Colourpop Haul + Shipping to the Philippines

You cannot imagine the joy I feel writing this post.

Getting this particular package has been quite taxing, which made me realize how spoiled I've been from ordering from both local and online sites such as Bon Marche, Make Up Pro, and Sephora. It's been a long time coming, but I can finally share with you my Colourpop Haul!

In the event that you're unfamiliar, Colourpop is an affordable make-up brand from LA that makes amazing products, especially their lip and eye products. I've wanted to try their products for a long time, but international shipping only became available this year! I could have purchased from online stores in the PH but the prices were always so inflated. -_-

Come November, their Black Friday sale combined with their international shipping promo was enough for me (and my friends, thank you Tari and Bella for hoarding with me) to take a chance and finally try their products!

Note: if you're here for the haul, just skip the next few paragraphs ahead. 

Buying Experience

I ordered as per normal and used my PayPal account to pay. Normally, Colourpop takes 3-5 days to process your order before shipping it out, but the Black Friday + Cyber Monday sale slowed it down to 8 days. This is forgivable to me as I can imagine the massive inflow of orders they received at this time. 

As soon as my order was confirmed, I got an invoice plus the tracking number for USPS or the US Postal Service. 

Shipping to the Philippines

Now this is where it gets a bit...messy. Colourpop estimated 15-21 business days (meaning not counting weekends and holidays) for the order to arrive. While I was able to track my package as it moved from Canada to Santa Clarita to Los Angeles, as soon as the package left the US, all tracking updates stopped. This isn't their fault, more on the PH Post really. 

See, the Philippine Postal System is very outdated, and this is me putting it lightly. It takes ages for packages to arrive and they can never be tracked unless an external courier (such as LBC, DHL, FedEx, etc) is used. I knew this well before ordering but I underestimated just how slow it was going to be. I do realize that it was Christmas time, but the package shipped out December 9. I should've gotten it at least before the end of the year. 

Claiming the Package

I received my postal notice on January 12 (!!!!). Yes, they will not deliver it to your house. You have to go pick it up at the post office. I got mine at the Quezon City Central Post Office. They will indicate to you what window you have to go to, where they will check your IDs and let you sign in their logbooks (log. books. No joke).

After waiting for them to retrieve it from the stock room, the customs officer will call out your name and open the package in front of you. They're checking to see for any suspicious content. Afterwards, all you have to do is pay the storage fee (not sure why I have to pay this considering its my package?) and you're done. I went in the afternoon and took about thirty minutes.

Know this now - don't order more than 10 lip products. The FDA put out a memorandum that anything more than 10 lip products will be confiscated by customs. Why is this the case? I'm not sure, but best to be safe than sorry! Luckily my friends and I only had 4 (plus the free lip glosses makes 6) so this was not an issue.

Another note is that Customs + Philpost should not charge you anything more than PHP 112. There is a law that states that packages worth lower than PHP 10 000 for personal use is non-taxable. They should indicate the amount you have to pay on the postal notice. Don't let them charge you anything more than that!

Whew. Okay. Pain over, breathe! Let's move on to the good stuff!

Actual Haul (yay)

Unfortunately the entire box is not mine. :( I ordered 2 eyeshadows and 2 cheek products as these were the things I've been eyeing since I heard of Colourpop.

As the order was processed late, I got two free minis of lipglosses!

These notes are probably randomized but...how did you know I liked cats, Colourpop?

It's a bit messed up now because I opened it prior to taking pictures (oops) but luckily, everything arrived in good condition! It was very exciting to receive a package with this many things, even if they're not all for me. Another time, perhaps?

From left to right, I got their Super Shock Eyeshadow in Game Face, their Highlighter in Butterfly Beach (isn't that such a cute name?), Blush in Aphrodisiac, and another Super Shock Eyeshadow in Hammered.

Game Face is described as a 'true penny copper' while Hammered is a 'blackened olive with gold sparkles'. Both are very creamy and apply beautifully on the lids. I find it works best with a finger vs a synthetic brush, and it's much faster. 

Honestly I did this haul purely for Game Face alone and I'm already so happy. You have no idea how long I have wanted a penny copper eyeshadow. Hammered is a bit darker than I was expecting but its beautiful nonetheless.

