Hauls #18 - Collective haul: Nars, Ren, Clarks

Another popular brand I'm just getting into, NARS

From Left: Semi Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below, Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St. Moritz and Cuba, Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF30+++, Shimmer Eyeshadow in Ashes to Ashes, Cream Eyeshadow in Beige.

NARS Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30+++ GBP25.00

I've been looking out for a new primer since I'm running out of my MAC Prep+Prime. I was interested in NARS and it seems perfect that it also has SPF 30 with PA+++. It is so hard to come by a primer that has the same sun protection.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in Cuba and St. Moritz GBP 28.00 each

This is not really me to get a tinted moisturizer, but suddenly when I started to wear Origins Vitazing sample, I thought tinted moisturizer would be practical to have. This was quite a hype when it come out and I like that it provide more coverage than expected. But too bad when I first bought Cuba, it was a bit too dark to my liking. So I bought  St. Moritz just because I want to lighten it a bit. 

NARS Semi matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below GBP 18.50

This purchase is just simply an impulsive red lips purchase. I know I got a few already, but I just couldn't help it. At first I thought getting the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella but I thought it might be similar to what I have already so I chose this, as it was describe as a blood red with no blue, something new. When I got it it's kind of similar to my Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse but it's more brownish. I was kind of annoyed but oh well.

NARS Shimmer Eyeshadow in Ashes to Ashes GBP 18.00

I want to try NARS eyeshadow and I was not sure what kind of I should go for and I chose this colour and I think it's easy to pull off but at the same time look a bit different. It looks a bit mushroom, but it's more of plummish medium brown. Some say's it's like a lighter MAC Satin Taupe which I agree and it's great because I don't have medium cool brown.

NARS Cream Eyeshadow in Savage GBP 17.00

Ok this is what I had hope MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque would be, a warm brown. This is the colour I thought I just can slap it on my lids and walk out the door. It's shimmery warm bronzy brown but not too dark so it brighten my lids. Now I'm not sure of its longevity and if I need to set it with a powder *hopefully not* but I will keep you updated.

REN Micro Polish Cleanser GBP 20.00

I first heard about REN from amodelrecommends and I like that the 'orange' range is glycolic acid rich. Now I've been a fan of DermTV Dr. Schultz and he always mention glycolic acid as the gold standard for exfoliation. Now I almost want to get the glycolic mask but I thought I already have too many mask so I opted for their exfoliator instead. We'll see how it goes and this is not so much a physical scrub like Origins Modern Friction, so I think that would be nice.

Now on the shoes!! I don't know why exactly but Clarks been coming out with something I would really really like. Before this I always think of Clarks to get a comfortable good quality leather footwear, but for style statement..? not really... oh well.

Clarks Lulworth Beach GBP 39.99 (after discount)

This black suede lace ankle boot made me almost jump when I see it in  the website. Not only that, it's quite pointy and the lace give kind of 'vintage' effect. Not only that the short heels is just good enough a bit of height but still be comfortable. I was actually inspired by Natalie Off Duty where she had this suede lace up Modern Vice boots in different colours. I was actually considering other colours and Clarks had this blue gray, but I thought it would not standout and black even though it's common but it can stand out better. I was quite worried about the sizing because past experience with Clarks, I'm always not satisfied. But I take my chances and I'm glad I did, the size was perfect and I don't even need a wide fit size. Happy!

Clarks Aintree Ticket GBP39.99
After getting those fabulous black suede boot, I was hooked again when 'grandpa' slippers is seen a lot on fashion bloggers/vloggers.... and again Clarks caught me with this leopard print. I've seen leopard print flats before but I never get a chance to get it and Clarks has open a pathway for me. It's so chic and can be very casual and you know how I am with leopard print, I just had to get it. It's leather with hairs so it does have the texture and sheen of hair, I love it! Again no sizing issue!

Clarks Henderson Cute GBP 49.99
Now last but not least....the latest addition *about a 1-2 weeks ago*! I can't remember how but I'm so glad I tried this out. Okay since I came to the UK brogues seems more common whereas in Malaysia it seems more as fashion forward. Not sure why but I always think I can't pull it off. Forward to the recently, I just thought I want to take a look at Clarks for a loafers because the Barrats synthetic one I had is falling apart. Even though I already had one from Hush Puppies but the styles was not quite the same. After I look at a few loafers they had I was beginning to argue on why I should get this or that... until I thought try another style and brogues suddenly come to mind *especially when Clarks is doing a lot of it*. I thought yeah, how about that and Natalie Suarez wears brogues *she's my footwear inspiration!* ... LOL, influenced much? To make it more interesting I chose the one with the cut out and weaving details since I chose a usual tan colour. I'm just glad I got it, it's flats so comfortable and it's leather, so I didn't have that 'regret' when I got the my Barratts flats loafer which I hoped was a leather. It look so great with a skinny and I can even wear this in quirky style, *look at picture below*....

