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!

Review: L'Oreal Paris Waterproof Telescopic Explosion in blackest black

I recently bought this mascara because my friend was telling me how it resembles the Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes mascara.  There are two versions - the waterproof and non-waterproof - and this is the waterproof one.
The packaging claims that this mascara can extend and separate your eyelashes to create fanned-out lashes.  It's clump-free, flake-free, smudge-resistant, all-day waterproof wear, can be removed easily with waterproof eye makeup remover and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

On the first application, it does effectively separate my lashes but with a few more coats, my lashes started to clump.  I would then use a brow comb to separate them.  The mascara didn't flake or smudge throughout the day.  When I removed the mascara, I tried removing it with Lancome's Bifacil eye makeup remover and it came out easily with no residues left behind.
I do like the look of this mascara it creates.  I can go off without wearing eyeliner when I apply this.
However, it is time-consuming when using this wand.  The traditional mascara wand will coat more lashes with one stroke but this mascara wand covers much less area per stroke.

Product: L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Waterproof in Blackest Black
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Separates and fans out lashes
- Gives volume and length
- Gets to each lash but require patience as the applicator doesn't have a huge surface area to cover lashes in one swipe

Cons:
- Can clump lashes
- Not the kind of mascara to use when you're in a hurry

Body Shop and Rexall 50% off Mascara Haul

I picked up some body butters from The Body Shop.  Each body butter cost $20 but they had a sale promotion going on, where if you buy 2 items, your 3rd item will cost you $0.76.  So in the end, they'd cost me $15.35 each, tax included.  I picked up Buriti Baby, Love ETC and Cranberry Joy.  I'm thinking about exchanging the Cranberry Joy for the Cocoa Butter.  I picked up the Cranberry Joy because it smelt nicer, but I forgot that I needed the Cocoa Butter one to help reduce stretch marks.  The SA offered me to try some samples and I chose Tea Tree Facial Wash, Seaweed SPF Moisture Lotion and Seaweed Pore Exfoliator.  She also gave me a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon.
  

Then at Rexall, I bought:

The L'Oreal Waterproof Telescopic Explosion in Blackest Black for $6.49.  I bought this for its resemblance to the Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes mascara.
I also chose the Cover Girl Lash Blash Volume in 805 Black for $4.99.  I bought this for its volumizing feature.

Buffalo Trip and Haul

My brother and I headed to Buffalo early in the morning, hoping to avoid traffic at the border.  But like always, there were tons of Canadians heading south to go shopping since CAD was near par with USD. 
We headed to Niagara Fashion Outlet first and here's what I bought:
From Levi's
I bought a spring or fall jacket.  I had to strip the manikin, or the display, for this jacket.  I spent $75.59 USD on it.

Then we drove to a Walgreens that's on our way to Walden Galleria where I bought a buy-one-get-one-free Borghese nail polish.  This was definitely a great deal because it cost me $4.99 + tax.

Finally, we stopped at Walden Galleria.  I was mainly shopping for clothes there.  I L-O-V-E the Forever21 there.  It's 2 floors and way bigger AND better than the F21 on Yonge St or the one in Fairview Mall.  I haven't had the chance to walk into the one in Vaughan Mills mall but I did hear the one at Vaughan is better.  Anyways, I bought a sweater cardigan for $14.50 and a pair of denim jeggings for $11.50.

I walked into Macy's, with the intention of purchasing a MAC brush.  And I ended up purchasing a MAC 239.

Keeping Your Skin From Breaking Out

This past summer I went to a friend's cottage to hang out.  One of my friends asked me what do I do to keep my skin so clear and acne-free.  And honestly, there is no remedy or secret.  As a matter of fact, I used to not understand why some of my friends constantly break out.  Being a Science student, I learned that genes play a role - well it seems that whenever there are things that we think are unexplainable, we say it is our genes.
My dad had a phase during his teen years where he broke out and now, he has a few acne scars here and there.  My brother also had an acne problem when he was a teen.  But surprisingly, his acne didn't leave him with scars.  However, he changed his eating habits.  He drank a lot more water, ate more veggies, less meat and lot of fruits.  Mind you, he doesn't apply face cream either, so with such a lifestyle change, the results are amazing.

Personally, I don't drink that much water but I'm trying to get into that habit.  I used to drink lots of milk, but now, not so much.  =\  I've always loved fruits.  I think it's the sweetness from the fruits that makes me love it so much.  Especially fresh blueberries that still have that blueberry scent in them - I'm saying this because some blueberries that are no longer fresh, don't have a taste to them at all.  And keep in mind, blueberries are high in anti-oxidants. *yummm*  The anti-oxidants that fights off free radicals, and free radicals are substances that makes us age.
As a matter of fact, if I don't eat fruits for one day, I feel weird.

Watching what you eating and making it a habit is really the best remedy for your skin.  You can buy crazy expensive beauty products and use them everyday but it won't help much if you don't change your eating habits which fixes you from the inside.  But don't get me wrong, you need to moisturize your face to keep your skin from flaking and drying up.  But what you put into your stomach will get absorbed and revealed onto your skin, your hair and your body.  For example, drinking enough milk helps maintain healthy, strong nails and hair.