Aphrodisiac is described as a 'soft beige' while Butterfly Beach is a 'warm peach with silver highlights'. The blush is pigmented but not overly so, and is best applied with a synthetic duo fibre brush. The highlighter on the other hand is a lot more pigmented, and I personally prefer using my fingers for application. 

I've been looking for a neutral blush/contour and Aphrodisiac hits that spot perfectly. It's definitely cool toned but not so much so that it looks off on my warm skin. It's also easy to blend and really adds colour while still providing a bit of structure to the face.

Butterfly Beach on the other hand is simply beautiful! It really catches the light and blends into the skin seamlessly. I normally don't wear highlighter as my skin enjoys producing all those natural oils for me, but for this, I'm willing to make an exception. It also looks beautiful on the bridge of the nose, inner eye corners, and on top of the cupid's bow!

All in all, I am extremely happy with my purchases and I'll definitely be ordering more soon. It might be better though if I wait for friends or relatives to come home from America as I really don't want to deal with package claiming and all the anxious waiting again. If you live in America or a country with a better postal service, take advantage of the free shipping above 30USD/50USD!

Friday, January 20, 2017

Colourpop Haul + Shipping to the Philippines

By Pauline Read More

Ireland + UK Beauty Haul and First Impressions

This post is half exciting and half embarrassing, considering the sheer amount of stuff I bought. Several trips to Boots (so much that my aunt has a multitude of points in her Boots card) and one visit to Brown Thomas and Space NK each have led to this massive addition to my collection. Its safe to say I'm all shopped out at this point!

I was extremely bored and dissatisfied with the primers in my current arsenal which led to the purchase of one from the drugstore and one from Space NK. 

The Max Factor Facefinity All-Day Primer is a white liquid that is both smoothing and hydrating on the skin. It definitely has silicone, but in a much smaller amount that it doesn't make foundation settle or sit on top of it. So far it performs just fine on me, but I think it would be great for those with normal to dry skin, in case they want a bit more hydration in their primer.

In contrast, the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is significantly more smoothing and pore minimizing. It is non-drying, but it definitely lives up to its claim at being oil-free, which is a relief. I find that this does make my makeup last for an hour or two longer (in humidity, which is a big deal) but I will report back for more on this.

The L'oreal Infallible Sculpt Contouring Palette in Medium/Dark wasn't originally on my 'to buy' list, but it looked interesting whenever I passed by the L'oreal counter. The product itself isn't overly pigmented, which I think is great for beginners at cream contour and highlight. The highlight shade I find doesn't sit well on the nose area and requires a little more building up. The contour however, is amazing for my skin tone and blends effortlessly. Review on this soon!

I couldn't decide between the Bourjois Healthy Mix and Healthy Mix Serum, which is clearly why I got both (I had money to spare!). The Serum is definitely the dewier one of the two, and glides over the skin (even dry spots and uneven texture) much better versus the non-serum one. The Healthy Mix has good coverage and lasts well on my skin, but I'd like to test it out more to get a final verdict.

I've heard so many people on YouTube recommend the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder as a better alternative (and is a dupe) for the Chanel Les Beiges Powder. When I tried this in Ireland, I found that it did cling a bit to dry spots, and I had quite a bit while I was over there. In humidity however I find it to be a little less obvious, but I will try it out more.

I got the L'oreal Lumi Magique to get the 3 for 2 deal. I haven't popped it open yet as I'm still trying to finish my other concealers, but from what I've read, it seems to be one of the better highlighting concealers from the drugstore. 

I purchased the Nuxe Reve de Miel as a replacement for my Bioderma Lip Balm, as the latter was far too expensive for me to maintain. I use this whenever I'm at home or doing my make-up, and I find it to be an excellent lip balm that lasts for hours and works well under lipstick. Good impulse purchase from me, considering I just grabbed the box before I headed for the counter!

The Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (SPF 15) was one I picked up in Changi Airport before boarding my next flight, as I forgot my lip balm in my check-in. Its still as good as I remember, in that it is hydrating and lasts for a few hours, though not as long as the Nuxe one. Very handy for on the go, though!