Hauls #17 - Collective Beauty Hauls - Illamasqua, Avene, Eucerin

Continuing the collection haul from last post. 

These what I got from Boots. I think I bought this in 3 for two deal, so the Eucerin cleanser is free.

Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser 200ml GBP 9.18

I tried this product years ago when I was still in school but it was too expensive for me that time. I like that it's anti-bacterial, but also quite gentle in gel form, I never felt tight with this cleanser as far as I can remember. I'm thinking of converting from Origins A Perfect World Cleanser just because I want to get rid of foaming cleanser which can be quite drying. I'm still afraid if Eucerin Dermo Purifyer is drying but if that the case I probably try their gentle cleanser and keep this for emergency when I suddenly have breakouts.

Avene Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask 50ml GBP 15.00

When I'm trying new brands, mask is usually the first choice. Mask needs less commitment because you usually wear it once to 3 times a week, compare to a cream which usually once or twice daily. I thought Avene would have decent mask and I found this. There's two version, one Soothing Rich and the one I bought which is Soothing Repair. I chose the repair because I just love something repairing or rejuvenating *same as my love for Origins Planscription* and this probably because of my acne scars. 

  

Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Makeup Remover 200ml GBP 12.50
Ok I'll be lying if I said I was never tempted to get Bioderma, although I did never get to it. Micellar has been a 'big bomb' in beauty world for its art of removing makeup and I don't how I was drawn to Avene's one. What I really like about the idea of micellar, is that it's a liquid remover without oil and it can be for the whole face. So I think instead of getting wipes to be used when I'm too lazy to wash my face and just want to remove makeup. It doesn't need rinsing and it's technically a cleanser as well, so wipe it with the cotton pad and spritz Thermal Spring Water *which I also use occasionally* and done! Definitely great for travelling!

I got to thank the Pixiwoo Sam for introducing Illamasqua for me. She has made this brand to be more approachable to me because before this I think Illamasqua counter can be very dramatic and I can't get myself to the counter but finally I went for it.

Illamasqua Highlighter Brush GBP 24.00

I got this brush when I bought the foundation... on impulse. The sales assistant apply on me the Skin Base Foundation with this brush and I'm totally hooked. Now I'm fully understand why people love using those small dome dense brush for foundation like MAC 109, it just buff the foundation into the skin like a second layer. But this one is better for liquid since it's synthetic, so the brush is not easily ruin. I'm sure I'll be using less of my Real Technique Stippling Brush.

Illamasqua Blending Brush 1 GBP22.00

Alright I think I got this online and I have no idea why exactly I chose this. I was thinking of investing in a premium eyeshadow blending brush and I was aiming for MAC 224 after I got the MAC 217. But I thought of trying other brand and Illamasqua stood out especially when this brush has a reviewer state "a superior dupe of MAC 224" so I got it, lol. This is synthetic as well.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation #12 30ml GBP 27.00
The reason of how I got into Illamasqua in the first place. I has heard great reviews on this product and especially professional makeup artist reviewer all love it very much. There was an article from Beautylish which I tweeted before and praise this product. This is claimed as BB cream, and I totally understand it. It is but it's just not label as BB cream and it's been around even before BB cream got crazy in western beauty world. Now that's cool compare to most brand that just re-brand their average even shitty tinted moisturizer as the highly acclaimed BB cream. So I got matched at the counter and I could never be more satisfied with their service as they listen to me in what I want, which is a foundation that brightens up my face instead of just matching my skin tone flat. It is light but it can give full coverage finish.

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Electrum GBP 10.00 (original price price: GBP 17.50)
I got this in the sale because of the price drop. There was another darker brown colour which look nice as well, but for some reason I was afraid of the red shimmer in it when actually my skintone can pull it off actually. Nevertheless I was drawn to this yellow kind of tarnished antique gold and I'm always drawn to shimmery gold tone eye colour. Definitely prefer this colour than MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque. Great for simple eye lid colour.

