FOTD #1

Looking for Korean Makeup?

I'm not too familiar with too many Korean makeup and skincare brands, but I recently went to a Korean makeup and skincare shop that carried Missha, Dr. Jart, SKIN79, etc. I was intentionally looking for Lioele's eyebrow pencil but the sales told me they didn't carry that brand. Then she gave me a sample of Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream with SPF 25PA++ in No. 23 to try out, which I will use in my following first post on FOTD look. I can't really review it as it's a sample and I can't quite compare its anti-wrinkling effect.  However I can tell you that it does do what it claims on other things like medium-to-full coverage, brightening, long-lasting and evens out complexion. There is a very light scent to it, not a bad one.

The sales spoke Korean and English, so I'd assume her products are authentic and from Korea.  For Torontonians, if you don't feel comfortable purchasing Korean makeup and skincare from eBay, you can definitely check out this store. They have testers out for you to swatch the different kinds of BB cream they have.  I was considering on trying the SKIN79 Super Plus BB cream but I thought I should do some research and read some reviews on it before making my purchase.

Store location:

inside New Century Plaza
Beauty Credit

398 Ferrier St

Markham, ON

**Thanks to Joan for updating me on the name of the Korean beauty shop.  There is a big dollar store in the basement of New Century Plaza and the location of this Korea store is just up and in front of the stairs. 

Before

After

Clearly, the BB cream has covered my red blood vessels on my face, partially covered the recent pimples I have on my chin and my dark circles.  It's brightened my complexion. My face looks a little dull and not flushed in the before picture compared to the after picture. Therefore it does give a dewy glow finish.

Haul: Boots

Winter is ending soon and guess what? Boots are on sale! Well, maybe not many sizes available anymore BUT you can still give it a shot and look around for some deals that MAYBE you'll come upon a pair of boots you'll love. A two weeks ago, I originally went shopping @Winners (TJMaxx equivalent) for a bottle of CHI heat protectant but instead, I found a pair of boots on clearance.  =) Which were these Steve Madden:

I wanted knee boots ever since I saw a girl @my gym with similar boots but hers were in black.  And What I like about these is the elastic on the back:

I love them even more because there's a 1 inch heel to them.  And I could easily match some of my clothes with them. These cost me $45 CAD + tax @Winners.

Then about last week, I went back to Winners just to shop around and see what other deals I could find. And I came upon these furry knee boots:

My eyes landed on these and I quickly snatched them =). LOL There were such a steal deal! I got these for $36 CAD + tax.  They're more of an Autumn or Spring pair of boots because the soles of these boots have little to no grip. I love these because they're versatile, I can worn two ways - as a pair of high knee boots or a pair of Eskimo boots. These boots are made by a brand named Report - clearly not a known brand. But I don't exactly buy into brands. It's really just marketing and the hype people make them into. I prefer design and quality over brand.

Ok, next I have up a pair of Hunter boots dupe.  I never really liked rain boots because I find them not very fashionable.  But then I came upon these:

Yes, you may not agree they look nice. But I was thinking I could pull off with these in the winter. I bought these because they fall more on the durable side.  I bought these @Joe Fresh - which they sell in Loblaws (Supermarket in Canada).  They were on clearance for $16.94 CAD + tax.  I could pair this with a plaid shirt and dark blue skinny jeans. Oh and of course, for winter, I'd need high knee socks as these don't exactly have a warm inner lining.

So this is it for now. Bottom line, winter is ending soon - even though I'm looking outside my window and it's clearly snowing - so clearance boot shopping soon! =)

Haul: Crown Brushes

A few days ago, I was looking around online for some dupes of MAC 182, 219 and 168. Then I came upon Crown brushes and found that there's a walk-in and online stop in Toronto that sells Crown brushes. I've never bought brushes online because I feel that it's better if I can touch/feel its quality and test them out before putting my money down for them. I first heard about Crown brushes from people who went to IMATS in Toronto, but since there's a shop in Toronto, I'd rather just shop at the store while I'm in the area. The shop is called Jordan Cosmetics and they seem like a wholesale store that sells a variety of makeup and brushes. They carry makeup of their own brand, Kryolan and some other theatrical makeup. When I opened the door into the store, there was a dog sitting right behind the door and he/she was so cute. I think it was a Shih Tzu but it was so adorable. My friend on the other hand is afraid of dogs, she panics and I could literally hear it in her voice. LOL!!

Anyways, I spoke to the lady there and she was so nice and helpful. I guess she's a makeup artist and teaches makeup. And I guess I could've googled it, but I asked what's the best way to clean synthetic brushes and she told me bar soap works really well - i.e. Dove, Olay, etc.

So for my Toronto or GTA blog readers, if you're looking for affordable alternative brushes, go ahead and check it out. I don't quite recommend buying brushes online. You don't really know what the brushes feels like, and how well they work until you have it in your hands to test out. When I first researched Crown brushes, many people said the Badger lines are pretty good, but I when I got there and felt them, they weren't as soft as people raved it to be. =(

So here's what I got:

Left to right:
C405 (Studio Pro) - $8.99 CAD
PP27 (Perfectly Pink) - $2.63 CAD
C213 (Studio) - $2.39 CAD
SS016 (Syntho) - $19.12 CAD

In terms of price, it's pretty decent. I spent a total of $37.44 CAD, tax included.

I just finished washing them after taking these photos, now waiting for them to dry. After I try these out for a good month or so, I'll do a review on them. But for now, all I can tell you is that these brushes have a slight scent to them - I guess it's because they're new.