I knew I had to at least try the L'oreal Telescopic Extra Black Mascara as it promises very lengthy and very black lashes. Out of all my L'oreal purchases, I was most excited for this. So far I find the formula to be very wet - an issue I have with non-Asian mascaras. It is very black as it claims, and does provide length, but I'd honestly want to dry out the formula a bit more to really see if I like it.

Yes, those are two lip pencils of the same shade. I listened to Alex when she told me to look into Rimmel lip liners by hoarding two, taking advantage of the discount they were offering at the time. The Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Eastend Snob is a favourite of Amelia Liana and her lips always look amazing. I'm a fan of the retractable pencil and the way the shade of pink makes the lips look fuller without overlining them, not that I need that anyway.

Yes, more lip products! It does seem out of place, but I purchased this Etude House Dear My Blooming Lips Talk Chiffon Lipstick (109) during my 8-hour stopover in Seoul. My best friend has this shade and loves it, claiming it is her perfect brown lipstick. I do agree that its an amazing shade of brown, not too glossy or too matte, and doesn't make your face age that extra 7 years as most brown lipsticks do. Great steal, considering the price as well!

Another slightly impulsive purchase is the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Nude-ist. I watched Karima McKimmie/Shameless Fripperies use it in one of her tutorials and had to have it, as it was a  beautiful dark muted rosey shade. It applies well on the lips, though I prefer it with a bit of lip liner underneath. Absolutely no regrets with this one!

I don't know what possessed me to gravitate towards this YSL Glossy Stain (12), but after some quick research, I knew I wanted to try at least one shade from this extensive range. The colour I picked is a warm pink shade with a hint of coral, which brightens the face upon application. The formula itself feels very hydrating and comfortable to wear, that I often don't need a lip balm if I wear this one out. Plus, it smells so good, you need to at least give this a swatch if you pass by a YSL counter!

And finally, the Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Secret Salma is easily one of my favourite purchases from this entire haul. Out of all the lipsticks I swatched (and I swatched nearly all the shades from her  many collections), this shade stood out. It is a muted pinky mauve without a trace of brown in it, and it looks very understated yet sophisticated on the lips. The formula as well while matte is not drying at all, and it applies very smoothly on the lips. I can definitely see what the hype is about for her lipsticks!

And that's it! Congratulations for reaching this far into the post, and thank you so much for reading. If you've tried any of these products, don't hesitate to let me know what you think. Do you like them? Hate them? Can't stand them?

Friday, August 05, 2016

Ireland + UK Beauty Haul and First Impressions

By Pauline Read More

Sephora Philippines & Make Up Pro Mini Haul and First Impressions

Yes I know, I clearly need to get my makeup hoarding tendencies in control.

It does mean more posts for the blog, though! I was initially going to get an eyeshadow palette, but as  things usually go, you can rarely ever escape online shopping or even offline shopping by buying only one thing. Also have to mention that the Sephora Philippines website is awesome - ordered last Monday and my package arrived Thursday the same week. Yay hassle-free online shopping!

The reason for this haul is really the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette. I'm going to be out for almost the whole month of July, and I wanted to take a palette that was warm toned with a diverse colour range and finish. This not only fit the bill, but it was at such a good price. I just swatched and played around for now, but I have to say that the quality of these shadows is fantastic - buttery, smooth, and minimal fall-out. More on this in a review in the future!

Since Sephora PH was offering double points for my birth month, I took advantage by purchasing a few more bits. I've grown increasingly dissatisfied with my Happy Skin Blush Brush (soft, but applies blush patchily no matter what brand I use), which led me to pick up the Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush. 

I have to say immediately that the brush handle is so beautiful. I've never been an avid fan of the rose gold thing, but I can appreciate it now with this brush (copper however, is a very different story). The brush hairs are soft and not as dense as my Happy Skin brush, and it is incredibly easy to clean. It also applies blush evenly but sheer (hence the name) which is what I prefer anyway. 

Final item from my Sephora haul was the Zoeva 231 Luxe Petit Crease Brush. I've heard raves of this brush for years from bloggers like Zoella, and it seemed perfect to add to my brush collection considering I do have a petit crease. For someone with slightly hooded lids, it makes the placement of crease colours so easy. Same as the cheek brush, it is soft and washes easily.

