Shiseido & Nars Warehouse Sale - May 2013 Haul

After visiting the Shiseido and NARS warehouse sale more than 3 times, I've come to realize there isn't much I need anymore from this sale.  I've stopped going to this sale on Saturday.  I'd rather come on Sundays when the waiting line is much shorter.

By the time I got to the sale this morning - before 9AM, the warehouse was already letting people in.  I probably waited in line for about 10 - 15 minutes.  I didn't need much so I just pick up some body butters, a NARS multiple, an Orlane anti-fatigue masque, and, Shiseido Benefiance day and night cream for my mom.  I was out of there before 10AM.  It was less than an hour shopping where I spent $163.85 CAD.

Joico Skin Luxe Body Butter in Pink Vanilla - $4 each

I think these are steal deal.  Body butters are The Body Shop are usually at least $10 per jar.  So for $4 per jar, I'd think it's a good deal.  However, if you're looking for super hydrating body butters for dry skin, these are probably not what you're looking for.  I believe these body butters are for normal skin.

  NARS Multiple in Beverly Hills - $15

I love this rosy red colour.  Can't wait to try it out.

Orlane Absolute Skin Recovery Masque - $30

They had an anti-fatigue serum that my mom wanted me to get but they didn't have any at this sale so I resorted to the masque.

Shiseido Benefiance Daytime Protective Cream SPF15 and Revitalizing Cream - $38 each

Shiseido's day and night cream for super dry skin.  Bought it for my mom.  I guess this is her mother day's gift.  =)

Sasa.com Haul

I've really become a frequent shopper on Sasa.com.  Every 3 - 4 months, I'd make a virtual trip to Sasa.com and stock up on some skincare items.  Well, I placed my order in mid-March and only received it yesterday.  In my experience, Sasa has taken much longer to ship out orders and they no longer offer the 'purchase $29 or more and receive free shipping' promo.  In the past, it took my order to come in 7 - 14 business days but this time, they've changed their postal service to 14 - 21 business days.  The delayed period was definitely not what I had in mind.  My order this place was clearly a small one but it was split into two shipments, probably due to weight.  Anyways, on to my haul.

 1.  Haruhada Collagen Moisture Skin Lotion - $13.20 USD
This is a 500 mL bottle of lotion.  For $13.20, I think it's definitely worth it.  I've read some reviews, seems like it's a great quality and price product so I just could not miss out on this.

2.  Kose Softymo White Cleansing Oil - $10.40 USD
It's summer and it's relatively hard to keep your skin free of sunspots so I'm clearly trying to stock up my skincare on items that could help prevent them.  How can I miss out a cleansing oil that whitens your skin?

3.  Hiruscar - $16.90 USD
This is the most expensive item I bought from this order.  This little tube of product cost more than my 500 mL bottle of lotion! I hope it'll live up to what it claims to do, which is to eliminate or minimize the appearance of scars.

 4.  Juju Cosmetics Aquamoist Vitamin C Toner - $13.50 USD
Looks familiar? Yup! I'm repurchasing this.  I'm nearly finished using up the bottle of Marcelle toner that I bought from Lisa's Cosmetics.  Since I loved this results of this product so much, I've decided to restock on it.  =)

 5.  Kose Moisture Mild White Milky Lotion L - $14.10 USD

Yes, another whitening product.  A lotion I can use as day moisturizer.  Another product with 4 out of 5 stars review from Sasa customers.  So I'm going to put this to the test.

Vancouver, BC and Seattle, WA

My friends and I took a trip to British Columbia last week.  We lived in Richmond, BC for the whole week we were there.  We went to a few places; sadly, we didn't go for many scenery locations. 

I took this picture over in Victoria, BC and that's me at the bottom waving at the people in the paintings on that wall. 

We took one day and drove down to Seattle, WA and did some sightseeing and shopping.  We went to the Pike Market, hoping to see how they 'throw' the fish when you make an order as we were told that's what they do; but it was apparently a lie.  There was a sign saying "no, we don't throw fish". 

Now here's my haul from my trip.  We went shopping in Seattle Premium Outlet Mall in Seattle, Robson Street and Aberdeen Centre in BC.