Haul: Hair-related

So much for budgeting and minimizing spending! =\  Err.  I bought myself a new flatting iron last Saturday from a Canadian beauty store called The Beauty Supply Outlet.  If you're a Canadian and have never heard of this store, it's like Trade Secrets with a little more product variety.  Or if you're from the US, The BSO is much like Sally's Beauty supply store.

Getting a new flat iron has been on my wish list for a long time.  I've upgraded my Conair flat iron that could only go up to 25˚C to my new one by Babyliss Pro that goes up to 232˚C.  This flat iron can straighten my hair and curl it.  I was originally looking at the Babyliss Pro Ultra-Slim Nano Titanium Flat Iron, but the sales told me they were having this on promotion for $ 99.99 CAD.  What's even better is this flat iron includes a free flat iron holder, which solves my problem of not knowing where to place it after it gets hot. 

Now, I knew if I was going to use such high-heat appliance on my hair, I needed a heat protectant.  Originally, I was looking to get the CHI heat guard @Winners (it's like TJMaxx in the US), because they sell it at a discounted price.  But I went to two Winners stores and couldn't find it in full size so I resorted to this Got2B 425˚F Heat Protect.  I haven't tried it out yet, as I just got it today, so hopefully it'll work out for me.  Plus, it's on sale @Shoppers Drug Mart for $3.99 CAD and apparently, this is a pretty popular hair product since it was sold out at the first Shoppers I stopped by.

Using Evian Spray?

A few days ago, my friend just got herself into this makeup addiction after watching Youtube videos.  She started telling me these random things.  One of them was concerning my Evian water spray and my MAC 187.  She told me that if I sprayed a little of Evian water on my MAC 187 bristles prior to applying foundation, the brush will not absorb all my makeup product and it'll be easier to clean afterwards.  I've tried it and it works! =) So it's definitely an interesting fact that I never knew.  So if you never knew either, try it out!

Snow Day?

So much for a 20-30 cm of snow from a snow storm! More like 10 cm! Well that's still enough to go outside and build myself a snowman.  Or maybe even a snow igloo.  =)  It'd be awesome if I could go snowboard or skiing right now.  So, for those who have never tried these outdoor winter activities, I highly recommend them.  Even though you might come back with a bruised bum and aching muscle pain the next day.  In the end, the fun is so worth it! So I tried snowboarding on this past Sunday.  It was my second time going and I actually got to learn how to snowboard.  I got one of my friends to teach me how and poor guy had to help me get up every time I fell.  =(  Because getting up just requires coordination and I clearly fail at that.  But near the end of the night, I finally got it. *phew*  But I guess after I get used to snowboarding, I might like it more than skiing.  I started skiing 8 years ago, and I find it is so much easier!  Anyways, go out and enjoy the snow!

Review: Clarins Shaping Facial Lift

If you've read my previous posts, my family members went to Hong Kong in last November and bought me this Clarins Facial Shaping Lift cream.  Apparently this was a pretty popular product in Hong Kong.  The Clarins in Canada doesn't carry this product.   =\

Now on to the goods and the bads of this product.  First the cons, there really isn't any.  I mean if I really have to nicky picky about this product, it'll be the time it takes to see some results.  It took well over 1 week to start to see noticeable results along the jawline, the chin and the cheekbones.
Next the pros, it's a pretty good moisturizer.  The packaging says I can use it day and night but I chose night only.  Every morning I wake up after leaving it on my face overnight, my skin feels smoother.  And in terms of what the product claims - contouring, refining and enhancing features - I find that it does work but again, it may take a week or so to see results.  The packaging also claims that it reduce eye contour puffiness.  Well the other day, I only slept for 2 hours during the whole night and I was afraid of getting puffy red eyes the next morning.  So before applying my makeup, I included this product in my morning skincare routine, covering only the eyes.  And you know what, I actually think it works for the puffiness.  It was obvious that I had dark circles under my eyes, but the puffiness is not noticeable.  So basically, it greatly reduces the puffiness.
Also, they have an instruction manual in the package that tell you to follow a specific method called Auto Lifting Method to see the results faster.  I read reviews online that says this product can also be used with a face roller to slim down your face - basically your baby fat and lose the double chin if you have one.  And I dug around my house for a face roller and if you ask me, I'd say the face roller definitely helped out the product.  I mean I did use the Auto Lifting Method but I also used a face roller afterwards for a good 10 mins.  So I'd definitely recommend this combination.

Consistency of this product? It's lightweight.  Not heavy at all.
Any scent? Yes.  To me, it's not an irritating scent.  Smells a little like perfume.
Retailed for? $500 HKD but my mom got it for a 30% off each bottle promo.  So it came up to be $350 HKD and the good thing about Hong Kong is that they don't have tax! That is roughly each bottle cost $50 CAD.