Hauls #16 - Collective beauty hauls: Origins and MAC

I haven't done hauls in a very very long timeeeee... and this by not any means proving any reduction in my shopping habits... *it might have gotten worse*. 

I bought a lot of stuff but I never really get to it, you see, nothing in my first semester and now semester 2 is almost over and easter break coming up... but you know what that mean?? EXAM is soon and not to forget I have club committees to be dissolved in AGM soon... *lots of work*

Nevertheless, since I haven't done any hauls for the whole semester 1 and not yet in semester 2, I leave some of my new purchases still in boxes or bags etc... *now that might mean I need help* with the thought I might post a hauls, it's creeping me up and it's driving me nut that I haven't put these all up in my blog, I mean that is the purpose I have this blog ?? '-.- *lol, I really need help*. but at the same time I do feel 'embarrassed' that I bought 'a little' more than I should have... 

So overcoming that, now I finally got to it. Now some of the stuff dates probably back in September 2012 so since then, there are loads I tell you, LOADS of sh*ts that I myself can't believe I have purchased. I have tried other brands that I'm not use to so I'm excited to share that. But I can't really include every single new stuffs especially clothes because I wore it and all, so probably I'll post it in ootds or something.

Looking through the stuff, I can't really post everything in one large post because it would be so freakin' long and I'll be lazy about it. So I'll do it in a few parts and try to include as much as I can. This one will be on my all time favourite Origins and MAC. Again I would like to remind these are NOT bought in one big purchase.

ORIGINS - Brighter than Nature Skin-tone Correcting Moisturizer, Ginzing, Mega Bright Skin-tone Correcting Serum, Super Spot Remover, Plantscription Anti-ageing Serum

note: those are the usual price but I remember I got these in sales and I also use my Debenhams Beauty Club point so I pay less than the usual, not to forget the freebies I got as well.

Origings Planscription Anti-ageing Serum 50ml GBP 60.00
So I ran out of my Planscription and I just have to get another one and instead of the 30ml one, I decided to fork out extra for the 50ml one and all in all, it's more economic that way and I know I will use this up. This have been my staple serum. It great on my skin and my skin does not break out from it and I always feel that I don't break out as much when I wear this regularly. This was one of the products that change my skin when I started on Origins.

Origins Super Spot Remover 10ml GBP 13.00
Okay I admit I was influenced by the many beauty youtubers such thepersianbabe and uglyfaceofbeauty that rave about this product. I was having extra 10 quids that time and I thought why not? So I asked the sales assistant about the product, like what it's active ingredient etc and it is salicylic acid, I was afraid. I never had good experience with salicylic acid so I was skeptical at first, but she went on how it's gentle but strong enough and it botanical so it shouldn't irritate much. Since I haven't heard of the beauty youtubers saying it irritating, I end up purchasing it.

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins Mega-Bright Skintone Correcting Serum 30ml  GBP 46.00
I've been hearing good stuff about Dr. Weil's line for Origins and thought of giving this a try since I always on a look for a brightening skin-tone correcting serum. Now it was my luck that the sales assistant recommend me to buy this set for brighter skin *which I can't really remember the exact name* that not only contain a full size 30ml of the serum and including other stuff and for the same price as the single full size 30ml of the serum itself. So definitely a bargain since I don't even have to pay more and I even got a cute cosmetic bag.
It include 50ml of the Brighter By Nature Skin-tone Correcting Moisturizer and full size 15ml GinZing refreshing eye cream which is in a tube *very handy for travelling*.

Plus in one of the purchases, I got another extra sample tube of the Planscription serum *I love this stuff* which is in 15ml tube.

Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Face Mask 100ml GBP 34.00

I bought this mask in midst of a sale and there was only one tube left. The sales assistant told me it take a while to restock this and you wouldn't get the sale discount by then... so for me, at that moment, it was a no brainer... I had tried the mask using the oh-so-generous 30ml sample I got a while ago and it was really the best mask I ever tried. Especially when you have break out, it calms them down and really help with the healing. Got to have it, the full size tube that is.

