The life of a shopaholic

BLOG SALE IS UP

2012-01-01T18:55:00.003-05:00

The blog sale is now up. I'm selling various brands as such: Burberry beauty, Paul & Joe, MULE, etc. Have a look, perhaps something might interest you. Some are brand new and some are used briefly. Price are not fixed, I am open to negotiate, especially if you are interested into several items.

I'm selling these items due to many reasons: color doesn't match, color doesn't suit me, if it's brand new item: i don't feel I will be using them, if it's skincare product: item is to harsh for my sensitive skin, or I don't like the smell, or I don't like the texture,if it's perfum: I don't like the smell.

Some items are priced in Canadian dollars; it is because I have bought them in Canadian dollars. Otherwise, the rest are priced in USD.

I just hope to find new home for these items instead of throwing them out.

All items have been purchased less than a year.

Resolutions for 2012

2011-12-31T19:28:00.002-05:00

Last year and this year, hmmm particularly this year, had been really "bad". I have spent money on makeup, especially eyeshadows palette, and skincare like crazy. So for this year resolutions, I have decided to cut on makeup; I am only allowed to buy 4 eyeshadows palettes this. I have bought Naked 2, so now I am down to 3. And for skincare, I am setting a budget of 1000$ for the year; which is reasonable. That is about 250$ per quarter or 83$ per month. A skincare set usually last 3 months.

That is my first resolution.

My second resolution is to save at least 50% of my net income. To do so, I will bring my own lunch to work. Since I already bought a good amount of clothes on boxing day, I don't expect to spend much on clothing. What I need to control is obviously makeup. With resolution #1, this one can be achievable.

I will strive to be less a shopaholic, so this blog won't be much about shopping. Then, I will focus on creating makeup tutorial. I hope that would be more enjoyable to read.

My third resolution is to keep my desk clean. I have this habit of cluttering my desk...

These are my main resolutions. I have wrote 2 other more but I will keep those for myself.

What are your resolutions?

Naked palette 2 is on Sephora online!

2011-12-29T21:20:00.002-05:00

I went to Sephora to see the status of my boxing day order and saw on the homepage of Sephora the Naked palette 2 for online purchase! I rushed to buy it; after I saw the swatches of this palette, I WANT it, more than the first one. Now, I dont know what I will do with the Naked 1 once I will receive from BeautyBay... I didnt expected to buy the Naked 2 so fast.

Along with Naked 2, I ordered a perfum from Fresh - Sake. I have smelled the candle at Club Monaco few days ago and felt in love with the fresh fruity scent. I can only hope that the perfum smell like the candle... let's hope.

Blazers from Club Monaco

2011-12-28T20:16:00.003-05:00

I finally bought my 2 blazers at Club Monaco. This will close my shopping for clothes... for at least 6 months. Now I can't wait to wear my new piece for work and for going out.

My remaining shopping list are electronics and I am planning to buy them next year. Only three electronic items: mobile phone, tablet, and desktop. Yes, it will be expensive....

I went pick up at DHL express office my Sephora order. I have ordered AmorePacific Moisture bound set. This brand cannot be shipped to Canada, so I had to sign up on Myus.com to get an US address. Myus.com is a service that forward your purchase to your home address. It is useful when an US online store does not ship internationally. I can't wait to start using it once I am done with HERA Aquabolic waterfall cream.

Shopping continue...

2011-12-27T19:11:00.002-05:00

I went to Club Monaco; it had this amazing sale going on: 40% off of the sale priced. It came out cheap per piece. I spent a bit too much... Then I went to Garage, got 1 pair of jeans, and finally went to M0851 to get a small cardholder for all my points card from several stores.... Yet, I still haven't bought any suits; they weren't on sale. I forgot my student card to get the student discount at Club Monaco for regular priced item. So I will be returning tomorrow just for 2 blazers.

Boxing day shopping

2011-12-26T23:06:00.000-05:00

I did a lot of shopping this year. I have decided to get new clothes; I was thinking of getting some suits for work. I won't list out what I have bought because I don't want to know the actual spending figure... but I went shopping to:

-Sephora (online & in-store)

-e-beauty (online)

-French Connection (in-store)

-AX (in-store)

-Zara (in-store)

I didnt have the chance to go to Garage and Club Monaco. I will go tomorrow because I want to get some jeans from Garage and suits from Club Monaco.