Product: Clarins Shaping Facial Lift
Rating: 5 / 5

Pros:
- Contours, refines and enhances facial features
- Not incredibly expensive
- Reduces eye puffiness
- Smoother skin feeling

Cons:
- Takes a little over 1 week to start seeing noticeable results

Haul: January

Yes, I have spent my first 2011 makeup haul @Sephora.  It wasn't much.  I picked up the Duo eyelash glue and a small 2-pack Evian facial spray.  I've used the facial sprays in the past, during my high school days, but randomly stopped using them.  Now I'm using them again to avoid moisture loss throughout the day or when I'm done setting my make up.  It's very convenient to just toss in your handbag and go out the doors. 
I decided to redeem 100 points for a sample of Dior Pro-Youth Sorbet Eye Creme.  I'm also looking to try out different brands of eye serums or creams out there.  I also picked up a sample of Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye and Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex.  Tried it out two nights in row, I felt there was a small change, nothing drastic.  My skin felt softer the next morning.  My eyes look less puffy due to lack of sleep.  The wrinkle below one of my eyes looked a little less sunk in.  Temporarily, I know these products do work.  But I'm doubtful whether it will consistently do its job. 

Prices:
Duo eyelash glue - $10 CAD
Evian facial spray - $12 CAD
Dior Pro-Youth Sorbet Eye Creme sample - Free

Review: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Skincare 1-2-3 Set

My first review of this year is on this Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Skincare 1-2-3 set.  This set is very much like Clinique 3 Step skincare.  Well, I've been using this set for over 3 months and I still have about 1/4 left in each bottle/tube. 

First step of the skincare: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam.  I find that it cleanses my face pretty well.  It forms quite a bit of foam and after rinsing my face, it leaves my face feeling clean.  Now Shiseido claims that this foam "removes dirt, pollution and impurities without drying out skin".  I've tried using this foam with the other 2 products and I've also tried using it alone, followed by Vitamin A cream and sometimes Vitamin E cream.  Either way, it dries out my skin.  It's most noticeable on my nose, which is odd since Vitamin E or A cream are really hydrating.  Ultimately, I'd recommend using a moisturizing cream that really hydrates your skin more than Vitamin A and/or E cream.

Second step of the skincare: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Refining Softener Enriched N.  The purpose of this product is to soften your skin.  It claims to "instantly infuse moisture and perfectly prepares skin for next skincare step".  Using a cotton pad to apply this, I find it does soften my skin a little bit, but not very noticeable.

Third step of the skincare: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Protective Moisturizer N SPF 16.  This product claims that it "locks in moisture and nutrients while protecting skin from external aggressors".  Initially after I apply this moisturizer, I notice my skin brightens.  This is a day cream but I find the formula dries out my skin.  The skin on my nose dries out so much that it gets flaky and I can peel off my dead skin cells.  =\  It's winter and the weather is dry; this 3 step skincare set doesn't work well in these conditions.  However, I believe it would be a great summer moisturizer as the consistency is runny, not sticky, and feels light-weight.

Overall, after using the 3 products, Shiseido claims that this skincare set softens your skin within 1 month.  And I do agree with this statement to a certain extent.  There are areas of my face that do feel soft but my nose feels and looks dried out so definitely not soft.

Product: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Skincare 1-2-3 set

Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:

- Brightens my skin

- Cleansing foam cleans my face really well

- Softener does soften my skin

- Day moisturizer has a light consistency

Cons:

- Dries out my nose, requires a hydrating moisturizer to compensate

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! Wish the best for everyone! Hope everyone - including myself - can achieve their new year's resolution goals.

Haul: From Christmas & Boxing Day

Yes.  I have yet again another haul from Christmas - exchanging gifts - and Boxing Day.  For those who are non-Canadians, Boxing Day is pretty much like Black Friday in the U.S.  It's a day where thousands of people don't have work and end up shopping at malls.  Boxing Day is always on December 26th of every year.  People go crazy for deals.  And I am no exception.  =)

For the past 4 years, my best friend and I have been shopping @Toronto Eaton Centre on Boxing Day.  So it has kind of been our yearly place to be on Boxing Day.  But we decided to change it up a bit this year and we went to Vaughan Mills.  There were so many people there that people parked on the grass and some drivers got their passengers to walk around in the parking to save themselves a parking space. We were fortunate enough to find a spot in 10 minutes.

First is my Christmas gift from my best friend and her sister.  They both got me a matching set of makeup bag for the purse and a wristlet by Coach.

My friend's been noticing I have this old dirty-looking LeSportSac makeup pouch since forever and I've always refused to throw it out.  So she got fed up and bought me a makeup bag and her sister got me a matching wristlet because my Coach wristlet was turning gray and it's extremely noticeable because my wristlet is white with the colourful "C" pattern.

All my other friends got me chocolate - nothing really interesting.  I'm always asked what I want for Christmas but I never really know because there's really never something I'm dying to get from my friends.  And even if there are things I'm dying to get, I can never justify myself to.  Like I really want a Rolex watch, but I'm not going to ask for one.  Instead, I've decided I'm going to buy one after I pay off my school debts.   =\

Next I bought an American Eagle sweater.  It cost me $23.70 CAD. 

Sadly I only bought an AE sweater on Boxing Day.  I was going to get an Aritzia blazer but I wanted a 2nd opinion.  So the next day, I went to Fairview Mall with my mom and dad.  I took my mom to Aritizia to check out the blazer I wanted.  Finally bought it for $110 CAD. 

Next, my mom and I went into Danier, a store that sells leather-made jackets and accessories.  My mom loves this store, but she didn't find anything she wanted.  I found myself a pair of leather gloves (by the way, are super warm) and a waist pouch/purse.

The gloves were $44 CAD but with additional 30% off and same goes with the purple leather waist pouch, it was on sale for $49 CAD.  So the bill came up to be ~$60 CAD.  

