My December Glossy Box

Eventually I received my first Glossy Box. Equivalent to Birchbox(US/UK), Bellabox (AUS) and Lust have it (AUS), Glossy Box provides monthly subscription service on beauty product samples for AUS $14.95 a month.  After reading Tezza's blog post about her November Glossy Box, I made a subscription to Glossy Box instantly.

Somehow my Glossy Box arrived on 23th Dec which was really late and most people received theirs a week prior :( Meanwhile I received 5 to 6 tracking numbers from Glossy Box via email, yet in fact none were valid and related to my subscription :O It left me worry for a whole week :(
I had quite a high expectation. I saw some bloggers received Sally Hansen Mega Shine, Gorgeous lip pencil etc. The moment I opened mine, I experienced a slight disappointment

Let see what were in the box:
1. Auscreen SPF 30+ Everyday Lotion (15ml sample size) - a drugstore brand sunscreen, the small tube size is handy to be carried in handbag :) Sun is fierce in Australia and sun protection is a must!

2. Carmex Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 15 - another drugstore product, Carmex lip balms are well-known as giving pure hydration. I only hope this product is unscented. We'll see hahaa

3. John Frieda Frizz Ease Finishing Cream (30ml sample size)

4. Bed Head Manipulator (57ml full size) - I honestly wont use this product as I have no interest to make my hair ""spike, twist dreads or go punky"" LOL

5. Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer (7ml sample size) - Im glad to receive this product as I do enjoy using Clinique moisturizer :)

6. Clinique In-store offer for a 7 days supply of foundation sample - I went to Myer and DJ in the city, the staffs said they never saw it before and refused to redeem a sample for me :/  Fortunately, a nice guy in Chadstone Myer said the same thing but kindly gave me some sample to try out :) hahaa

7. A broken candy cane :(

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I was kinda upset I didnt get a Sally Hansen Mega Shine, Gorgeous lip pencil or a perfume sample, instead I received two drugstore products :( I know I probably shouldnt expect to have all the good things?
I am still hesitating whether subscribe to the next month Glossy Box. For sure it is quite economical to receive products with greater values you paid for. Nonetheless, it is also a waste to pay and receive products not suitable for you.
Mmmm, dilemma

Collective Haul (II)

November was definitely a crazy month for me and school work really exhausted me.

But this semester is eventually over and its time for another haul =D

ASOS is one of my favorite sites to browse on even though its server seems quite unstable lately.

I purchased a set of stila lip glazes and also a NARS blush trio. Yeah! my first NARS product (: It includes Organsm, Albatross and Laguna which are the best selling shades of NARS. I do like the trio very much and its a really good buy.

Another purchase from ASOS - I have lower ambition this time.

RIMMEL Lasting Finish 25 hours - It is emilynoel83's favorite foundation and Im interested to know how good it is (: ! It is interesting that a majority of drugstore foundations sold in europe/asia come in glass bottle and pump but not in America, e.g. this Rimmel one, maybelline foundations etc.

Barry M Lip glosses and lip stick, the shades are beautiful and Im planning to write a blog post devoting into Barry M lip products (:

Echemist.co.uk is a website I discovered recently and I recommend it to you girls!

Even though it doesnt have a wide selection of products, delivery is highly efficient (I received my parcel in about 7 days) and gift wrapping is available for selected products. 

I got my Garnier soothing toner, which is my favorite toner, a Lancome lipstick and foundation as well as a Maybelline superstay foundation. Happy happy (:

Last but not least, my little purchase from Beauty in the sky! Her business card is really lovely.

I got a Bobbi Brown Shimmer brick in Bronze as well as Guerlain eye shadow quad.

I know Black Friday and Cyber monday was just over. Happy shopping everyone (:

Collective Haul (I)

Long time no see =D hehe, I know I disappeared for  months but I actually still havent finished my exam yet *cry* I cant wait n wanna share with u what I got in a month. 

(I just spent way too much and IM SOOOO BROKE now :(  haha )

yeah, I eventually got an iphone 4S. I needa be honest - Iphone is 100x better than HTC. 

