown, just say so!
(:

ALSO they have recently came out with a new range of sheet masks which are a little more expensive but are said to be for the better! (a box of 5 for US$8-9)

I have purchased the new range in Tulip and will try that out after I finish my current ones!

Labels: cosmetics, haul, review

❤ "new favourite: sheet masks" was Posted On: Thursday, June 9, 2011 @7:07 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

ACW HAUL

package arrived from AllCosmeticsWholesale today!
I couldn't wait to open it! heheh.
Inside are a number of items mostly from MAC and added up to a total of US$115.95 (incl. priority shipping - yes i had to pay for shipping from the US to Australia so keep that in mind when considering the total price of the products!)

1. MAC Bronzing Powder in Bronze.
10g/.35 us oz. (rrp. AU$29/US$23, acw. US$19.99)
It's a soft medium bronze with slight golden shimmers that are really unnoticeable once applied. Perfect for summer days at the beach or a glow me up/slim down face type of look!

2.MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC25.
12g/.42 us oz. (rrp. AU$44/US$23, acw. US$21.99)
It's very finely pressed and silky. Matches my skin tone perfectly as it is very sheer.
Controls oil relatively well (it's summer here and it's kept my makeup pretty fresh throughout the day)
Comes with its own suede finish sponge (but I'd suggest applying this with a large fluffy brush)

3. Studio Fix Fluid Foundation (SPF15) in NC30.
30mL/1.o us oz. (rrp. $AU49/$US26.5 acw. $25.99)
Medium to full coverage and long lasting!!! I'm usually a NC25 but because it's summer, I chose a darker shade since I know I'm going tan a bit. It's rather light for a full coverage foundation and has a matte finish as well as being oil free!

4. SMASHBOX Brow Tech Quad
.15g/.005 us oz each (rrp. US$20-24 acw. US$6.5)
Contains a variety of colours including Brunette, Taupe, Blonde and also brow wax with applicator and mirror so it's very versatile and would suit anyone. Powder is very smooth and the mirror magnifies the face so you can draw your eyebrows on with ease. However, the product itself is very small (the size of a credit card) but is very sleek and handy.

4. BENEFIT Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Sippin' N Dippin'

4.5g/.16 us oz each (rrp. US$19 acw. US$12.99)

I LOVE THISSSS ! It's Creaseproof and Smudgeproof. Super creamy which makes it easy to blend. The packaging is in a super cute glass jar but best of all, I am absolutely in love with the colour. It's a pearly pink coral colour with a gold sheen. It's just incredibleeeeee! Perfect for summer if you layer it on or as a sheer base colour for that pop on the lids! Must get backups of this!

5&6. DUO adhesive & Lancome Le Lipstique Lipcoloring Stick in Mauvelle(gift)

The duo adhesive (full size 14g/.5 us oz) was bought especially for falsies as it's supposedly the best eyelash glue known for it's amazing staying power. Unfortunately it's really hard to find this in Australia and can only be purchased from MAC stores for AU$16 which I reckon is very hefty for eyelash glue. So I got the full size of this from ACW for US$8 I believe. The lip liner came with the purchase as a free gift from ACW! It's a very deep mauvy red, which I think I'm just going to give to my mum. It's very creamy when applies and does not smudge whatsoever when dried! It just won't budge no matter how hard I rub this on my hand! It's a full size of 1.2g/0.04 us oz and comes with a lip brush on the other end! - (rrp. US$24.5 acw. US$6.99)

Labels: cosmetics, haul, review

❤ "ACW HAUL" was Posted On: Monday, February 7, 2011 @7:45 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

package from lisa.

a little package arrived today in the mail ! :D
it was a package all the way from Canada sent by Lisa (a beauty guru on youtube) and i just couldn't wait to open it. heheh.
and BAM! it turn out to be the Balmbini palette from The Balm.
Lisa also left a note with the package and her handwriting is just so adorable!

I love the packaging of this palette! It's made out of cardboard but you can tell that it's very sturdy.
The packaging's very similar to the ones of 'Benefit'.
The palette comes along with all the "babies" of the most popular items from the balm including 2 blushes (in Downboy and HotMama), 1 highlighter (in Mary-Lou Manizer), 2 eyeshadows (in Insane Jane and Jealous Jordana), 1 lipstick (in Wanted) and 1 special edition gloss.
My favourite would have to be the the blusher in Downboy.
It's such a wearable matte blush that I believe would suit most light to medium skin tones.
Everything in the palette has really decent pigmentation and the powders are very fine.
And if anyone is looking for a dupe for Nars Orgasm, Hot Mama from The Balm would do just fine.
What is also good about this face palette is that it is formulated, FREE OF: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan. So you know you're not harming your skin!
However, I wasn't very pleased (you can say I was disappointed) with the Special Edition gloss as it appears to be of a muted coral beige in the package but is actually clear when swatched or applied to the lips.