And that finalizes my last haul of December 2010. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you're all have a great holiday with tons of food and spending valuable time with your family! =)

Review: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville

Yes, finally a review on the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation.  I could only justify myself to purchase this foundation because I got it at a discount price at the Shiseido warehouse sale.  This cost me $14 CAD as opposed to $55 CAD @Sephora.

I've been using this foundation for over a month.  In terms of application, I've tried stippling it on with MAC 187 and padded it on using MAC 190se.  Both application methods give a flawless glow finish.  It has a liquid consistency, not very runny.  When stippled on, it is easily blendable, unlike some of the foundations I have had.  As for coverage, it covers the tiny red blood veins I have on my cheeks quite well.  However, don't expect it to completely conceal your dark circles as it doesn't work like a concealer.  Now in terms of long-lasting, it does last for a good 12 hours - with the use of a primer and I don't always take off my makeup right way I get home.  But by the end of the night, my nose crease starts to show that the foundation is wearing off. 

According to Sephora's description page for this foundation, most ladies feel that this foundation makes their skin feel soft and smooth, even out their skintone and make their skin look brighter and radiant.  Undeniably, to me at least, it does do all those features to my skin.  Even though these features are great, it has unfortunately dried out parts of my face - i.e. around my mouth and a little area under my cheekbones.  Basically, it dried out a bit of my non-oily areas of my face.  I started to see flakiness.  My solution to this problem was either applying more moisturizer around those areas or mix in a little bit of moisturizer into the foundation prior to application.

In terms of colour, Deauville is way too light on me so I can't really criticize on how well it matches me.  I can manage to slightly pull it off, but I look way too pale with Deauville on.

Overall, this is a great foundation but I need it to be a little more hydrating.  And with it being at such a high cost, it's definitely a drawback.  It's a good foundation for the summer, not so much the winter.

Product: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Brightens and gives radiant skin
- Makes skin feel smooth and soft
- Easily blendable
- Moderate good coverage
- Lasting effect for the first 6 hours
- Evens out skintone

Cons:
- Drying for certain areas of my face
- Doesn't cover dark circles
- Fairly expensive

Review: Make Up For Ever Eye Liner

I bought my Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes eye liner in matte black back in September of 2009.  So I have had a pretty long time to try this out.  It cost me $19 CAD @Sephora.  This liner glides on my water line.  Occasionally, I'd it on my upper eye lid lash line, winging it out using a liner brush.  This is a nice liner such that it doesn't require pressure or warming up the product to make the black show up on the lash line.  And when I make a mistake, a Q-tip and 1-3 gentle swipes will do.  When applied to my upper lash line, it doesn't wear off throughout the day.  Now the problem with this liner is how easily it smudges on my lower lash line and water line.  It doesn't take long until it smudges - around 10-20 mins for me, making me look like a panda bear.  Part of the reason is my oily eye lids.  Honestly, I could probably find a similar quality eye liner from the drug store, for a less expensive price.
Overall, I don't hate nor love this eyeliner and I probably won't repurchase this either.

Here's an example of my smudged liner not long after applying:

Product: Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes eye liner in matte black

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Pros:

- Lasts long on my upper lid

- Doesn't smudge when on my upper lid

Cons:

- Doesn't take long for it to smudge on my lower lash line or water line

- Expensive for the same quality as some drug store eye liners

Oh How I Wish...

I really wished Lancome @The Bay could have extended their 20% discount until Sunday of this weekend.  I was busy all day, and didn't get a chance to stop by The Bay and pick up what I wanted.  =(  I was thinking about what I would have really bought with the discount and decided that it'd probably be the Lancome Le Crayon Poudre in Taupe. 

Promo: 20% off Lancome @The Bay

Dearest readers of my blog from Canada,

Have you been longing for something from Lancome on your cosmetic/skincare/fragrance wish list? Well I just received an e-mail from The Bay, advertising for Lancome counters.  They're offering a 20% off at the Lancome counters that's valid for ONE day only - Friday, December 17th.  From the e-mail, I'd assume it's 20% off anything @Lancome counter.

After reading this e-mail, I looked up the Lancome website for some possible things I would want:

1. Juicy Tubes Holiday set
2. Brow pencil in Taupe

So for me, I don't really have a long wish list from Lancome.  I have enough Lancome Bi-facil makeup remover to last me for some time.  I was thinking about their Lancome Genifique Youth-Activating serum, but online reviews don't think this product was well worth its price.  So considering the amount of money I have spent this whole year on skincare, I think I need to let this one go.  Plus, I need to control my holiday spree and not spend too much!
 
Click on the picture below for a larger view and just print and present it to the Lancome counter for the discount.  Enjoy!

Buffalo Black Friday Weekend Haul

I'm super late on updating this haul.  I went to Buffalo a few weeks ago to take advantage of the exchange rate on the Sunday of Black Friday.  I didn't get much but everything added up to ~$250 USD.

First is a Coach coin purse.  I may seem like a granny for buying myself a coin purse, but I much rather carry a coin purse than to have a bulky wallet filled with coins.  This small coin purse is between the size of a hand and a palm.  This cost me $37.27 USD, including tax, @Coach outlet store in Niagara Fashion Outlet. 

Second, I got Ralph Lauren Polo zip-up sweater from the Ralph Lauren outlet store @NFO.  This cost me ~$44 USD.  Really hot pink eh? I'm usually not the type for really attractive (actually I meant attention-drawing) clothing.  But after staring at it for a little longer, I grew to like it.  I'm starting to try out new coloured clothes and change up my closet.