BeautyBay & Hautelook

2011-12-25T23:08:00.004-05:00

I don't know why, but after using some of my Paul & Joe eyeshadow palette (finally), I browse their website and just decide to buy some stuffs from BeautyBay and later the day, I shopped on Hautelook.

Currently on BeautyBay, there is a 15% discount valid until next Wednesday. The code is XMAS

I placed for:

-Urban Decay Naked Palette £32.00

-Paul & Joe Eye Gloss Duo 04 Bourgeoisie £14.04

-Paul & Joe Eye Gloss Duo 05 Rock & Roll £14.04

-Paul & Joe Limited Edition Jacquard Clutch Make Up Bag £25.49

*All priced are without the 15% discount

The P&J Jacquard Clutch was the main reason why I want to buy. The eye gloss 04 & 05 had been items that I wanted to buy in NY but they didnt have it in stock. And the UD Naked palette, I finally decided to buy it since they were 3 colors I wanted and if I was about to buy separately, it come more expensive than the palette itself. With the discount, it come slightly cheaper than buying directly from Sephora (about 55$ CAD)

On Hautelook, I wanted to get dresses but I wasn't quick enough :( So I browse other stuff and decided to buy 2 items:

-Freshwater Pearl & Rose Shape Amethyst Drop Earrings [47$ USD down from 95$] : Pink rhodium plated bow with rose shape amethyst stone and round freshwater pearls drop earrings

-Kenneth Cole Asymmetrical Zip Melton Wool Coat [92$ USD down from 310$] : size 2, I am not quite sure if it will fit me...

So I finally decided to use my P&J eyeshadow palettes. These are the Manhattan collection, I think for Fall 2011. I bought all three in NY during the long week-end in September (i think it was the Thanksgiving). I couldn't decide which colors; they all look so beautiful. They are all shimmery but more like a satin finish then metallic finish. I can't believe I wait this long before I decide to use it. 01 is at the bottom and 03 is at the top. The middle of each palette is the blush which can be also use as eyeshadow. The far left of each palette is the highlighter: the 01 is white, 02 is light baby pink, and 03 is more like a light ivory.

MULE Artist Natural Foundcealer review

2011-12-24T19:56:00.002-05:00

Happy holidays! X-mas is only a day away; here is my review for MULE Foundcealer.

I received my order a week and half ago, something like Dec 13 2011, but only started to use the foundation last monday. I haven't try yet the Eli oil treatment; I am a bit worry of clogging my pore with oil. I technically bought it because the bottle was pretty....

I have been using this MULE foundation for a week.

Packaging wise, people might find a bit bulky but the concept is still very practical. Press the button at the bottom and it come out the right amount of product. I have never use more than one pump. It has a matching concealer (use once) and eye brightener (never try). It also come with a good quality black textured sponge (to imitate the fingerprint).

The color is 01 Light skin. It's a perfect match for the center of my face but a bit too light once it get near to the hairline; blending is required. I am not a MAC user/fan so I can't tell to which NC# can match up to but I'm sure it won't match for tanned skin or medium color skin. I find that 01 Light skin has a salmon undertone (not too yellow and not too pink, definitely no grayish tone) and I can expect color 02 Natural skin (for medium and lightly tanned skin) to have salmon undertone too.

It doesn't have much oil control, expect some brilliance around noon (i applied my makeup at 6ham). My coworker said my skin looked healthier... I guess it's a good shine rather looking a disco ball; yet I personally prefer to be on the matte side. But if I apply the Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Treatment & Pomegranate Mattifying Primer with a good powder, the shine is delayed, around 3-4hpm will start to show.

Staying power it's not the best, unless i used a primer. I think it's primarily due to my own production of sebum which affect the staying power. But if I compared to my other foundation that I used to use (Bourjois 10h sleep, or Fairydrop BB cream), MULE ranked poorly. Yet, if I set with a good powder (currently using Jill Stuart), it does stay nice enough for working hours (6ham-5hpm); after 5hpm, it's not bad.... it's lookable.

Coverage is light, enough to even the skin and it's buildable without looking cakey. I have quite a lot of acne scar especially on my cheeks and on my chin. Some scars on my cheeks are quite dark, this foundation alone cannot cover those dark one completely but does for the ones that are fading.

It has SPF 28 PA++, but don't rely on this foundation for sun protection (in fact, to any foundation). I haven't use this foundation for photo; I can't tell if it leaves a white cast. It did not oxidized on me.

Most importantly, my skin has not react badly with this foundation: no small bump (which often happens to me) or has it made me breakout.

