Review: Crown Brushes

A little more than one month ago, I bought crown brushes from a shop called Jordane Cosmetics.  Prior to purchasing, I did my research.  I've read all sorts of good and bad stuff about the crown brushes, so I was really eager to try them out and see for myself.  I bought 4 brushes and have been using them since.


The Kabuki brush SS016 (Syntho) cost me $19.12 CAD.  IMO, the price is so-so.  It's not too expensive but it's not cheap either.  I like how the brush is soft, which is expected from a synthetic brush.  I've washed it at least 5 times with a bar of soap and probably 1-2 pieces of hair fell out.  There wasn't a distinct smell when I first bought it.  I use this brush to apply my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish powder and MUFE HD microfinish powder.  It's a great brush to apply both powder as it picks up the product quite well.  It does leave a very nice finish.  Now the one problem I have with it is the size.  I kinda wish I got the flat top kabuki brush.  Compared to the surface area that a flat top kabuki brush covers, this rounded one doesn't cover as much and actually needs a bit more work to buff in the powders on my skin.  Plus, it's a harder to get in areas like the sides of your nose, which the flat top kabuki could probably do better.  I just feel like I could have got the flat top kabuki to work a lot better and efficient, which makes me feel like I should drop by Jordane Cosmetics and get one the next time I'm in the area. 

Product: SS016 (Syntho) Deluxe Ultra Soft Kabuki Brush
Rating: 4 / 5
Pros:
-  Bristles are very soft
-  Buffs powder into the skin quite well
-  Picks up product
-  Few to no hair fall out

Cons:
-  Covers a small surface area
-  Hard to buff certain areas

The Contouring Blush brush C405 (Studio Pro) cost me $8.99 CAD.  I think this brush is affordable and worth it.  It's made of natural hair, and it's soft.  It doesn't feel scratchy on my face.  I did experience some hair fall outs and one or two pieces of hair stick out (but it won't come out).  IMO, I think the size is perfect.  I don't own the MAC angle brush but I have seen it in stores and I think this MAC dupe is smaller.  Compared to my MAC 168sh, the bristles of the MAC dupe is way softer.  The ferrule and handle doesn't feel like they're cheaply made, like it's not falling apart.  When I first bought this, it did have a smell and it still kinda does but not noticeable.  In terms of application, I only use it for blush so far.  I've only used it with my MAC blush and it doesn't pick up a lot of the product.  However, I can use this brush to build up the colour on my cheeks.  As a matter of fact, I've been using the MAC Briar Rose from Venomous Villains collection which is a colour that's vibrant and stands out.  I don't like applying a whole lot of this colour on my cheeks because then I look like a clown.  I just lightly apply some on, which this brush can do really well, as it doesn't pick up that much product.  Then again, I think it's the quality of the MAC blush.  I've tried to swatch it on my finger and not even my finger can pick up the colour that well.

Product: C405 (Studio Pro) Contour Brush
Rating: 5 / 5
Pros:
-  Soft bristles
-  Great size
-  Overall brush is not bad quality, so it's worth it
-  Picks up the right amount of product

Cons:
-  Nothing I can think of

The C213 (Studio) Chisel Mini Smudger Brush cost me $2.39 CAD.  I've used this brush to smudge out my eyeliner and apply eyeshadow close to my upper and lower lashline.  The brush smudges out eyeliner quite well.  It also picks up eyeshadow pretty well.  It's not scratchy so it doesn't irritate my skin.  I haven't experienced a hair fallout from this brush.  I like how small its size is, it makes it easier to work with.  The handle and ferrule are not fragile, so it's pretty sturdy.

Product: C213 (Studio) Chisel Mini Smudger Brush
Rating 5 / 5
Pros:
-  No hair fallout
-  Picks up product
-  Smudges eyeliner, not harsh on the eye 


Cons:
- Nothing I can think of

Finally the last brush I bought was PP27 (Perfectly Pink) Bullet Crease Brush that cost me $2.63 CAD.  It's a great brush for the crease, as it's bristles are cut with a pointy edge.  Unfortunately, this brush was not as soft as the others and there were fallouts.  More fallouts than the other ones.  I believe they are natural bristles.  Again the handle and ferrule are held together pretty sturdy.  It has no problem picking up eyeshadows.  It's a great size brush for the crease, as it's not quite meant for blending out shadows.