My beloved Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is starting to show signs of wear and tear, so I figured an upgrade was in order. It was time to try the sponge that started it all - the Beauty Blender. The Make Up Pro store in Makati (an online store I've mentioned here and here) only had the Royal version in stock which is fine, since the colour is beautiful anyway. Not only is the sponge incredibly soft (no violent face punching with a sponge here) but it applies foundation seamlessly. In terms of visibility on the skin, the BB blends foundation a bit better so that you can't see it on your skin. So far so good, will keep you all updated!

That is all from me! Have you guys bought anything new recently? Any new favourites you'd like to share? Let me know down in the comments section below!

Friday, June 17, 2016

Sephora Philippines & Make Up Pro Mini Haul and First Impressions

By Pauline Read More

Collective Haul

Aka the things I got since the last time I updated post. It's very difficult to balance blogging with thesis I'm afraid, so these little updates will have to last for a few months longer. I thought I'd show you the new things I was gifted/acquired lately, because who doesn't love a good haul post, right? I'm going to include a bit of swatches and first impressions too, so here we go!

Skin Care

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream

Since I've started seeing a dermatologist regularly, a lot of my skin care products are medicated. Honestly, the only ones I can purchase for skin care are cleansing oils/water/balms and eye cream. For years I've used eye creams that either just moisturize or do nothing at all. I picked this up on a whim after dropping by my local Origins counter and instantly loved how hydrating but effective it is at reducing the puffiness under my eyes. Plus, its not greasy at all! Expect a review in the coming months.

Make-Up

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

I've been hearing about this powder for years, and how its a godsend for people with oily skin. Out of everything I purchased, I find myself most disappointed in this. Not only can I see this powder on my skin, but it clings to dry patches I didn't know I had and does nothing for oil control. I see it less when I buff another powder over it (more on this in another post) but for the most part, I'm really bummed that this did nothing for me.

Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray: Oil Control

I initially wanted to try the Urban Decay Setting Sprays but wasn't too willing to shell out the money for it. Since those sprays were made with Skindinavia anyway, I thought it'd be better to try from the source! So far I find that this does wonders at preventing my foundation from settling on my nose and the sides, but doesn't hold up too well with humidity. Will test this out more before giving a final opinion!

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows (Cosmopolitan, Latte, Drama Queen)

This was an impulse purchase, I swear! I was only supposed to get the spray when I chanced upon these while browsing the MakeUp Pro site. I've heard nothing but good things about these shadows and I have to say that everything bloggers have said about these are true! The colour selection is amazing and the pigmentation is up there with brands such as Urban Decay (some are even better!). Amazing quality at such an affordable price point! Definitely making a detailed review on these soon!

Fairydrops Platinum Mascara (Waterproof) (Review)

My true mascara love has returned! These are nearly obsolete now - they're not even available in Japan. My friend Alex managed to find some in Sasa which I am eternally grateful for. I'm currently keeping this when I get desperate, as I'm currently using the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.

Milani Rose Blush (Romantic Rose)

I knew I needed to expand my blush collection as I only had peachy and peachy pink shades. This blush not only has one of the prettiest designs I've seen on a make-up product, but the dusty pink colour suits a variety of make-up looks. I will say now that it has a weird, plastic-like smell in the pan that's stronger than I would like, but it faded when you apply it to the skin.

Kiko Moondust Illuminating Powder Blush (02 Fairy Mauve)

A gift from a lovely friend! The marbling reminds me a lot of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes, though I think they're a tad bit more sheeny than those. I love how this really lights up the face, making it great for evening looks!

Kiko Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick (06 Rosy Brown)

I have wanted this eyeshadow stick for a long time, ever since I heard about the brand. I find the ByTerry Ombre Blackstars to be outrageously expensive (its the same price as some of the foundations I'm eyeing, for goodness sake) so I settled for this and it did not disappoint! The formula is creamy without being too slippy, and once it sets, it will not budge for a good six hours. Plus, the colour is so unique - probably the only close dupe to Misty Rock that I've read about!