From Seattle Outlet, I was so happy to find a LeSportSac outlet there.  The LeSportSac bag I brought with me on the trip was getting dirty and I somehow puncture two tiny holes on the bottom.  I ended up getting a new LeSportSac backpack.  It originally retailed for $108 USD but I got it for $37.80 USD.

At Aberdeen Centre in Richmond, I went into Daiso - a store where majority of the items are $2.  It's much like Dollarama in Toronto.  Majority - if not all - of their products are made in China but their packaging are written in Japanese.  I guess it's the Japanese concept but mass produced in China.  Anyways, I bought hair accessories in Daiso.

On Robson Street, much like Queen Street in Toronto, we went into Holt Renfrew and I finally gave in and bought myself a Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Canvas Josephine Wallet.  As I was talking to the sales associate at the LV counter, she told me Alberta has an even lower sales tax than both ON and BC.  Actually, it frustrates me that ON residents have to pay 13% HST on everything!

Sasa.com Haul

Yay! I placed another Sasa.com order last week and received it today.  =) I'm super excited to share it with my blog readers.  Recently, I've started to notice Sasa.com has been having a lot of free shipping promotions at over $19 purchases.  Now here's mine:  

1.  Meiji Amino Collagen Can (200 g) - $34.30 USD
TBH, I've never thought of buying into this "collagen" milk powder drink.  I thought it was a marketing way of selling beauty.  BUT lately, I've been reading a lot of reviews and blogs about how it really works so I fell for it.  After reading a few reviews, majority say the taste of Meiji's Collagen drink doesn't taste the best but results are most visible with this brand.  I look forward to this! =)

2.  Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (230 ml) - $11 USD
I've trying a few brands of cleansing oils and after reading the many five-star ratings on Sasa.com, I wanted to compare this with the others I've tried.  I look forward to finding a cleansing oil that is comparable to Bobbi Brown's cleansing oil.

3.  Juju Cosmetics AquaMoist Vitamin C Toner (180 ml) - $13.50 USD
Toners are the skincare product I need lately.  Toner, such an important skin cleansing step.  The vitamin C in the toner is supposedly going to enhance the whitening effects of other skincare products - something I really need in the summer. =\

4.  PDC Celdie Make Up Removal Oil (180 ml) - $10 USD
Just another cleansing oil product that I look forward to trying.

Sasa.com Haul

Last week, I placed my first order from Sasa.com.  *Yay*  Since last October, I've been afraid to place online orders over $80 because of Canada customs tax.  I'm relieved my Sasa order didn't get taxed.  *phew*  I spent over $90 USD on my haul, some of which I've been meaning to purchase.

1.  Suzuran Attirer puff (120 sheets) - $1.60 USD
These cotton pads are made of 100% cotton.  I've read some good reviews on them for being inexpensive and good quality, so I thought I've give them a try.  I suppose they're similar to the Shiseido 100% cotton pads but an inexpensive version.

2.  Thursday Plantation Tea Tree medicated gel for acne (25 g) - $12.80 USD
For the past 8 months or so, I've been breaking out under my cheekbones, on the chin and forehead.  My breakout period is nearly over and my skin is clearing up, returning to its appearance a year ago.  =)  Like every girl, I really want to minimize the forming of maturing pimples; so after a bit of researching and reading up reviews, I decided to purchase this in hopes of taming my random breakouts.

3.  JUJU Cosmetics AQUAMOIST Hyaluronic Acid Whitening & Moisture Milky Lotion - $14.90 USD
It's summer and as much as I love tanning once in a while, I'd love to have backup products to whiten and brighten my skin.

4.  OMI Salanoveil SPF 50 PA+++ White UV Cut Lotion (40 mL) - $7.10 USD
This should be an interesting product to use as it has a high SPF, whitening ingredients, moisturize and re-hydrates the skin.

5.  Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Essence (30 g) - $21.10 USD


Again, a whitening product I've been meaning to purchase for its whitening effects.  Some say it works, other way it doesn't but I've have to see for myself.