In overall, to me, it is a bit disappointing mainly because of the staying power and oil control, otherwise it is a good foundation for looking natural. It is most likely to be good for people who's looking to even out the skin and to cover a few of very small blemish (which is not my case...) I would rate a 3.5/5 just because it doesn't fit my needs. I might put this foundation on my blog sale (which will be updated next week or so). If anyone interested, let me know.

FYI: I purchased this on G-Market, korean market. It is priced $55 USD without shipping. My skin is combination (more on the oily side), extremely acne-prone.

Sasa & G-Market packages

2011-12-13T20:52:00.005-05:00

My Sasa & G-Market came in today. How nice to receive 2 packages, waiting at home for me to open. My Sasa order came in faster than I expected; I placed the order on Nov 27 2011. I kinda expected to come in a month after... well cannot complaint for coming in early hehehe

The small white box is from Sasa, and the EMS box is from G-market which is kinda HUGE for 2 small product. I found out that the seller on G-market shipped my 2 products in an already big box and G-market warehouse shipped the box in a bigger box.... (How G-market works : you might purchase from several sellers whom will ship to G-market warehouse, then G-market warehouse take all those and will put in one single box before shipping out. However, G-market warehouse will not open those therefore if you buy from (let's say 3 sellers), you will find 3 boxes in a huge box...) It's a bit wasteful, plus shipping is based on weight... so shipping fees will be a bit more expensive... That's the only downside of G-market.

Inside my Sasa order:

I bought quite a few things here:

1) Christian Dior-Cosmetic Bag [7.50$ USD]

2) Etude- AC CLINIC Pink Powder Spot (3 piece) [10$ USD on sale]

3) HadaLabo- GOKUJYUN Super Hyaluronic Acid Moist Emulsion (140 ml) [16.70$ USD] <- a gift for my close friend

4) DHC- Eyebrow & Mascara Top Coat (6.5 g) [15.50$ USD]

5) DHC- Mild Touch Cleansing Oil (150 ml) [16.70$ USD]

6) Nobel and Elegant Comb with Mirror (Silver) (2 piece) [1.50$ USD]

7) Kai- KQ SERIES Cleansing Brush (1 piece) [5.60$ USD]

8) Kiss Me- Kiss Lip Softsense (Lemon) (3.5 g)

[4.10$ USD]

9) Ishihara- Powder Can (S) (1 piece) [4.80$ USD]

10) Three Pretty- Makeup Sponge (small) (1 piece) [0.70$ USD]

11) Nail Clipper (GIFT)

12) Hiruscar- Hiruscar Post Acne 3-in-1 Formulation (10 g) [14.70$ USD]

13) Moon Light Make Up Puff- Makeup Puff (Oval) (2 piece) [1.00$ USD]

14) Kai- EYE Mascara Guard [4.10$ USD]

*All priced with Sasa VIP discount.

My G-Market order:

Really simple:

Left: MULE Foundcealer color 01 Light skin [about 55$ USD, but I paid about 50$ USD with discount]

Right: MULE Eli treatment oil [about 33$ USD, but I paid about 30$ USD with discount]

Review for the foundcealer coming soon.

Sephora: Second order

2011-12-06T22:04:00.002-05:00

Just as expected, the second order came in. Weird it didn't came at the same time... This is what I have ordered:

-Chloe Chloé & Love, Chloé Minature Duo - Chloe & Love, Chloe Minature Duo [$12.60 CAD]

-Korres Pomegranate Pore Perfect Duo ($30 Value) [$15.75 CAD]

Freebie: Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Toning & Cleansing Micellular Water deluxe sample

FREE 500-POINT PERK: Addicted to Dior (perfume + bracelet)

Samples: AmorePacific Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel, Super by Perricone Super Bright Eyed with Melon, Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum

I always wanted to try Chloe but didn't want to spend big buck since I often change perfume. I read good thing about this perfume that has a feminine smell. There are time that I want to wear something more delicate and feminine. Most of my perfume are more on the young side i.e sweet, fruity or more for work i.e musc, fresh. Nothing is in between for a more evening out like for a date. I am happy to get the minature ones; not only they are so adorable, I also get to try out and if I like enough, I might purchase the 30 ml.

After placing the order, I have reached the 500 points and this lovely bracelet came out. I didn't know that was the 500pts-bonus item; it is rather a lovely surprise. I haven't wore it yet.