- this palette retails for around US$30 (you can get it at sephora for $28)

anyways about my day..
mm I just went to school. nothing really happened there.
but one thing is that it's been super hot.
like.. hottest week in 150yrs and it's going to get hotter throughout the week.
not good... and what made it even worse was that I caught a cold.. in this 40'C heat!
grr.

Labels: cosmetics, health, review, school, weather

❤ "package from lisa." was Posted On: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 @4:43 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

random shopping haul

Went out to the City with my brother Peter today.
Had lunch at Chat Thai! God I LOVE THAT PLACEEEEEE !!!!!!!
Cannot truly express just how much I love it. The service, food, price ... just everything is worth the wait for a table. ((((:

Anyways, we went to Missha in the TGV and bought some nail varnishes.
colours include: BR03, VL04, GL03. They all last pretty long for such inexpensive nail polishes (up to 2 -3 days without any chipping) and they rip off which is good for anyone who doesn't use nail polish remover. Also they all dry within a minute and have a rosemary scent after!
The brush which comes in the bottle is a large one perfect for "one touch" application, stopping the varnish from streaking. What is also good about this varnish is that the website claims they all contain pearl power so your nails become extra vibrant and makes your nails more stronger and less prone to breakage.

BR03 is a pastel opaque brown, which is very work friendly!
VL04 is a bright violet colour with small shimmers of pink and gold. (the swatches look blue, but in reality it's a beautiful magenta mixed violet colour)
GL03 is an earthy gold with small gold shimmers.

Then we went to Cotton On to buy some basics - eg. plain shirts and such for the lazy days
After that, we stopped at Myer and bought some Bonds & Mossimo undies because there was a further 30% reduction on already reduced items!
And Finally Morning Glory for new Study Planners/Daily Diaries!
So adorable and convenient! They like the size of my hand but have enough writing space to fit my whole day's schedule in (unlike the old diaries) !

Labels: haul, review

❤ "random shopping haul" was Posted On: Monday, January 17, 2011 @8:47 PM | 0 lovely comments ✿

PACKAGE~

Sasa package has arrived.. after 2 months of delay.
Total Cost: $92AUD

items:

10

Lotree Moisture Skin Primer Pact (23)

- Packaging is excellent. Very delicate and has a decent mirror.

- Powder is finely milled and pressed. Doesn't cake up if applied properly and with a light hand.

- Has a very pleasing lavender fragrance

- How I like to apply this product is by pressing the powder onto the puff, and then use a big powder or kabuki brush and take the product from the puff instead of the actual pressed powder itself. Then you brush the product on desired areas of your face!

- Very moisturizing and light. Covers pores well and stays for most of the day. Oil control is decent but only lasts up to 2hrs.

- Didn't break me out as the powder does not block pore since it contains mineral powder

- 23 is suitable for most light to medium yellow toned skin whereas 21 is more suitable for people with lighter pink toned skin

- will purchase again and is worth it's price

- 8.5/10

Creer Beaute La Rose De Versailles Lady Oscar Impact & Cool Eyes (Black)

- Very elegant packaging; contains a milky glass jar imprinted with 'La Rose de Versailles' and a rose in gold. The black lid also has a gold rose imprinted ontop. A small black eyeliner brush is included, it is suitable for basic lining and filling between eyelash purposes.

- Product itself is very soft and the colour payoff is great! I was able to get a dark line on the first swipe from the jar.

- Comes in a very true opaque black but when applied on the eye, it sometimes does need two swipes.

- Dries very fast and is water resistant. This does not mean it is completely waterproof, but is able to withstand the day without smudging and disappearing.

- Definitely worth the purchase

- 8/10

Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo (01 Mocha) + Artist’s Eye Pencil (02 Softsmudge Brown)

- Eyeshadow: very smooth and blendable. But the colour payoffs aren't that good. The darker shadow is not a great contour colour. However the lighter shadow is a great highlighter for the upper brow bone and inner eye area. Also the shadows don't tend to crease so that's a plus

- Eyeliner: glides on the lid perfectly. Very natural when applied as it is a medium brown. It is not waterproof but does stay on for quite a long time for a normal eyeliner. Also it is more smudge proof than most non waterproof eyeliner. Suitable for contact wearers.

- Overall: packaging is perfect! It's as small as a credit card, plus it has a rather big mirror so it's great to bring for touch ups. Happy with this purchase and will purchase again

- 7.5/10

Estee Lauder PURE COLOR 4-Color Pure Color Eyeshadow (06 Truffle)