As promised, swatches of all the products! I've learned that readers really appreciate swatches and first impressions on products, so I thought I would structure my post this way. I hope the new format is okay with you guys! Let me know down in the comments below!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Collective Haul

By Pauline Read More

Big May Haul

I know I just did a haul but I also have bad self-control during this time of year. :p This time, this haul isn't limited to drugstore products as the more midrange products are some that I've been eyeing for around a year or so, plus some Korean products! These consist of two online orders (from Bon Marche and Make Up Pro), one that my friends Leya and Tari from Tari in the Morning kindly bought for me while they were in Korea (thank you again <3), and a mall purchase.

At this point I'm glad I'm going back to school - need the cash!

Maybelline Master Conceal (30 Light-Medium)

This is a fairly new product, released last December. Maybelline is known for their concealers and I thought it would be great to finally try one. This one claims to be high coverage and can be used for both under the eyes and for spots. Plus, it comes in a tube rather than the sponge applicator that the Instant Age Rewind has. I like that you only need a small amount to cover spots, and that it leaves a natural finish. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo Leather (80 Creamy Beige)

I mentioned before that I frequently watch Essie Button's videos, and this was one of the products that grew on me. I found the original Color Tattoos too frosty for my liking, so this more matte version of Bad to the Bronze was a good alternative. That and I've been dying for a new cream eyeshadow.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (Nude)

As much as I love my Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, I know its too expensive for me to use everyday, and I'm quite fearful of it running out quickly. This one from Jouer is a rare gem in a sea of dewy tinted moisturizers, as it is one of the very few that I know of that gives a matte finish. Jen from From Head to Toe uses this quite often and like I said before, everything that has worked on her has worked very well on me so far.

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer (6 Ivory)

Yes, another concealer! I've wanted this for a while, but at the time opted for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer that I mentioned in some of my favourites. This one is waterproof, oil-free, and long-lasting, so its supposed to be best for scars and blemishes. As someone who is acne-prone, a lightweight concealer that doesn't aggravate acne is a must.

Too Faced Natural Matte Palette

I used to tell myself that I shouldn't buy more palettes, but I knew I had to have this palette as soon as it came out. I'm fairly happy with my shimmery shadows recently (Naked 2 Palette & 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette) but I noticed I lacked matte shadows. This is much cheaper than my original plan which was to buy a few MAC eyeshadows. I'll definitely review this as soon as I get to test it out!

Etude House Play 101 Pencils (21, 47)

I liked my first pencil in 23 so much that I had to get more! 21 is a neutral red that is meant to be used as a lip liner, while 47 is a rich copper that is meant to be used as an eyeliner or eyeshadow. Etude House is a brand that involves a lot of hits and misses, but I have to say that so far these are hits!

Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner

I had a long love-hate relationship with this eyeliner, as I mentioned here, here, here, and here. The hate eventually ebbed and I realized just how lovely this eyeliner was when I used it again late last year. I bought my first pen last year and its still going, but I got this because I don't want to be without another!

Innisfree Mineral Single Cream Eyeshadow (04 Romance Burgundy)

I love cream shadows so much, so to see one of my favourite Korean brands with cream shadows was exciting. I've also been toying with the idea of trying a burgundy eyeshadow ever since seeing eyeshadows like MAC Cranberry and the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk. Lets hope that this one works!

Too Cool for School Artclass by Rodin Createur du contour

As a person with a round face, I could always use a little definition for my invisible cheekbones. I saw this product while browsing a few blogs and I was drawn by the packaging, to be honest! The  SA that sold this to me also mentioned that this product was usually sold out in Korea! This isn't overly pigmented, which is good to hear for a beginner like me.

That's all for now! Lets hope that this is the last haul I do in a while, for my wallets' sake! I do hope you enjoyed seeing these anyway and let me know if you want me to do a review on any of the products I mentioned.

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Friday, June 05, 2015

Big May Haul

By Pauline Read More

Spring Drugstore Haul

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share with you my long overdue haul. I got these all to start my venture into drugstore makeup, which I have long ignored in favour of high-end products or Korean cosmetics with cute packaging (and equally cute advertisers. See The Saem for reference).