Sephora : First order

2011-12-05T21:49:00.003-05:00

I placed two orders on Sephora.com on Nov 28 2011 because I wanted to get two different freebies... what a wrong reason to shop hehe

Only the first order came in today; I can expect the second one tomorrow.

I didn't purchase much, only this :

-Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Travel Size Set of Five - Naked [38$ CAD]

-Freebie:Sephora Sephora Felt Sleeve for iPhone

-Samples: Super by Perricone Super Bright Eyed with Melon, AmorePacific Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel, Perfum sample Pink Sugar

I have never used UD eye pencil and heard good thing. I have the Rimmel eye pencil one but it smudge badly, and I am currently using Esprique eye pencil; however, I just don't like to use the same one for lining my upper lashes and waterline... let's say I don't really like to line my waterline with an eye pencil once it has line on the eyeshadow... I figure out having another one just for the waterline wouldnt hurt. UD seemed a good deal with 4 other different colors if I wanted to go less than in-your-face black liner.

MULE Make your own rule by Jung Saem Mool

2011-12-04T19:52:00.007-05:00

After watching a youtube video of the korean makeup artist, Jung Saem Mool, she has come out with her own makeup line this year; it's named "MULE". The makeup look so natural... almost like Bobby Brown. Seems promising... There were 4 items that I am interested into, but I have decided to buy only 2 items. I have spotted them on Gmarket since it is quite hard to find less known brand outside of Korea.

This is what I have ordered:

- [뮬] 정샘물의 MULE 내추럴 커버 (Left: Artist Natural Foundcealer, color 01 Light Skin, about 50$ USD with Gold discount on Gmarket)

- [뮬] 정샘물의 MULE 뮬 이알 트리트먼트 오일 (Right: Eli Treatment oil, about 30$ USD with Gold discount on Gmarket)

For these two, I did not order them, but was interested. Maybe in the future, once I have finished my current stuff)

- [뮬] 정샘물 MULE 뮬 디자이너 팩트 (Left: Long lasting Designer Pact; face powder + blush/eyeshadow)

- [뮬] 정샘물의 MULE 뮬 레디투베이스 (Right: Ready-to-base 6 in 1; base make up with high SFP 45 PA+++)

I can't wait for the package to come in now!!!

Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush

2011-12-03T22:51:00.004-05:00

I bought this yesterday. I had a 10$ voucher at Shopper Drug mart; I didnt know what to buy until I saw this brush. I was about to order Shiseido 131 on AdamBeauty.com which is technically the same thing for some odd reason, but Shiseido 131 is cheaper, about 25$ USD. The Shiseido perfect foundation brush, a nicer design for the handle, is retailed about 35$ CAD. With my voucher, it's like the price of Shiseido 131.

I really like this brush, although it seems small for a fast application, it is rather quick. I expected this could take me longer in comparison to my sponge. And it gives a wonderful finish, natural finish. Almost like airbrush. The brush is dense, flat and slanted, plus it's short handled; I can't wait to carry this around to the gym or traveling. :p

The review from Cosmetic candy is more complete: http://cosmetic-candy.com/the-best-foundation-brush-shiseido-foundation-brush-131-review-vs-the-makeup-perfect-foundation-brush/

MAC: Second purchase

2011-11-30T22:21:00.001-05:00

In my lifetime, I barely buy anything from MAC counter. Oddly, I am not quite fond of the brand. But I saw these brushes when I was browsing at The Bay in Montreal downtown a few days before and it got stuck in my mind: maybe I should purchase it.

I went to Olgivy store instead of The Bay because it was closer to work. This is my second purchase at MAC. My first purchase was probably a year ago; I bought a blush called "Honey highlander" (I think), a pretty milky orange blush. Now I gave that one away to my close friend, ever since I bought the Majolica Majorca Depuff (or something like that)

So my purchase consisted of:

-Special edition Xmas brushes set (large stippling brush, small stippling brush, eyeshadow brush & blending brush) [60$ CAD]

-Travel size cleansing oil (the green one) [12$ CAD]

-Travel size MAC Fix+ spray [12$ CAD]

I choose the travel size just to try their product. For the brush, I like the fact they are short handed but I am not quite sure for the quality...

Unii palette

2011-11-28T22:40:00.003-05:00

I have received my Unii palette that I have place 2 weeks ago, Nov 13 2011. I have no idea why I decided to buy... I don't really have anything that I need to depot... It seems like I did waste money... Neverthless it's a nice little thing. I will just need to find a use... Currently on sale: 26$ USD, shipping excluded: http://uniicosmetics.com/