6.  Sana Hadanomy Collagen Mist (250 mL) - $12.70 USD
I've purchased a lot of toner lately but I've read a lot of good reviews for its effects - allowing better foundation application.  **update: this is NOT a toner.  Supposedly, this product gives skin super hydration so again, I'm looking forward to try this out.

7.  Sana Super Quick Liquid Eyeliner Ex - $11.20 USD
This last time I purchased a felt-tip liquid eyeliner, it was the MAC penultimate eyeliner and honestly, it sucked.  So I was a little iffy about purchasing another felt-tip liquid eyeliner.  I've been fine with gel and pencil eyeliners but I thought I'd give another liquid eyeliner another try since I prefer the precise and sharp line it gives.

8.  AB Mezical Double Eyelid Eyelift Fibers (60 pieces) - $12.60 USD
Looking at my past photos on here, you would see that I have double eyelids.  So why did I buy these? Well I'm starting to notice I have hooded eyes.  Apparently they can develop with age and many Asians have this issue.  So after a bit of researching online, I found out double eyelid tapes can solve that problem.  I'll probably need plenty of practise.  =\

9.  Biore Facial Foaming Whitening (100 mL) - $3.90 USD
A facial cleanser for less than $4 USD? How can I pass up on this?

10.  Nail Clipper - free gift
The only practical gift I found useful beside the lipstick pen and bookmark.

This is my first time ordering from Sasa.com.  I know there are a lot of people who have made online purchases from Sasa.com but I'm sure there are a few other people out there who aren't sure or feel iffy about ordering from them.  Well here's my experience and opinion of them:
1.  It took me a LONG time deciding to place an order.  Call me frugal but $18 USD for shipping is a bit too much.  I mean for that amount I could've purchase another product.  It was either spend $18 on shipping or spend over $100 for free shipping.  I did select standard shipping that would usually cost me $18 USD but during the time I placed my order, Sasa.com had a "buy SPF products and receive free shipping worldwide".  So I had no excuse but to take up this offer.  If you were to make a purchase from Sasa.com, I'd recommend gathering a list of things you want to purchase and just make one big order.  Otherwise, it's not worth it.

2.  I was lucky that Canadian customs didn't tax me.  I've heard people were taxed before which was another reason I hesitated on placing my order.  With my previous experiences, customs make their own estimate of the value of your package and put a 18% tax on it which makes it a hefty cost.

3.  The ETA of my package was supposedly 7 - 14 days.  I placed my order on May 14 and received it today, May 23.  Compared to Adambeauty.com, Sasa ships a little faster.

4.  They provide a tracking number and signature confirmation.  It ensure delivery confirmation.  I can use the tracking number to track the shipping progress of my parcel.  Again, a shipping option I prefer.

5.  I enjoy purchasing from Sasa since they offer lower prices and some products are not available in Canada.

6.  I love how their website has so much variety to choose from.  There are always new products.  But if you're looking or waiting for them to replenish their stock, it's a long wait.  For example, I was looking to purchase the Borghese face mask but they didn't have any in stock last week.  I visit it again today and they're still not available.

7.  In terms of packaging, they don't individually bubble wrap everything like Cosme-de.com and their box isn't a sturdy one.  There are a lot of styrofoam packaging inside.  Although nothing inside was damaged, the box itself had a rough ride across the world to my house.

8.  Website description of each product can be found in different languages based on what country and language you select.  However on the packaging, it is mostly Chinese or Japanese.  A disadvantage for those who can't read either language.

Adambeauty.com Haul

It's been 9 months since I shopped online for beauty items.  I've read lots of good haul purchased from Adambeauty.com so I thought I should give it a shot.  I bought a few necessities and things I need to restock.

1.  Cogit Washing Epi Towel - $15 USD
As you rub this towel diagonally on your back, it can catch on to your back hair thus making it feel softer.  I guess it works like a loofah so it'll be interesting to try this out.

2.  Freshel White C Cleansing Oil A - $15 USD
After finishing the Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil, I had to resort to other makeup removal products but seems like I haven't found a cheaper alternative to it.  So I thought I should give this a try and see how much I like it.  I've read some decent reviews on it, so I'll have to see how effective and true this oil works.

3. Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion (Moist and Light) - $16.50 USD each
According to the Hada Labo website, in Japan, this lotion sells 1 in every 4 seconds.  So I'm very eager to try them out and see what results they give.

4.  Dariya Hair Magic Sheet in Pink - $4.50 USD
Remember how I bought a pair of these knock offs from eBay? Well I've finally bought an authentic pack! So I might do a review on them and talk about their differences.

5.  Shiseido Powder Puff #123 - $8.50 USD
Lately, I've been using MAC's Select Sheer / Loose powder and I needed an extra one.  I purposely chose a big puff because I find it's easier to manipulate.

Now this is my first time experience ordering from Adambeauty.com.  Here is my thought on it:
1.  Shipping is cheap, $2.  The store mails via registered lettermail, meaning they give you a tracking number.  I personally like to see the shipping progress of my parcel.
2.  I didn't get charged customs tax - a good thing.  Though I think customs is a little looser with makeup and skincare packages.
3.  Shipping is considered pretty fast since I ordered on the night of April 24 and receive it today, May 3.
4.  Adambeauty does offer lower prices on many items compared to other Asian beauty online shops.  Yet the cheapest I've seen is Sasa.com.
5.  The website needs to be regularly updated.  Seems like this online store doesn't have many staff working on there as a lot of their items are out of stock and not frequently replenished.
6.  Package came in a large envelope as opposed to a box, which probably saves the company on shipping supplies but still probably not the best idea.  The company did wrap my items in bubble wrap.
7.  Product descriptions are written in Chinese.  A big disadvantage for those who can't read Chinese.  Then again, there's always Google Translate. =)

Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse Sale - May 2012 Haul

Yes, I went to another Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse sale.  Did I get much? No.  I couldn't make it to the first 2 days of the sale but it didn't matter much as I didn't get much on my two trips - Monday and Tuesday.  I went with a friend on Monday, it was her first time there.  I thought she would be more happy about the makeup part of the sale but she was totally awestruck by the amount of brand name perfumes that were sold there.  Here are the beauty products I bought:

Left to right:
$25 - Burberry Brit Sheer 30mL / 1 fl oz
$6.99 - Nivea Creme 400mL
$6 - Marcelle Purity Soothing Cleansing Water 200mL / 6 fl oz
$1.49 - Tivoli Cosmetics Criss-Cross False Lashes
$1.49 - Tivoli Cosmetics Natural False Lashes

Update: I've failed to mention Lisa's Cosmetics has started to sell ~H20+ skincare.

Sephora Mini Haul

I stopped by Sephora today to pick up my friend's powder brush that she wanted and something that I may want if I see it.  After some deep thought and browsing around, I was deciding between the Dior cream and the YSL matte and radiant powder.  Turns out, I needed the Dior cream more.

I guess not a lot of Beauty Insiders are up to date on the Sephora sales.  When I went to the cash to pay, the girl standing beside me overheard me talking about the 15% sale and immediately asked for her discount.  

What I got:
Dior Pro-Youth Comfort Creme - $65 CAD
Sephora Round Powder Brush #120 - $52 CAD

Discounted:
$15.21 CAD

Total after discount and tax:
$112.38 CAD

Haul: Lisa's Cosmetics November 2011

Yesterday, my mom and I went to Lisa's Cosmetics sale at around 1PM and lined up for 40 minutes, which is surprising because I thought most people would have gone on the weekend.  Anyways,  I went in and there were a lot more shampoos and conditioners of different brands at the sale.  But even so, I didn't get any since I bought enough at the Shiseido sale.

Photo credit: aritzia.com

This time around, for myself, I bought two patterned Pashmina scarves, Sally Hansen Brow Stencils and a LaCross powder brush.  The scarves were $9.99 each, brow stencils were $0.99, and the powder brush was $2.99.  Clearly I loved my brow stencils that I had to get another pack.  =\  Well, for 99¢ I don't mind having a back up.  As for the powder brush, I was a little iffy when I decide to buy it.  The bristles are soft but in terms of shedding quality, I wasn't too sure.  Despite my worries, I still got it and when I washed it with soap, oh geez, it shed so much.  Finally the scarves, I saw a woman holding a sample of this scarf and the colours caught my eye.  Though I like the colours, I don't like the "C" monogram print.  It gives the impression that it's a Coach scarf, which clearly isn't.  Nevertheless, I'd still wear it for the colours.  As for the leopard print one, it caught my eye first.  I saw a similar print scarf @Aritzia that cost $65 which stopped me from buying.  I'm assuming leopard prints are trendy for fall and winter. 