I also wanted to get more spring/summer appropriate makeup since all of my current lip products are more fall/winter appropriate. Never mind that the only seasons I get are extremely hot and dry and extremely rainy - its an opportunity for me to expand my collection and to try out new things! I've already put these to good use right after taking photos so expect to see these more on my blog from now on.

The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye and Lip Make-up Remover 

I may or may not have put this in here just for the flower design, but you always need a makeup remover, right? I wasn't satisfied with the Bioderma I got from my last Impulse Haul, so I got this to remove my eye makeup. Being a person who wears waterproof mascara religiously, I know the pains of removing it and this makes it a breeze, I kid you not. I like that it isn't overly oily and heavily scented either. I also raved about this in my Make-Up Removers post and March Favourites.

NYX Powder Blush (Pinched)

I've been wanting to try this line of blushes since I was in high school, but Pinched more than others since it is famed as one of the top NARS Orgasm blush dupes. It's the standard pinky coral with a golden shimmer which screams Spring/Summer to me. I like how it makes me look much more awake and healthy, so I'm definitely going to be using blush more often!

Milani Baked Blush (Bella Rosa)

This was another product I got because of Essie Button, particularly in her Taylor Swift Inspired Drugstore Makeup Look. Colour-wise, reddish blushes seem to be more for Autumn/Winter, but because this one looks so bright in the pan and it has a bit of pink, I thought it was appropriate for Spring/Summer, too. I will say that you only need the tiniest amount due to the strong pigmentation, but the end result is a really pretty pinky red flush.

Happy Skin Angled Blush Brush

Happy Skin is a local brand that I honestly did not expect much from. I ignored it for a while whenever I saw it at Beauty Bar, until Alex told me about the brush set she got. I got this brush since it's the cheapest angled blush brush that I know of, and I'm surprised at the quality of it! The bristles are synthetic and very soft, and I like that they're white so I can tell how much pigment I have on my brush. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick (05)

I've been waiting for a long time to try this lipstick, especially after seeing Alex's review here. I wanted this particular shade because I knew I needed a lipstick that wasn't red. It definitely has a hint of berry in it, but its so brightening and makes me look so fresh and awake, which I think is something that one associates to Spring. Either way, I think this will be a great year-rounder lipstick for me. I need more from this range!

NYX Butter Gloss (Strawberry Parfait)

Who hasn't heard of these glosses? I knew I loved this as soon as I put it on because it applied well, smelled amazing (like cake batter), and left my lips moisturized. Even as it faded after about 2-3 hours, it didn't leave my lips icky and crusty at the edges which is what happens with me most of the time with most lip glosses. I got the shade Strawberry Parfait, which is a sheer fuchsia that leans more pink. I would have bought more but NYX stores locally haven't restocked in months.

That's it for now! I'm still looking for more Spring/Summer products to try so if you have any recommendations, please leave a comment below! Also let me know if you want a review on any of the products mentioned here and in my past posts!

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Friday, April 17, 2015

Spring Drugstore Haul

By Pauline Read More

Christmas Haul

Helloooo everyone!

I'm really excited to share with you this huge haul that I bought for myself for Christmas! I was really stressed out from uni work (thesis year!) as well as some personal problems, so I thought I deserved to get some of the products I've been lusting over for a long time. I also picked up some items I needed in my collection as accompaniments to other products. Some of these items might be familiar as I've included them in my Christmas Wish List!

BYS Synthetic Blending Brush

I remember I was with Alex when she suggested this brush. I saw it on her September Favourites and got interested in it as I wanted to start expanding my eyeshadow brush collection, especially after seeing this post from Anna of Vivianna Does Makeup. This brush is soft yet really inexpensive at P299, so it'd be really great for beginners!

Etude House Play 101 Pencil (#23)

I knew I needed a lip liner for my NARS Audacious Lipstick in Audrey, and this was the closest from all of the lip liners in the Play 101 line to that shade. I tried it out at home and it turns out that it was a perfect shade match! It was really easy to apply and looked pretty good on its own. I can't wait to purchase more pencils from this line!