Product: PP27 (Perfectly Pink) Bullet Crease Brush
Rating: 4 / 5
Pros:
-  Great size
-  No issue with picking up product

Cons:
-  Not as soft bristles
-  Hair fall outs

Overal review of Crown Brushes

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Pros:

-  Brushes are way more affordable

-  Good quality

-  Very few to no hair fallouts or bristles breaking off

-  Great alternative to MAC brushes

-  Offers a large selection of brushes

Cons:

-  No major cons I can think of

Haul: Ardene Jewelry

Ok, honestly, throughout high school I didn't like purchasing jewelry from Claire's or Ardene because I felt their quality wasn't that great and I preferred real jewelry - i.e. gold, silver, platinum, etc - because they were worth it.  But after going through university and under the influence of friends, I changed.  Every time we had a themed party, we'd hit the road and bus to a closeby Ardene and pick up some jewelry or accessory to accessorize ourselves for the themed party.  And sometimes, we'd go there just to buy some stylish jewelry.  So this trend just grew on me.

Lately, I've been reading fashion blogs and noticed the trend for rings.  Rings that are big, bulky and makes a statement.  I'm kinda liking it.  So I went to the mall yesterday and there was an Ardene, so I went in and found some rings that I find I could wear with majority of my clothes.  I have to choose rings with care because I have small and short fingers so if I wear big bulky rings, they could potentially make my fingers look even shorter.  LOL Like I don't know what it is, but my fingers decided to stop growing after grade 7.  =|

Anyways, Ardene always have pretty good deals.  For their rings, they were 3 for $10. Sunglasses were 3 for $15.  Bracelets, necklaces and earrings were 3 for $10.  And I think hair accessories were 5 for $10.  Plus, they accept SPC (Student Price Card) which is a discount card that you can present to numerous stores to receive a discount, along with your student card if they ask for it.  Some places don't ask for it, but I was carded yesterday.  The girl probably thought I was too old to be in school.  LOL You get 10% off your purchase, so for me, as opposed to $10, I got a $1 discount and paid $9 plus tax which came up to $10.17 CAD.

The sad part of these rings is the discoloration after long use.  But I guess it's wear and tear, so after long use, the shiny silver coating deteriorates and turns dull.  Then again, I don't think I'll keep them around once it does turn dull.

Haul: EOS Lip Balms

Yesterday, I was on my way back from school so I decided I'd drop by a RW & Co. store (a clothing store) to pick up some EOS lip balms.  The store was having a "buy one get second half off" sale.  So I bought 3 different flavors of EOS lip balms and one EOS hand lotion.  Each lip balm originally cost $6 CAD and the lotion cost $4.99 CAD, tax not included.  I picked up the lotion last minute because I didn't know about their promo until I reached the cash and the sales told me their sale.  It's quite pricey for a small bottle of lotion but I guess there's a price to pay for a natural and paraben-free product.  Even the lip balms were a little pricey but I have been wanting EOS lip balms for a good 3-4 months.  I've tried looking in a few Shoppers Drug Mart but never found it, so I gave up and found out through some online forums that I could go on the EOS website and find the exact places that carry the lip balms.  I searched under the store locator, minimizing my search by selecting 'lip balms' and typing in my city.  I've already opened the red EOS lip balm which is in the favor of Summer Fruit.  The sales was telling me the red ones were sold the fastest, which didn't surprise me as it's more fruity scented.

Review: Evian Spray

So back in January, I bought two small travel-sized cans of Evian facial spray from Sephora.  I used to use it back in high school, but then I stopped and now I'm using it again.  I've tried using it with and without makeup on. 

It is a natural mineral water facial spray that moisturizes, refreshes and tones your skin.  It "increases your skin hydration by 14%, helps to fix your make-up and offers you constant freshness and purity." It's made in France.  It has an expiration date, January of 2013.