MAC- Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, Lipstick in Russian Red, Prep+Prip Lip, Lip Pencil in Stripdown

MAC Lipstick (Matte) in Russian Red GBP 14.00

I finally got one of the iconic red shade lipstick in the beauty world. It was between Russian Red or Ruby Woo, I chose Russian Red because I was told that Russian Red is a tad more warm than Rubywoo, so again... a no-brainer, lol. Not only that, I also think Russian Red is a cooler name and this was Gwen Stefani favourite red lipstick, hahaha! Media influenced much? But I did also read some reviews and comparison people made and they always said that both differ in texture where Rubywoo is more of a dry crayon like and Russian Red is more creamy. I prefer the latter because I pretty much dry on lips and even though it's 'creamy', Russian Red still gives off that bold matte red lips.

MAC Prep+Prime Lip GBP 12.00

 What better way to perfect a red lips look than to starting off with a nice base. I always wanted this since I watch that MAC cosmetics video featuring Fatima on how to get the perfect red lips, it make lipstick last longer and stop feathering *very important for red lips*. I think this would be perfect for me as I am an avid red or bold deep colour lipstick wearer.

MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder GBP 19.50

 Another product I've been wanting to have and this is my first translucent powder. It would be better for me since finding the right powder for my skintone is really difficult. I tried it in the counter and I was satisfied. At first I thought of getting the pressed form but the sales assisstant just tell me that I'm better off with the loose form especially when I'm getting more product for the same price and she said I don't really need this for touch up. Sold! hahaa!

MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown GBP 11.50

I am an avid red lipstick wearer but I can't deny I still covet those Olsens Twin-styled matte beige nude lips, I want those effect on me. But it's hard to get the right one, the usual nude lipliner I just afraid might be too light on me and the one I had in Spice can look bit more coloured *not the 'nude'* than I want to. I tried asking at counters before, but I don't know which switch was off in my brain that I endup buying a pinky nude Dervish?? So I just go there, ask for the Stripdown and try it. And surprisingly it's not too light/chalky as I expect it to be, it was the best nude beige I have, more importantly it's matte. I think this would work well with my MAC Taupe and probably the Rimmel in Nude Delight. We'll see.

MAC Brush 217 Blending Brush GBP 17.00  and 
208 Angled Brow Brush GBP16.00

I finally got to expand my MAC brush 'collection'. A blending brush is a must and I want to invest in a good one. MAC 217 and 224 are very popular and I end up buy the 217 because it was a bit cheaper but I thought this is a good start. At the same time I thought getting a proper brow brush since the one I used from Real Techniques is quite ridiculously large and does not deliver the finish I want on my brow.I went with the 208, since it says 'brow brush' straight on, so it was direct, lol. I thought this was one of the two that the Pixiwoo sister mention, but it wasn't *they mention 263 and 266*. Well, all three is pretty much the same. 

Shopping Haul - KLCC and Ampang Point *For Eid/Raya*

First of all, I would like to wish you guys Selamat Hari Raya or Eid Mubarak for all Muslims. Hopefully you guys and families have a wonderful and blessed Eid. Now I should have done this a little earlier, but you know me, always late.

Just want to share with guys a haul.... again... Actually I do want to post something else but then I don't want something related to Eid to be so late right. Eventhough it might not inspire you for your Eid this year but hopefully it is some other ways still helpful.

So it's been a while since I went to KLCC and I don't think I went there last year when I got back home. I like KLCC and Ampang Point because it's really close to my house and it pretty much got what I need and what I like.

So to be honest, I don't really have the slightest idea on what to buy, I was thinking maybe shoes, or some dressy blouse or makeup??? so my momentum was slow that time but nevertheless I still manage to pick a few items... some are specifically for Eid and some is just regular shopping I guess.

Blue strappy embellished wedges - Vincci RM 60.00 

This, honestly is not really my style but I really find the embellishment very interesting, there is one in nude beige colour. And actually I was with my sister, and I thought she should try it, and she ask for her size, but it seems they had only the nude in her size and coincidentally the blue one in my size. So when my sister was trying them I was like "go get it, it's less than a hundred ringgit, you can't go wrong and you love wedges... bla bla" to my sister even though that day we were aiming for like a more pricier shoes... then she coax me into trying the blue one, and she hit me back about the shoes being cheap and all. And thus we end up buying the same shoes but of different colour. It is interesting as well since after a while this year suddenly our mum are making uniform baju kurung for us to wear on the first day of Raya. So I think that's fine. And again since it's quite cheap, there's not much to lose.