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I have read hundreds of reviews on this miracle serum, and I wanted to splurge on something that would help with anti-aging as well as brighten my skin. I've been using it since I got it and I love how lightweight it is! It also made my skin smoother than it already was (thanks to the new additions to my routine) and made my pores a little less visible. I can't wait to see the change it'll make after a month of use!

Kiehls Mango Lip Balm

I was running low on lip balms and decided to try this out. It's pretty lightweight and doesn't leave a gloopy film on my lips like other lip balms do. I rotate this with my EOS Lip Balm and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, depending on my mood. 

I got a pretty good amount of samples, and I was surprised by how much each packet contained! I'm excited to try the Skin Rescuer as it addresses redness, and the Microblur Skin Perfector as I'm looking for a new primer.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

It's embarrassing to say that I've swatched this foundation every time I enter Beauty Bar (which is quite often). I'm paranoid about my Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream running low, and I wanted a foundation that I already tried, so I decided on this. It's definitely a splurge, but so far so good! I heard this was a more lightweight version of the NARS Sheer Glow which I also considered purchasing, and it's true! Even with two layers of this on, I didn't feel like it was on my skin. I also love the glow it gives my skin. I'm sensing a new foundation favourite!

NARS Satin Lip Pencil (Mandore)

It's labelled 'Limited' on the NARS website, so I assumed it meant 'Limited Edition' and would therefore not be at my local NARS counter, so I was surprised to see it among the other lip pencils! Unlike other reds, this does not have that hint of berry and is described as more of a cranberry colour. I got to try it in store and I loved it, and did not hesitate in buying.

NARS Sharpener

I knew that I would be purchasing more lip pencils because they seem so easy in terms of application and maintenance versus lipsticks (and I'm a sucker for NARS products, lets be real), so I knew I needed a sharpener. I gave in when the SA said that this was the last one, and it usually takes a long time for NARS to restock on their products. At least I'm sure that it will fit the NARS Lip Pencils, and it saves me the trouble of trying and testing other cheaper sharpeners.

And that's it! It's going to be a while before I do another haul so I hope you all enjoyed this! If you guys did your own hauls this Christmas, or have some things on your wish list that you're planning to purchase soon, feel free to leave me a comment below! Also, tell me if you've tried any of these!

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Friday, January 02, 2015

Christmas Haul

By Pauline Read More

Real Techniques Mini Haul

Hello, everyone!

I just wanted to share with you a mini haul of a few make-up brushes I purchased recently. I did want to feature them in two batches since one arrived before the other two, but since they are from the same brand, I figured I would group them together. This will also serve as my first impressions post since I've never owned a Real Techniques brush before.

Real Techniques Powder Brush

A friend of mine from uni (who has already graduated :c) was kind enough to buy this for my friends and I when she went to the US. This was the first brush I got and funnily enough, I bought this before my Nars Translucent Powder. It was through searching for reviews on this brush that I was swayed into purchasing more from Real Techniques, especially after reading comparisons with Sigma brushes, which was my original option.

As this was the first brush I received, I was very excited to feel it (as people always comment on how soft the bristles are) and see what all the fuss is about, and needless to say, I was very impressed. I thought I would have to put up with the scratchy feeling I get from most brushes but with this, I guess not! It is also very fluffy and dense, and after my first wash (I like to pre-wash my new brushes prior to use) it did not bleed or shed at all! The shape of the handle makes for a very good grip as well. 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I was initially inclined to purchase the Sigma F80 but I've read that the people who have owned that brush switched over to the Expert Face Brush. Since it was much cheaper but still of high quality, I figured it would be a better deal. I ordered this with the shading brush from Sumwear Co (thank you again!)

The bristles were much shorter than I expected (then again, I was looking at close up pictures) and this gives it more stiffness and control. The brush in itself is very dense, and makes applying foundation so much easier. This has given me a much better look at what the coverage of my Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation is actually like. Also the finish it gives is much more natural than when I use my fingers. 

Real Techniques Eye Shading Brush

I was choosing between this and the MAC 239 which is perfect for my eye shape however, I wasn't too inclined to spend so much on an eye brush just yet. Also, I wanted to practice first before buying any expensive make-up brushes. I'm not a make-up artist, after all, so I don't really need professional brushes.