Rexall Deal: 50% off Mascaras

Rexall is having a 50% off mascaras promo and I'm fighting myself from going! I've still got tons of mascaras to finish and I'd hate to see them go to waste!

Ramble About Two-Hour Stay at the Fairview Mall

Today I walked into an Aritzia store with my mom to find something I can spend my $50 gift card on.  But I couldn't find anything I want! I found their apparel were either over-priced or average quality! I own a TNA bag, Winfred skirt, TNA leggings, and a pair of TNA sweatpants that I've not worn more than 10 times.
I prefer to shop at Zara now - better, nicer and classier clothes, and definitely worth it!  And once in a while, if Forever 21 wasn't that messy, I'd shop there as well.
I never understood the hype about Bench clothes.  The enormous logo they have on their clothes make you look like a walking advertisement for them, meanwhile you paid a hefty amount for it.  A few years ago, I followed my friend in this hype for Bench and owned 2-in-1 top and a hoodie sweater.  But I've definitely not worn those tops enough for the discount price I paid.

Shopping for trendy, moderately priced and good quality clothes is just so hard!

Lisa's Cosmetics Sale Coming Up

Lisa's Cosmetics sale is finally coming up.  It's starting on Nov 20 and guess where I'll be that day?!? =D
I'm going to have to stock up on some Smashbox Photofinish Oil-Free primer.  And I'm considering on getting perfume.  I'm deciding between two of the Juicy Couture fragrances - either Viva La Juicy or Couture Couture.  Hopefully, I won't be overspending this time =S .

Makeup Look #5: Lookin Blue

So I decided to do a blues look.  Even though I own blue shadows, I've never stepped out of my house wearing it.  I find it's hard for me to pull off.  It's just easier for me to collect. =)  Anyways, I thought I should play around with the Bell-Bottom Blue OJ pigment I bought from the MAC sale.  So here it is:

I've applied moisturizer, sunscreened and primed my face.  Applied concealer and primed my eyelids with MAC's Painterly Paint Pot.

Then I took a light, shimmery blue colour and pat it on my inner one-third of my eye lid.

I took a slightly darker shimmery blue colour and pat it on the two-third (middle) part of my eye lid.

I took an even darker shimmery blue colour and pat it on the outer V of my eye, creating depth and dimension.

Using my MAC Bell-Bottom Blue OJ pigment, I lightly dabbed some pigment into the outer one-third of my eye.

Taking an eye smudger brush, I picked up some more Painterly paint pot and lined my lower lash line with it, creating a base for the darker shimmery blue colour.  Then I applied the colour.  I didn't apply an obviously alot of colour on my lower lash line because it tends to give me that "raccoon-y" look - which isn't so flattering. =\

I blended out any harsh lines.  And with every eye makeup look, you can not forget out the eyeliner.  I took an angle brush and picked up some black eyeliner, creating a winged cat eye.

And to finish up with the eye, I curled my lashes and put on some mascara.

And to finish the makeup look, I applied MAC Honeylove l/s since I have a lot of dramatic look going on at the eye, I don't want to draw the attention away from that.

The lighting washes out the colour pigments of my eyeshadow =( . And my camera isn't picking up a lot.

Venomous Villains Mini Haul

It told myself I can not spend any more money on makeup until I finish what I have now, but it's like I'm addicted to it! I ended up stopping by The Bay to check out the Venomous Villains collection.  I picked up Oh So Fair beauty powder and Heartless l/s but ended up returning Oh So Fair, thinking it won't show up on my skintone.  I never knew makeup can be returned if it doesn't satisfy you.  Anyways, I ended up switching Oh So Fair for Briar Rose since Bite of an Apple was sold out.  I really wanted to see what the BoaA colour would look on my skintone - probably hard for me to pull off - but they didn't have the tester at the counter.

Anyways, as I was returning Oh So Fair, the MA (who is super nice - I'm surprised because I don't meet a lot of nice MAC MAs) sanitized the tester Oh So Fair for me to try on, and it actually looked natural on me.  The colour gives a natural look and if I wanted the colour to really show, I'd have to build on it but I like how subtle the colour was.  But oh well.  What's done is done.

If I do plan on getting Oh So Fair again, I'll probably get it when I go to Buffalo (in the States).  The price difference is so big between Canada and USA that it's shocking.
By the way, MAC has jacked up their prices once again.  I remember MAC lip sticks were $16.50 back in February, but I bought my Heartless l/s for $18.50! And on top of that, we have that 13% HST! Prices in Canada is just crazy on taxes! Actually, crazy is an understatement.

NYX Round Case Lipsticks + Duo Eyelash Glue

I just came back from my local drugstore Rexall, formerly known as Pharma Plus, in Canada, is finally carrying NYX round case lipsticks.  They used to only carry the diamond sparkle lipsticks, which I don't find the formula to be that great compared to the round case lipsticks. 

Also, I spotted Duo eyelash glue for $6.99, much less than the price being sold at MAC stores.  =)