Cream studded flats - Zara RM 120

Actually I spotted a really really cool spiky studded flats in black, and I almost want to get it. But then I thought of the number of black shoes increasing as well as I don't think my dad is going to be ok with spiky shoes. So I got this cream one instead, and it still great for me, since it's studded the whole front and it's not like those ballet flat, it's like slipper so more coverage on my feet which I prefer. It is definitely a good alternative when I'm tired wearing those new wedges. I like it that it's quite dressy and sparkl so it's kinda cool to wear it for Eid.

Next stop Parkson.

Leather loafers - Hush Puppies RM 198

Okay, I definitely don't buy this for Raya... it's too simple for me. But I always wanted to buy a Hush Puppies loafers. It's versatile, comfortable and I just love good leather shoes. After a while of buying Clark Shoes I realize that I actually prefer Hush Puppies. Not really about the design but it's nicer to my feet?  However I just love to have this since I'm already wrecked my tanned flats. I do prefer them in tanned leather than in nude one, but I'm ok with that.

So before heading to clothes section I thought I should get some undergarment, I do invest in bras and Triumph was doing some kind of a deal and I got RM75 off which is a lot! I just mention this because I just want to say it out loud like even though it's an 'under'garment there's nothing to lose when you buy something from Triumph, even my old ones are still look new and the bra strap aren't loose or tattered. The last one I got was like more than 2 years ago so it's definitely a great investment.

I always goes to Dorothy Perkins at Parkson because they always have something dressy which should be good for Eid outfit. So my sis and I working out through the rails *sales one first* and to be honest there's nothing amazing that we can find. But I picked up this dress, thought it look decent. It's an ok dress, the print look interesting and it was about RM 70. Before this I thought of short dress like skater dress would look nice on skinny but every time I try it just does not work out. But this one is a bit different, it is quite a fit but the skirt does not flare out too much. So it's kind of give a more streamlined look, like you're wearing a quite fitted long blouse.

Taupe dress - Dorothy Perkins RM 70

 Its short sleeve and the neck is quite plunging, but I thought I would wear this with a cropped jacket or blazer some kind. Cropped cardigan would be nice but I don't have that.

Rings and Brooches

Okay by the look of the pictures, you can guest that I got crazy *again* with rings. So I got these rings at Chamelon KLCC. I actually love their rings, some of my favourite wrings are from there. So I went in and take a look and they have like multitude *trays and trays* of thin silver and gold rings and I was like going crazy over them. . It's been a while since I saw rings sold like that, I mean we can't get that from Topshop or H&M so I really like that. I just got two of the silver one and I've been into these kind of rings and wear them stacked and mixed. I should have gotten more actually.

Then I got the one with red stone, thought the deep colour look cool, kind of interesting to wear it matching with my deep red lips look. It will give kind of bohemian dark look... definitely great for upcoming autumn winter season.

Then I just pick up the gold flower ring because it remind me of the silver rose ring I had, if would have be really really perfect. But I like it cause I only had gold leaves... and I don't know, I love incorporate floral into my style and this is not making it too girlish.

Then the blue stone, I actually would love if it's like those turquoise with black veinings stone, but I don't find one with preferred size, but I like this colour. Blue starting to get on my list, for some reason. It's not too dark which can be so predictable of me, it's a bit light shade but muted in a way. And this definitely look good if I wear with my blue face large metal watch which I always always wear. 

That watch I got from Bumcity and it's been 4 years and last time, I broke it *again* in Korea, but it's fixed. So now I'm trying to not to wear it too regularly since probably it aged and I'll cry if it's broken for good. 

I can't remember the exact price of these rings, but the stones one like more than RM 10  I think, and the gold flower one probably about RM 7  and the silver are less than RM 4 *I can't remember seriously*

Then I went to Ampang Point which is like less than 10 minutes from home. A lot of my brooches for my hijab is tattered  broken so I thought of getting more. So I just went to this one stall and got this, they are 4 for RM 10 or 5 for RM 10, and I share with my sis. So personally I don't really wear large  brooches at all, as you see I'm not really an avid follower of hijab's trend or brooches trend. I would wear my scarf normally as I do and wear like small to medium size brooch on my shoulder to secure it. Probably because I'm the type who likes to wear rings and necklace and maybe arm candies, so I would tone down on brooches. If I ever have big brooches it's usually from my mum.

Then of course when we get new clothes we got to get new scarf as well,  especially for our baju kurung. I had a problem because I don't remember exactly the colour and tone of my baju kurung, yikes! Nevertheless I still look around and found these two scarf at the ground floor 'Raya Bazaar'. Both are printed and they are cotton, I think, hopefully easy to manage.