This is my only eyeshadow brush at the moment (aside from the dual ended brush that came with my Naked 2 Palette) and it is tiny! Perhaps it's because I'm used to the size of the powder brush, but until now I can't get over how small it is. It's a bit fluffier than I expected, making it useful for blending aside from application. It picks up a good amount of pigment (much more than my Etude House brush from years ago!) and is easy to use. Recommended for beginners at eye makeup.

All in all, I am very pleased with the quality of these brushes so far. I can't wait to add them to my daily routine, and I'll let you all know how they perform in the long run soon.

What about you guys? Have you tried Real Techniques? Let me know in the comments below!

And by the way, go follow me on Twitter if you'd like, my username is catpacking_blog!

Friday, July 18, 2014

Real Techniques Mini Haul

By Pauline Read More

Singapore 2014 Makeup Haul

Compared to my Seoul 2014 Haul, this was a little more planned out. I initially thought of just getting the Naked 2 palette (which I've wanted for years) and a lip balm my friend recommended, but after stepping foot into Sephora a few times...I couldn't resist. (/__\)

As I previously mentioned, I've been rebuilding my make-up collection and thought it would be a good opportunity to purchase some of the products I've been eyeing for a while. Needless to say I don't regret anything I bought!

Also stopped by Lioele in Bugis to get their Water Drop BB Cream and Artist Auto Eyebrow Pencil that I wasn't able to get in Seoul.

From top to bottom, L to R

1. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 PA+ in 3.5 Warm Beige | 2. Lioele Artist Auto Eyebrow Pencil in #3 | 3. Etude House Minnie Kissing Lips in #1: Minnie Red | 4. Fresh Sugar Advanced Lip Therapy Lip Treatment | 5. Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner and O'Tank Volume Mascara | 6. Lioele Water Drop BB Cream | 7. Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder - Pressed | 8. Benefit Porefect Hideaway Set (includes: a. Benefit Porefessional Primer and b. Benefit Fakeup Concealer in 02 Medium) | 9. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette | 10. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original)

Stay tuned for reviews in the future!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Singapore 2014 Makeup Haul

By Pauline Read More

Seoul Skin Care and Make-Up Haul

One of the things that got me very excited for Seoul was the shopping. I've been an avid user of Korean skin care and cosmetics for years, especially after switching from the products my dermatologist prescribed. During my prior trip I hauled mainly Laneige products after the recommendation of my Korean foster sister when I was still in high school. Given it is one of the more expensive skin care brands, but anything that goes on my skin (and clears it) is worth it.

This time I wanted to stock up and try Innisfree, as well as new cleansers from Skin Food (as their Tea Tree Cleansing Foam helped clear up my skin a lot). I was also lucky enough to be there during Etude House's 30% sale, so I decided to try out some products that I never bothered to try back home. 

Reviews for the products shown will be up soon!

From top to bottom, L-R 

1. Innisfree Green Tea Moisture Essence | 2. Innisfree Canola Honey Serum | 3. Laneige Sunblock Aqua SPF 35 PA++ | 4. Etude House Wonder Pore Freshener | 5. Skin Food Egg White Pore Foam | 6. Skin Food Black Sugar Scrub Foam | 7. Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel | 8. Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX | 9. Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

In comparison, my make-up mini-haul is much more modest. I didn't wear makeup for about 2 years since I was so busy coping with requirements at uni and by this time, my makeup had all expired and so many new products have emerged. I was going to get more from Lioele after reading reviews, but it disappointed me to know that they didn't have a store in Seoul yet. :(

From L-R

1. Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pastel Upper Liner in No. 3 Mintade | 2. It's Skin Babyface Jelly Tint in Red | 3. Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence | 4. 3 Concept Eyes Lip Lacquer in Bonbon | 5. Missha Gel Liner Brush

These products were mostly purchased on a whim, save for Goodbye Pore-Ever and 3CE's Lip Lacquer. Reviews will also be up soon!

© All photos taken by me using an iPhone 5s. 

Friday, May 02, 2014

Seoul Skin Care and Make-Up Haul

By Pauline Read More