Finally, the last thing I bought.  I've been longing for a pair of UGG boots for a long time.  So here it is! =) I see classic UGG boots out on the streets, and I'm one to follow the trend but with some alterations that fits my style.  These retails for $225 CAD @SoftMoc or any other store in Canada.  But I got these for $150 USD.  Because of the Black Friday weekend sale, The Walking Company @Walden Galleria didn't have tax on all their products.  Score!  These are super warm.  It's been freezing cold and snowing lately, and I've worn these out without socks and my toes were still kept warm.  So I def think $150 for these boots were worth it!

The main purpose of this trip was to get a pair of UGG boots and I'm super happy that I wasn't custom taxed on them - a bonus!

Haul: Sephora (December 2010)

As I wrote in my last post, I had to decide on what to purchase using my $15 off my $40 minimum purchase @Sephora.  And here is my haul.

I guess they were selling out of the Shiseido SPF50 Sunscreen due to the BI promo but I managed to spot the last one.  With the promo, it cost me $40.25 CAD.
Then I got a UDPP Professional size (0.85 fl oz) for $28.75 CAD, normally retails for $35 CAD.  I was contemplating on getting this when I found the Shiseido Sunscreen, because I could have saved more on my Shiseido Sunscreen.  But thinking twice about it, the UDPP pro size is a little more than 2x the size of the UDPP original ones (0.34 fl oz), which usually cost $22 CAD a bottle.  So clearly, it's worth it to purchase the pro size one using the BI promo discount.

Anyways, I got use my Sephora $50 GC.  Well it came in pretty handy today as I paid $29.92 CAD for my two items.  The two things I bought came up to $79.92, which is weird because the receipt says the subtotal is $69 CAD.  Tax should technically be calculated upon the subtotal, so it should have been $8.97 CAD but my receipt says $10.92 CAD.  This means Sephora calculated tax before the promo code was applied to my purchases.

Sephora Wish List

I still haven't used my Sephora Beauty Inside promo coupon - spend $40 and get $15 off.  Today's the last day to use it and I'm still contemplating on getting Dior foundation or not.  But I know for sure that I want to get a pro size UDPP, and probably Shiseido's 50 SPF one in 100 mL.  =( Or maybe I'll get Laura Mercier's Tinted moisturizer. Ugh, so hard to decide!

Wish list:
1.  Dior foundation (undecided on which one)
2.  Pro size UDPP
3.  Shiseido's sunscreen
4.  Laura Mercier's Tinted moisturizer

A Wal-Mart Rant

Yes, I have yet again another rant.  I went to a Wal-Mart today and received some absolutely terrible customer service at the cash register.  I had to pick up a box of Aspirin for my mom.  Apparently, it is a over the counter item and the woman there told me I have to pay that there.  I was totally cool with that, and I asked her if I could pay for other stuff there.  And she said no, she will only ring up pharmacy department items, which is weird because normally they don't have this rule.  Although it was inconvenient for me, I let it be.  And I could clearly tell she was being a lazy.  I ended paying with my Wal-mart credit card, which I have managed to accumulate $5 worth of rewards.  And $5 rewards is hard to accumulate, especially when I don't shop @Wal-mart that frequently.  Normally, the protocol after ringing up all items and swiping the customer's Wal-mart credit card is to ask the customer if they want to use their reward money, if they have any.  But this b*tch outsmarted herself and assumed I wanted to use my points and redeemed my points without asking me first.  UGHHH!

You can tell when a CSR has been working there long enough if he/she scans your items and types in the cash register really fast, like they've been doing it for so long, they can do it in their sleep.  Anyways, she used my reward money without asking me, so I told her to fix it.  With people lining up behind me, I was starting to make it a big deal and humiliated her in public.  She called the customer service people twice to go to the Pharmacy cash register.  And in between, she told me I could go to customer service desk if I want to hurry things up.  But I knew what she was trying to do, she didn't want to see herself get into a mess and getting b*tched at.  But me being me, I like to complicate things, so I said no, I'm staying here.  When she was calling those CSRs, she literally slammed the phone to hang up.  Clearly wanted to make a statement to me, but seriously girl, you're gonna have to pull your PMS somewhere else.  As I was waiting, I knew I wasn't the only one feeling the same way towards this b*tch.  The lady behind me asked her to ring up her other Wal-mart items, and the b*tch told her the same thing she told me.  After the lady behind me made her purchase, she walked away while saying with a pretty loud voice "whooooa ruuuude!"  What's worse is some other customer bought 2 bags of shrimp cracker chips, a bottle of pills and some non-Pharmacy department item right in front of me.  B*TCH! While I was waiting, I took a close look at her skin.  She's packed on layers of foundation, along with loose powder to camouflage her flaws, but clearly unsuccessful.  She lined her upper eyelid with black eyeliner and winged it out but EPICLY FAILED! She winged out her liner with a thick line.  Girl, before you walk out of that house of yours, the least you could have done is make yourself look half decent and not horrific like you're welcoming Hallowe'en.
 
So finally, after like 10 mins, the CSR finally came by and could NOT fix her f-ing mistake.  What's best is right in front me and in front of other customers, the CSR b*tched @her. Score!

Anyways, I've decided after I accumulate up to my next $5 reward dollars, I'm going to stop using it.  It's a waste of time and effort! So do I recommend the Wal-Mart credit card? Um, no!