Better camera, shorter time to fully charge the battery, higher sensitivity in typing.

Im really happy with it n I dont think any other cellphone could attract me in short term =)!

I also had a little haul from SASA.com, I didnt get much but these stuffs actually cost me over $75 :S

Though Im never a fan of paper mask, my skin just gets a bit 'dry lately and needs some hydration. I used My beauty Diary masks before and didnt see much result, hopefully Ill have better luck with these two brands =)

And I found EOS lip balm on SASA. How exciting it is!

**EBAY TIME**

I love Ebay! Living in Australia means having little choices in products and suffering from high RRP n high tax, so Im pretty used to going on Ebay and get products with wide selection n mostly relatively low price* I just received two parcels, and more are on the way =)

let start off with the good one

Wet n Wild Color Icon 8 Eye shadows palettes

From: beauty_by_ari

I paid US$9 for each palette and $5.5 for combined shipping. Sometime sellers on Ebay charge an exorbitant amount for shipping and its really annoying! But I know this seller didnt earn a penny from shipping coz the stamp showed the fee was actually US$6.5 which was even higher than what I paid her :S And the delivery was fast, it only took about 4 to 5 days! A+!

The palettes were securely wrapped n arrived safely. These eye shadows really conduct excellent pigmentation and I hugely love the 738 COMFORT ZONE <3 the color combination is versatile, you wont mess up even if you just pick 3 random colors n use them. I wholeheartedly recommend this seller n the palettes <3 hehe

The Bad One

From: Jenjen12jen

First, the seller was not really nice =( As I purchased multiple items, I sent an email n asked her to combine shipping fees for me (coz somehow ebay didnt adjust the shipping fee automatically). She didnt even check what I purchased n just replied quite discourteously. That didnt give me a very good impression but I thought 'I do not care about much CS as long as the products are good'.

I received some eye shadows and they are good =) But I had some issues with the lipstick

The product was listed as a brand new item but I suppose you can tell from photo it is obviously USED!!!!

Her page didnt state any return policy or information. Considering it only cost $4 plus most sellers require buyers to pay for delivery fee if exchange/ return products, I didnt ask for exchange and only left a negative feedback on Ebay.

She sent me a msg TO BLAME ME NOT ASKING FOR EXCHANGE AND LEAVING A NEGATIVE COMMENT TO DRAG DOWN HER REPUTATION. 

ok, I kinda understand reputation is fairly important for sellers, then she sent me another one

"I might have chipped/ smudged it when checking it"

Thats the part really driving me nuts. I guess you wont draw the product on ur lips while checking, right? But the lipstick I received has lip lines on it? I swear to god that it had been used by sb before I received it. There is no reason for me to weaver a lie coz I have no intention to ask for refunds.

As a customer, I could have understood n accepted it if she just told me that she sent a wrong/used product to me accidentally. 

I just hate to be treated as if Im making troubles n inconsiderate. Now Im sure I will never purchase anything from her in future.

Ebay (I) - 88 and 120 Eye shadow palettes

Shopping online is like playing a treasure hunt game. Until you actually receive the product, you never know what it will be - a gem or a crap. This post is dedicated to the multiple-eye-shadow palettes I got from eBay currently. I LOVE the 88 eye shadow palette but absolutely DISLIKE the 120 one 

88 Color shimmer eye shadow palette

Purchased from: eachdesk

Price: US$13.99

The packaging is fairly simple, just a black case with glossy surface, and it attracts fingerprints ~_~

The shades are really beautiful. The only thing I hope was to have more blue or purple shades, but the blues in this palette are lovely =) Each eye shadow pan is about the size of a 50 cent, if you have certain colors you love, they might be used up soon. But I think this kind of multiple eye shadow palette is a cheap and good way to experiment different eye makeup looks and shades. When you figure out what colors and tones suit you, you can always go to invest on MAC/ Inglot eye shadow.