Well does the product do what it claims to do? Yes.  Without makeup, it does feel refreshing after one spray, it does make my skin feel moisturized and toned.  I think the refreshing effect will be even more predominant during summer.  The word 'tone', to me, means tightening your pores and brightening your complexion.  And I do feel like it does that to my skin.  With makeup, I used this product as a finishing touch.  I hold it about 15-20 cm away from my skin and give my skin a quick swirly spray.  But no matter how quick or how far I hold it, excess droplets of water always sits on my skin.  Well then again, the package does say to wait a few seconds, then dab away.  But even so, I don't like the idea of having to dab away because it makes me feel like I'll dab away my makeup.  I knew this facial spray worked because I have a problematic skin issue on my nose.  The skin on my nose is every-so-often peeling off and it really annoys me because my foundation doesn't blend in.  So I just spray a little of the Evian, let it sit there for a few seconds, then dab any excess away.  So it does fix my foundation makeup, not necessarily make my makeup stay on longer like the MAC Fix+ is supposedly suppose to do.

On a side note, I do spray a little of Evian on my stippling brush prior to using because I find it gives a better application and finish.

Product: Evian facial spray
Rating: 4 / 5


Pros:
- Moisturizing, refreshing and tones my skin
- Fixes my foundation makeup

Cons:
- Excess water forms droplets on my skin and I have to dab away the excess, making me feel like I'm dabbing away my makeup

Reviving Urban Decay Primer Potion

A few months ago, I did a post on how I depot my UDPP which I then stored into a small container.  But now, the problem is drying out.  When UDPP dries out, it doesn't blend into your skin as well.  So I came up with spritzing some Evian facial spray and mixing it in the UDPP.  Results? It does revive the creamier texture and it lasted almost 12 hours on my lids without creasing.  Usually, 12 hours is enough but the original, not dried out version of the UDPP could last even longer than 12 hours on my eyelids without creasing.
For those who have UDPP or MAC paint pots, you can help slow down its drying rate by storing it upside down. 

I haven't tried other alternatives but I would assume MAC Fix+ would work too.

 

Left: UDPP swatch

Right: Blended UDPP

Haul: Shoppers Drug Mart

Yes, I have yet another haul.  I've been wanting to try out Anna Sui's foundation for a good few months.  LOL funny how I've had Dior foundation on my wishlist for a long time but never got around to buying it.  But I justified myself for buying this Anna Sui foundation because Shoppers Drug Mart (drugstore in Canada) had two promos going on - (1) spend $50 or more and receive either 20x the optimum points or $20 SDM gift card; (2) spend minimum $60 on Anna Sui products to get a gift.  So I ended up getting, just two things so I'd qualify for the GWP (gift with purchase).  I got the Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation in P05 and Lip Rouge G in 700, which reminds me of MAC's Creme D'Nude.  I was a little disappointed in their GWP, which was a purple fabric bag, nothing too outstanding.  However, the sales did give me two mini perfume samples.  I've never tested their fragrance before but I am super surprised how nice they smelt.  Personally, I think the scents weren't too strong which I love - now I may have a replacement for my Juicy Couture perfume.

It's Almost Midnight and I'm....

So I just got out of the shower and now I'm finally trying out my Yumei eye masks.  Hmm, I've had it on for a good 10 minutes already and I'm getting a tingly and minty feeling.  I forgot to take a before picture =(, but I guess I can compare myself with after-pictures with the pictures I took yesterday.

I look weird eh?

Speaking of masks, I've been doing research on masks that could minimize the number of pimples on my chin.  I hate chin pimples, they hurt! Actually, they don't hurt as much as the ones right between my nose and lips. I'm not sure whether I should get masks or a jar of Oronine Ointment. I used to have a jar of it but it expired =(. And I mean "used to" as in more than 10 years ago, when I was still in elementary school.  So I googled this product, read some reviews and apparently it works wonders on acne, bug bites, wounds, etc.  I'm really considering on getting this, but I have a feeling it'll be hard to find in Toronto, compared to eBay.

Photo credit: Cheungstrading.com

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! =)