Review: Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadows

The first Shiseido Hydro-Powder eye shadow I bought was in H8 Bare Pink.  I bought it @The Bay for $28 CAD.  My friend was wearing it and I liked how it looked.  It has a creamy consistency in the jar, just like the MAC paint pots.  It claims it is crease-resistant and I have worn the shadow alone for at least 12 hours straight and it is true that it doesn't crease.  However, I have tried using UDPP with this eye shadow and it does work better than using it alone.

I didn't encounter any problems with the quality of the eye shadows until I recently purchased the shadow in H6 Violet Visions.  This violet colour is buildable but can easily fade away.  I never encountered this problem with the H1 Goldlights and H8 Bare Pink.
Also, I find these shadows are a little too shimmery for my liking.  I wish the shimmery formula was toned down a bit. 

Here are the swatches:

Product: Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadows
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Long-lasting effects
- Great colour payoff on some
- Crease-resistant

Cons:
- Too shimmery
- Violet Visions didn't have the best colour payoff
- Expensive

Haul: From Hong Kong

My mom and brother just came back from a trip to Hong Kong and they got me most of the things I requested on my wish list.  =)

First my mom got me two bottles of Clarins Shaping Facial Lift.  This cream is suppose to contour your face and with proper application and massaging techniques, it minimizes your baby fat or chubby cheeks.  I read in the newspaper that it works very well.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find it at the Clarins counter in The Bay so I asked my mom to look for it in Hong Kong.

Next, I asked for eye masks and she got me Yumei eye masks.  I have no idea how well these work, but one box has six eye masks in total.

I also asked for a nice looking shoulder bag and/or sling purse.  So my mom went to a department store in Hong Kong and asked what kind of bag is trendy for girls in their 20s and this is what she got me.  I'm loving this bag.  It's made in Italy and made of genuine suede leather.

Haul: Lisa's Cosmetics

Where?

1380 Rodick Rd

When?

November 20-23, 26-29 and Dec 3-6

Saturday: 9AM - 6PM

Sunday: 10AM - 6PM

Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10AM - 8PM

This past Saturday, I went to Lisa's Cosmetics first day sale.  I didn't get there until 12ish. And it was the longest Lisa's Cosmetics first day sale I've been to.  And I swear I'm never going to sale during the winter or on a cold day again! This sale is becoming more and more popular and I started lining up pretty late into the day and had to wait 2.5 hours in line.  I didn't dress properly for that day.  =( Worst thing is I didn't get the perfume in full size that I really wanted.  I may have to make another trip there later this month.

Here's my haul:

Yummmm. Swiss made Chocolate and Lindt Peppermint Dark Chocolate

Yes, I am a chocolate-holic.  I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate.  I was super happy when the sale was selling my favourite kinds of chocolate.  You might be thinking: "umm, it's just Cadbury Dairy Milk, you can get that at any grocery or convenient store".  The sale sells Cadbury Dairy Milk made in the UK, which I prefer because I think it tastes better than the ones made here.

I bought 3 travel-sized tubes of Smashbox PhotoFinish Foundation Primers - 2 for myself and 1 for my best friend.  This is the oil-free version.  I think this primer is great, it works very well for me.  It retails for $25 CAD per tube @Sephora, but they were selling it for $6.99 CAD.  So yes, this was a great deal! =)

Then I was so happy to see the Lancome Bifacil travel-sized (1.7 fl oz or 50 mL).  I personally think this is a great eye makeup remover, but I just use it up so fast! My first and only full-sized bottle I got from The Bay for $34 CAD which I thought was really pricey.  So when I saw travel size version at the sale, I stocked up.  =)  Each bottle cost me $1.99 CAD.  So if I calculate how much small bottles is equivalent to a large one, 2.5 small bottles = 1 full size bottle = $4.92 CAD as opposed to $34 CAD for the same amount of product.  Score! =)

Next up, I got a bottle of Elizabeth Arden Ceramid Purifying Toner for my mom.  It cost me $15 CAD but retails for $27 USD, so I suppose if it was in CAD, it'd cost more.

Then I got myself 2 roller perfumes of Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy.  Unfortunately, the sales told me they were sold out of the full-sized bottles.  I had to compensate with the roller ones.  They cost me $7.99 CAD each but retail for $22 CAD $20 CAD.  They also had Couture Couture and Juicy Couture perfumes, but Couture Couture sold out right before my eyes and Juicy Couture was just not my scent.  So I'll have to go back to the sale to check up on Viva la Juicy eau de parfum.

I bought a package of 3 La Cross brow shaper stencils.  I'm thinking about changing my eyebrow shape, so I thought I'd give this a try.  I bought this for $0.99 CAD, and I have no idea how much it retails for.

Then I bought 2 Borghese nail polishes, each for $1.49 CAD.  I think they normally retail for $8.99 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart.  They were selling Sally Hansen nail polishes for $0.99 each, but none of the colours really attracted me.  =(

Totalling everything up, I spent $137.28 CAD.  I bought some things for my brother and mom.  And I think they overcharged me 2 dollars on some things.  

Anyways, if you haven't gone to check out their sweet deals that will save you tons from retail store, you better go! I'd advise you to go during weekdays as there was less people, meaning no long line ups!

Update: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville

What a gloomy day. 

Even with the little sunlight, I was able to take some decent lighting photos with my NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville.