Every shade has fairly good pigmentation and you need not to worry of lack of intensity =) The shimmer is really obvious and even frosty!
Some people complain that the eye shadow is quite chalky. I think the light shades (e.g. the pink) have more fallout where the darker shades are better. However, this palette merely costs $13.99, you should not expect every shade to have the MAC quality, right?
As long as you dont drop the palette, the eye shadow will not break for no reason.
Yet it is done if you drop it =P

@@ For the price of $13.99, this palette is great! It offers a good variety of colors and excellent pigmentation. If you have not gotten any multi-eyeshadow palette, I do recommend this palette (especially for people living outside US and having difficulties of getting coastal scents).

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88 Color shimmer eye shadow palette

Purchased from: Tomtop_auction

Price: US$12.00

I absolutely dislike this palette! When I opened the parcel, the case had already had couple places broken. OK, it is shipped from china so it might be forgivable. But WTF? why it has"MAC Professional Make Up" on? From the packaging, I can tell that its a complete knock-off which is not even close to the quality of any coastal scents/ BH cosmetics.

The size of each eye shadow pan is same the 88 color palette one. Most of the eye shadows are matte but couples are shimmering. The pigmentation is awful regardless you use a brush, sponge tip applicator or finger You might see some little scratch marks on some of the eye shadows, because I tried to use a spatula to scoop out the eye shadow. I thought the eye shadow would show up better if it was loose. Yet, I was wrong. This palette is a totally hopeless case. Only 10 eye shadow (out of 120!) has acceptable pigmentation.

Here is a swatch for couple eye shadows .

 Besides the light blue, the other three barely show up.

P.S.

I ordered 3 items, the hat is lovely and I do like it.

The second item, this palette, has a broken case and pathetic quality.

Another item I ordered has never arrived. 

They asked me to wait a few more weeks but when I lost my patience, it was too late for me to leave a negative comment. Sucks! I will never purchase anything from this seller!

Australis Pararazzi Perfect High Definition Eyeshadow (Totally Busted)

The packaging is quite sturdy and nicely made, but as most black makeup packaging, it has a problem of attracting finger prints. The color combination is not boring but still easy to match.

Unfortunately, the color payoff is not as impressive as I expected it to be. All the shades are so shimmery but the eye shadow is quite powdery and lack of pigmentation.

Star white - extremely shimmery and quite a pretty white, not chalky at all
Champagne nude - a bit disappointing becoz it really blends into my skincolor and doesnt show up much. just tons of shimmer...
Barbie pink - very frosty but lovely, not as intense as it is on pan
Eggplant - amazing! I love this color, its really not easy to find a pigmented and pretty purple eyeshadow from drugstore!
Gun metal grey - its alrite, but not really pigmented

The eyeshadow color is really shimmering n not really intense, but wearable though

You might use a base to enhance its pigmentation.

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A bit hit and miss, I think the eye shadow is pretty, especially the eggplant purple! I paid $10 for it, not expensive though. But overall its performance is not impressive and I dont love it, wont repurchase it.
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From Sajida's blog sale =D!

Last month I found some beautiful gems from Sajida's blog sale.

I received a parcel a week after, on my birthday! It was like a surprise. =D

Sajida is so generous and she packed 7 free samples along with my purchase. 

Really a great thank to her kindness ♥

Innisfree marble highlighter

The highlighter is compressed n molded as a lovely rose (or camellia?)

Even though I have no idea what the purpose of the purple/red part, the powder is finely milled and gives a luminous white shim. I think its quite a good highlighter, better than MAC I think (since the shimmer of MAC MSF are not fine enough and I could see them on my face -_-) I use this product as  eye shadow occasionally and it works well =D

NARS Eyeshadow Duo (Blade Runner) 

Honestly, the color combo instantly reminds me of CHRISTMAS  LOL

- Forest green with extremely fine lime shimmer

- Mahogany with pink shimmer (even though im not a fan of red-tone brown)

I love this duo! the eyeshadow powder is extremely fine and 'creamy'. it goes on incredibly smoothly and pull off the color effortlessly. Apart from the packaging and RRP, everything is perfect!

I took this pic at the first time I used it. Absolutely loving the green, I think its one of the prettiest eyeshadow I have seen =D!