Collective Haul - Guess Warehouse Sale, LUSH, F21, Shiseido warehouse sale

This past week, I did quite a bit of shopping.  On Wednesday, I did go to the Guess warehouse sale.  Generally, I get disappointed whenever I go to the International Centre Hall sales in Mississauga.  I do come out with a few purchases but never happy with the overall sale.  I did have a gut feeling that I would get disappointed again this time.  =( Well here it is:

1.  The jacket is by a brand, ONLY.  Not a Guess brand but it has a nice fit cut at the waist - revealing more of an hour figure.  Originally for $65 CAD, this jacket was at the sale for $40 CAD.
2.  The Guess bag retailed for $130 CAD but was for $40 at the sale.
However, I had a 10% discount from their e-mail so I saved $8 CAD in total.
Today was their last day of the sale and I believe their prices dropped, but *meh* I lost interest in looking for clothes.  They had clothes scattered everywhere on tables and it was a lot of the same tops.

 This is the 3rd haul I've ever made at Lush.  I've tried their body scrub, emotibomb and a face mask.  This time, I walked into Lush wanting solutions to my sudden breakout on my chin and my problematic hair.  I asked the SA and she recommended me these products:
1.  Rehab shampoo - $24.95 CAD
2.  Cupcake fresh face masks - $6.95 CAD
3.  R & B hair moisturizer - $20.95 CAD

I've already tried the products twice already in the past 5 days and I'm liking the results.  But I'll def have to try these for a good month or so before developing some real thoughts of their products.

On this past Friday, I stopped by Wal-Mart @Scarborough Town Centre to pick up Airwick scented oil plug-in refills.  I knew STC was opening up a F21 store and I happen to be there on their opening day.  So they were having a promo where if you purchase over $40 worth of their items, then you'll receive 10% off.  Clearly, I didn't make it to the mark.  But I picked up what I thought was essential for me.
1.  V-neck cami - $3.80 CAD
2.  Fringe infinity scarf - $7.50 CAD

And now, the haul from Shiseido warehouse sale.  I went there today (Sunday) and surprising there was a lot of stuff and not as many people.  The doors opened at 9AM but I got there around 9:15AM and there was NO line! I was so glad since I didn't want to be pushed around, squeezing between people to see the products.
Every time I shopped at these sales, I try to hold back on buying more eyeshadows but I just can't.  I'm nowhere near done my stash at home but here I am with another haul with more eyeshadows.  =\  Anyways, here it is:
1.  Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eyeshadow in H5 Aqua Shimmer - $8 CAD
2.  2 NARS Multiple in Turks and Caico - $15 CAD each
3.  Shiseido Dual Balancing Foundation in O40 Natural Fair Ochre - $15 CAD
4.  Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color in WT907 Paperwhite - $8 CAD
5.  NARS Night Rider - $8 CAD

I got more shampoo and conditioner since I am nearly done the 6 bottles I bought from the first time I went to this sale.
6.  Evolve Maintain Moisture shampoo and conditioner - $12 CAD each
7.  Evolve Cherish Color shampoo and conditioner - $12 CAD each
8.  2 travel-sized bags - $2 CAD each
9.  Shiseido The Skincare Hydro-Balancing Softener - $25 CAD
10.  3 Orlane Morning Recovery Concentrate - $20 CAD each
11.  Shiseido Benefiance Enriched Balancing Softener N - $30 CAD
12.  Shiseido Benefiance Balancing Softener N - $30 CAD
13.  Shiseido Benefiance Daytime Protective Cream N SPF 15 - $32 CAD

That is about it, hope you enjoyed reading about my haul! =)