Before makeup

With Deauville foundation on

With the rest of my makeup on. And a little mascara boo-boo on my nose bridge. =|

I didn't need to wear concealer to cover my dark circles.  Like I said before, Deauville is a little too light on my skin.  I think either Fiji or Ceylan would have worked better.  However, I could fix this problem using bronzer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville

This isn't a review, but just a blurb.  I am absolutely lovin' this foundation.  I used my MAC 187 and stippled it on and I'm lovin' the way it settles and blends into my skin.  Problem is, it's a little light.  I had to blend it down my neck.  I could pull this off during the winter, but probably not so much during the summer.  =|  I'll post a picture of me with the foundation on, tomorrow, using the sun light as my lighting.
I'll review this in a week or so.  I need to test its lasting power.

Coming up: MAC Warehouse Sale

Hey ladies and gentlemen, another MAC warehouse sale is coming up, so if you know someone who can land their hands on a ticket, you better get one soon.

As I have probably not thoroughly talked about MAC warehouse sales before, well here's a detailed post with info you will probably want to know before going so that you're prepared - if it's your first time going.

What brands do they have there?
MAC, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Origins, Clinique and some other brands that aren't popping up in my head right now - but don't worry, they're nothing you'll miss out on.

When is it?

December 3 - 5, 2010

Friday: 10AM - 8PM

Saturday: 9AM - 6PM

Sunday: 9AM - 5PM

Where is it?

@Markham Fairgrounds

10801 McCowan Rd

Markham, Ontario, Canada

Get Directions

Area served:  - 

Category:

Unverified listing

What's it like inside?
It's a big storage/warehouse-looking building with 4 big rooms.
- 1st room is entrance where people line up.  This is where the employers check your ticket.
- 2nd room is where they sell fragrance, a few MAC limited edition brush sets, MAC gift sets - whether it be lippies or face powder or eye shadows, some face cleansers, some face creams, makeup bags, concealers, nail polishes, eye brow/liner pencil, eye shadow palettes and sometimes brush cleansers.
- 3rd room is the foundations, primers, a little more perfume, eye shadows, a few individual limited edition and discontinued brushes, brush sets, cleansers, toners, cleansing oils, fix+, exfoliators, basically skincare products
- 4th room is the $3-bin-travel-sized products (mascara, false eyelashes, lip gloss, fix+, cleansing oil, eye shadow with just the pan, and more), lip stick/gloss, face powders, a table for people to put back items they don't want, line up to pay, some random trinkets, and by the cash they have random products every time.  For example, by the cash, last time they had Bobbi Brown's Cleansing Oil and some Clinique Men Aftershave set.  They change it up at every sale, so there's no specific product there.  Finally, after you pass the cash registers, you hand your ticket to an employee at the table to get a free gift.  Each ticket gets one free gift and it's different at each sale.  Then before you leave, there's the charity bags.  Charity bags are random as well.  They do have a display for you to see what MAC products are in the charity bags, so you can decide whether you want it or not.  I believe you have to pay cash for the charity bags, I don't recall there being credit cards and/or debit cards accepted for that.  Also, there is no tax on charity bags.

How does it work in there?
They have tables set up with items out for you to swatch, along with a product # associated with the product.  They provide you paper and pencil at the tables to write down the product #s you want.  Then you line up, hand them your slip of paper, so they can grab what you wrote down, bag it and hand it over to you.  Please note, they are humans, they make mistakes.  Make sure you check everything you want is in there.  Also, everything must be bagged.  They bag it and write the amount it costs and how many items you have.  If you don't ask them to bag it, take it and go, they'll ask you to go back and bag it when you're at the cash.  And that's a pain because the line at the cash is a long one.

What to bring?
Besides cash/debit card/credit card, I'd advice you to bring pen, calculator (if you can't do mental math) and makeup remover towelettes.

1. Bring a pen because you probably don't have time to fight over a pen/pencil on the tables.
2. Bring a calculator because if you're on a budget, you might want to start calculating how much you're spending before you line up at the cash.  It just might not be a great idea to start realizing how much you've spent when you're at the cash register looking at the triple digits and it takes your breathe away.  Because trust me, makeup can sometimes carry our minds away, especially when you're buying it at a cheaper cost.  Also, even if you're not on a budget, because there's just so many people there, the cashiers may or may not charge you more by accident.  So it's best for you to calculate ahead of time so you know you're paying the correct expected amount.
3. Bring makeup remover towelettes because if you're swatching so often, the colours probably won't look right.

Any other advice?

1. When you get your bag of goodies, somehow check to make sure there is product in the package. 
2. Be there early, not on time because on time is not good enough.  I recommend at least 1 hour early.  Because MAC warehouse sales are becoming more and more popular over the years, you may miss out on the goodies as they do not restock throughout the day!
3. Go with a friend and line up for each other at different tables to save time.  Because as you're lining up, that product you're wishing to get may have ran out of stock.
4. When you first enter the sale, get one person to line up and grab everything you need at the $3 bins section.  Things are easily gone if you save this area for last.
5. If you're interested in MAC Prep and Prime products, line up in the foundations area for that.  They run out of that stuff really fast as well.
6. There are limitations to how many you can purchase of a product/item, read your ticket to find out more, but I doubt you'll be stocking up. 
7. Pick up McDonald's breakfast or Timmies before lining up.  Last time, a girl passed out and they had to call an ambulance.
8. **Update: You may want to reconsider purchasing paint pots from MAC sales, why? Because you risk buying dried up paint pots.  You may or may not revive the paint pot, but what good is a dried up product right? So think twice before purchasing OR if you're skilled enough, open the packaging in the bag to see if the product is dried up.  I'll post a blurb on how to revive your paint pots.