NARS Eyeshadow Duo (RAJASTHAN ) 

 This palette is kinda a hit and miss for me. I was attracted by the blue since it looked so gorgeous in photo. but when i received it, the gold color is the one really amazing!


- blackish blue with fine lime shimmer, it definitely needs a base under it, otherwise the pigmentation could be quite poor
- light beige bronze with shimmer, it is absolutely stunning on eyelids and different from anything I have. quite a special eye shadow shade! it could be frosty and intensive depending on how you apply it


NARS Eyeshadow Duo (ISOLDE) 

The frosty ginger color (left) was broken when I received my parcel *sad* but I really like that shade and I just pressed it myself (without using alcohol). rubbing alcohol costs $10 for 400ml here =_=... 1. it doesnt worth $10 for me... a cheap bottle of sparkling or sauvignon blanc only cost $5,6... of coz u cant use it for pressing eyeshadow LOL    2. I dont need 400ml, its too much =_=      back to topic, both eyeshadows have red undertone


- frosty ginger, I love this color and it is kinda similar to MAC melon pigment
- shimmering copper, the color is too red but it could be an amazing color for fall =)!




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It was the first time for me to put on glue on nails. I love them, the lace pattern with beads is really lovely. Yet, frankly, the glue is sooo devastating to my real nails... Tell you a funny thing - one of my glue-on nails popped out while me driving. and the guy sitting next to me FREAKED OUT and thought I lost my finger LOL hilarious!

My perfect neutral/nude - Prestige Lipstick (Champagne)

Bright red or vibrant purple is fun, but a nice neutral color is a must have in collection. It might be kinda similar to original lip color but better. For me, this prestige lipstick is my perfect neutral. Prestige is one of my favorite drugstore brands (its total intensity eyeliner is awesome!!!). 

Yeah, the packaging is kinda... hideous? But the product is GOOD =D! The shade seems so dark on the tube and normally I wouldnt pick up colors like this but fortunately I did =D

HAHA.. I got a big n round face *sad*
The color is really pretty, just a neutral color with a slight salmon tone.
Its not far from my natural lip color. of coz, a better version
The texture is not creamy but it goes on smoothly with lipbalm underneath it

Outfit of the day

I love crop top ♥ I was wearing a grey crop top with a big black star on it* cute
It was actually quite windy in Melbourne, so I did wear a big jacket when I went out.

Again* talk to you girls soon XOXO

Birthday gifts for myself

Woohoo, I have just finished my exam today! 

All the assignments, studies and works kept me really busy, eventually first semester is OVER!!

And I have time to blog now =D! I have whole lots of pics wanna post on! WAIT FOR ME =D!

Today Im gonna show the earrings I got.

Its like a 'tradition' to get myself some jewellery pieces for birthday. 

(well, the expensive stuffs like gems, gold and diamonds are normally given by my mum/ relatives though)

Last year I got pearls and this year I got these

They are all made of sterling silver and [inexpensive] gemstones

Undoubtedly there are much finer jewellery in market, these are fairly good quality and pretty for the price

aquamarie is one of my favorite colors
I used to have a pair of Aquamarie earrings but I lost one of them =(
The pair I bought this time is made of natural blue topaz, which has similar color as aquamarie for much cheaper price =D!

Can you see that? I dont use photoshop effect for all my photos, but the earring just gives radiant shine itself
Really beautiful <3 I dont regret buying it!

The second pair I got is made of peridot. The olive green color is magnificent.
this pair is actually not as pretty as the blue topaz one because the gemstones are smaller and less pure (even though the silver frame is more detailed)
The price of these earrings is only half of the blue topaz one >_< so... I felt I had to get them home LOL

The hooks and frames are really detailed and nicely made. Love these earrings =)!!

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When I was younger, I preferred getting cheap jewellerys because I could get like 10 different cheap pieces for the price of a pricey jewellery. But Im older now, I kinda understand why my mum's philosophy - quality > quantity + only getting the best one for your budget.