This would be all.  If you're going, I hope reading my long blurb will help you make it a happy and fun trip with everything you want.  Unfortunately, I won't be going to this one.  I've spent way too much this year on makeup.  I am still on a money diet.  And plus, I have enough makeup to last me a long time.  =)

Update: Shiseido Warehouse Sale

I'm home, settled and can upload these pictures.  I didn't take pictures inside as I was a little distracted and busy.  Plus, it's kind of crowded in there.  I took this picture (above) when I was leaving, which was well past 11AM.  This may not have captured the idea of "a lot of people" but trust me, it's a long line.  I'd say the last person standing in that line probably had to wait ~2.5 hrs to get in.

Haul:

At the last sale, I bought the "Stay Soft" shampoo and conditioner.  For its price, I'd say they were worth it.  I mean they were $5 per bottle - which are each 1 L.  Except for that one in the middle, it's 500mL and cost $3.  Like a set of bottles can lasting me around 6 months each.

Here are the real goodies.  Yes, I know, not alot.  The most expensive thing I bought at this sale was the Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream for $35 CAD.  I really had no choice but to make this purchase.  It's winter and I need a moisturizing cream.  I was considering the Dior Hydralife, but that would cost me ~$65 CAD @Sephora.  =S

I bought the eyeshadow quad for my friend and that cost me $8 CAD.  It's called Silky Eye Shadow Quad in Q12 Wood Tones and retails @The Bay and @Sephora for $45 CAD.  So look at that! I saved $37! =)  My friend doesn't know how to apply eye shadow, so I decided to choose something neutral for her.  The only downside is that it didn't come with a box, just came with the applicators.

I got the Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in H6 Violet Visions for $6 CAD.  And it normally retails for $28 CAD.  =D  No box.  They also had H7 Green Exotique and I swear I stood at the table for a good 10 minutes debating whether I should spend $6 on it but reality woke me up and told me I will most likely not going to wear a green like that.

I got a Shiseido cream eyeliner for $11 CAD.  It came with a mini angled brush.  Retails for $28 CAD.

Now the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville.  It cost $14 CAD but retails for $55 CAD.  And yes, I scored another amazing deal! =D The downside of this was Deauville was the ONLY Sheer Glow/Matte Foundation and it is two shades lighter than my skintone.  Though it was the last one, so I really didn't care and just picked it up anyways.  I can mix this with other foundations I have or use a darker setting powder.  The colours they had in the Sheer Glow/Matte lines were Mont Blanc, Santa Fe, Gobi and Punjab. 

NARS Eyebrow Pencil.  I got this for $6 CAD.  It retails for $25 CAD.  I wasn't too sure whether I should buy it.  I've never used an eyebrow pencil as my eyebrows aren't thinned out, nor are they bushy.  I give them a trim and touch-up once in awhile.  And once a year, I get them done @Colour Visage.

Next up is the Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam that cost me $23 CAD.  It retails for ~$49 CAD.  It's a discontinued product.  Now they carry an enhanced version called Shiseido Brightening Cleansing Foam W.

Finally, I bought a discontinued NARS Bronzer in Heat.  It cost $14 CAD but retailed for $38 CAD.  I liked it because it doesn't have any shimmer.  They had Irresistiblement there as well.  But I didn't like it, it was way to light and a little too shimmery for my liking.  They also had NARS Duo Blush/Bronzer, but I'm not a big fan of the blush in Orgasm nor do I like Deep Throat.

Hope you guys enjoyed reading and if I go next time, I hope I've given you enough temptation to go to the next Shiseido trip! =) *smirk* LOL

Shiseido Warehouse Sale

OK, so I'm back from the Shiseido Warehouse sale and now I can tell you how awesome my trip there was.  I took a picture of the line up before I left the premises.  But because I'm not @home right now, here's my quick update.  They were carrying NARS Sheer Glow and Matte Foundation but in limited quantity and colour.  HOWEVER, I was lucky enough to pick up a Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville - last one by the way! =)  And that just cost me $14 excluding tax.  And guess what? This trip didn't cost me an arm and a leg afterall! I spent $145 CAD before tax, totaling up to $163.85 CAD after tax - crazy 13% tax.  =)

I started lining up before 8 in the morning and learning from my past experience, I picked up McDonald's on my way to the sale.  The sale doesn't start until 9 so I sat down on the cement while cracking open the McDonald's breakfast.  While waiting the 1.5 hrs, I brought some entertainment and re-watched Shrek. =D  ... When I finally got in, I took 1.5 hrs to do my shopping and spent a lot less than my first trip there.  Pretty good eh? =)

Coming Up: Shiseido Warehouse Sale

Since I don't have access to the invitations, I'll be lining up early on the Saturday morning.

A little about their deals:
They have quite a few things there.  Last time they had NARS duo blush and bronzer, eyeshadows and palette sets.  They had quite a bit of Shiseido skincare, but no sunscreen products left.  The downside about their skincare deals.  It's not really much of a deal when they're ~10-15% off.  I was kind of looking forward to at least 50% like the MAC warehouse sales.  They carried Orlane products, some random perfume, shampoo and conditioner (really cheap like Joico for $5 per bottle when they retail for ~$10 per bottle).

Overall, if it's your first time going, you've got to be careful of overspending.  It's super easy to overspend!