This is a really short post , I still have heaps of pics on my laptop and wait for me to post on the blog though
Talk to you girls real soon! Have a nice day everyone XOXO

How close they are - MAC VIVA Glam GAGA + Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick Pink Blush + MAC lipstick A Rose Romance

What does GAGA this word remind you of? pop music? insanity? 

My answer is - MAC VIVA Glam GAGA!

Somebody said that Rimmel Lasting Finish (Pink Blush) was very similar to GAGA.

Im going to show 3 lip products in comparison to GAGA lipstick in this post =D

SWATCH

From Left to Right

SAVVY Lip Jewels (Pink Diamond) - a warm, rosy pink with extremely tiny silver shimmers. its quite similar to GAGA lipstick from the tube but in fact, its really warm color n nth like GAGA lipstick color =( its a nice lipgloss though, works well alone or be on top of pink lipstick

MAC VIVA Glam GAGA I

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick (Pink Blush) 

MAC Lipstick A Rose Romance  

SAVVY Lip Jewels (Pink Diamond)

Yeah, Like what I have said, its nothing close to GAGA in fact. But its a nice lipgloss and look great working alone or with other lipstick.

MAC VIVA Glam GAGA I

I have to admit it - GAGA this lipstick does not work the best for me. If my skin is paler or my face is shaper, it would look better I suppose? Since the color is really cool n with blue tone, the color is really brought out n eye-catching.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick (Pink Blush)

The color is way less cool than GAGA. The texture of this lipstick could be difficult to work with sometime since I feel its like pastel (too pigmented but wouldnt vary from skincolors). I normally have to top a lipgloss on it. but it does look quite good though

MAC Lipstick A Rose Romance

Pink Blush does look more alike to A Rose Romance even though A Rose Romance is slightly darker.

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In conclusion 

I think Rimmel Pink Blush is similar to Mac A rose romance instead of MAC Viva Glam Gaga.

** Dont ask what guys think? I ask couple of my guy friends and they were like color blind and couldnt distinguish any difference from the swatch LOL **

Have a nice day everyone XOXO 

How close they are - MAC VIVA Glam GAGA + Rimmel Pink Blush + MAC A Rose Romance

Post editing soon!!

Discontinued - Maybelline Mineral Blush + French toasts ♥

Mineral cosmetics were so popular few years ago and all brands regardless of from drugstore or department store came up with a bloom of mineral powder products. The trend has faded but I still love some of the mineral makeup I owned. Maybelline Mineral blush is sure to be on my list.

The color is ORIGINAL ROSE which is a lovely pink color with a hint of peachy tone. The color is not bright ande bold but very light and wearable. The golden shimmers in the blush creates a natural glow to skin but the finish is definitely not overwhelming.

Sometime Im just too lazy to spend time putting on tons of makeup. I just use concealer to cover some of my imperfection, dust a thin layer of loose powder/mineral powder and a swipe of blush n lip products.

Even though I dislike loose powder form products, this blush is really lovable =)

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EXTRA: French toasts with sweet berry sauce and cream

Lancome eyeshadow quad sample

Lancome product samples are flooding in the market. I currently got a sample quad from a pharmacy with couple dollars. Even though Im not sure whether its real, its not bad to try =)

Lancome Colour Focus Self-Select Quad

The bottom right color really caught my eye and it was actually why I got this quad
Top:: (Left) HoneyMoon,   (Right) Floralesque
Bottom:: (Left) 4Dreaming,  (Right) Lezard

swatch without base: the darker colors are alrite. but that two light color show up nothing!

Sonia Rykiel cream eyeshadow used as base:

 Lezard and 4Dreaming are really awesome ♥

Again, the light colors are hopeless!

The colors are wearable and used for daily basis (with light hand). I just wore this look to uni =)

Or pat on more colors and its still alrite =)

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Conclusion: The color le-www-form-urlencoded
Accept: apuad is not particularly special. Its not bad for couple dollars. But if u have the 88/120 color palette. There is no need to get this quad.

(Feel kinda lucky never wanted/went to get lancome eyeshadow quad =P)

(p.s. the eyeshadow size is just slightly bigger than the 88color palette)

have a nice day everyone XOXO