Dark blue leopard print RM10

This is just a basic and I already had one kind of like this pattern but in chiffon. But it's old and kind off tattered so I thought I just get this before my old suddenly ripped. *but I love my old one more, I've seen many people have wore something like this before*. Actually I was thinking of doing mixing pattern outfit which I would wear this with my full checkered baju kurung, since both of them regular pattern, I thought it might work. When I got back, the tones is quite off... it could have been nice to have it match. Oh well, it still very wearable.

Peachy Beige Mixed print RM10

Now this is quite interesting. I thought it's definitely great to wear with plain clothes, it has a brown or beige undertone which I feel it's look flattering on me. The mixed print kind of off the roof, we got polka dots in middle part and the ends are like mixed of green, 'purple' thin leaves and patches deep maroon like almost like leopard print.. hahaa! It's hard to explain now. I was surprised to find this suddenly work with this plain beige embellish baju kurung I have. hahah! now that's a miracle? Maybe because the floral embellish on the baju kurung is small and soft, so that's why I think it might work.

Shirt with star print - Reject Shop RM 60

 Then we head to this store called Reject Shop, the clothes there are very affordable and some can be very cool. I saw a lot of printed *mostly floral* smock top and I would love to get it but I thought I might buy too much and anyway  I already have a number of smocked top, so I chose to get this. This is more to casual for me, and I think it's a bit different of me because I never tried this print before. What I really love is that it's like raglan sleeve and with boxy or loose fit, definitely my favourite fit to be wear with skinny. I like it's dark so it definitely will look great with my oatmeal beige skinny.

So that's all, again wish you guys  Selamat Hari Raya.
I might tweets my ootd at times *I should have done a lookbook, but I lost that chance now.* I hope you guys keep follow my updates and follow my twitter. :)

Seoul Trip Haul

I finally got the time to post this, this time it's not the writing take slows me but transferring of pictures... I was just lazy to get the wire and transferring the picture, bluetooth all 400+ pics from the trip.... haihhhh lagilah. 

And it's Ramadhan, so I wasn't really blogging actively as well there's some stuff that need my attention.

So apologies to my blog!haha!

So again I want to keep this simple, I got some other post to publish but I thought I started with this.

The Seoul Trip I had in July was really really a BLASTT!! IT was eleven of us, 12 days in  Seoul, total chaos, hahaha! It feel a bit unfortunate that I don't get to go to other places in S. Korea like Jeju but seriously nevermind that. Not visiting other places might mean  I would visit South Korea again. There were a lot of adventure and I surely want to share it here though I really want to finish previous summer trip post, but it will happen. 

That's kind of like an intro of the trip and here's the haul!

Seoul HAUL!! - 

So other than albums I definitely aims to spree on skincare and cosmetics. The thing is, I'm kind of a 'generous' traveler, I'm definitely not too thrifty for pocket money when travelling. I would spent on food; meals and snacks, I definitely not the type who eat just bread for dinner to save money. This result that my shopping budget is not as much.
I do admit that there's some of thing I would like to buy but didn't get to, like YG Family latest Concert DVD, but I got 2NE1 Nolza Concert DVD. Other albums I got BIG BANG Still Alive (Big Bang version) *ergghhhh I should have gotten the TOP's version* and 2PM Hands Up *they didn't have the concert '-.-* and at the last minute I just pickup Big Bang Alive as well, first it's the packaging, which is really damnnnn! And I thought of getting TOP's version and they sold out? '-.- since the price is not that pressing I just pick up GD's version, hahaha! some part of me do think of getting other albums, but I still end up paying for that! I was also looking for Brown Eyed Girls but they don't have it... haihhhh... the sad story of buying albums...'-.- continue on

Note: I don't include some stuffs that I bought for other people

As you might know skincare market are BIG in Korea. In every area I went to I will see these stores; Tony Moly, Etude House, Missha, Nature's Republic *some of the popular stores, kind of high street* and many more. Even in the subways station!! And they close at 9 or 10 pm or even later, oh my god! Shopping paradise! You know I have been staying in the UK which stores close by 6pm, so shopping later at night did make me feel refreshed. And when we got there it's the summer sale, and at airports we got goodies bag that contain free generous sample of skincare even a premium line *dying of happiness* not to forget that when I shopped for cosmetics not only they were discounted but they also give out free stuff... these what they call "SERVICES" or "EVENT", cool!

The free samples I got including a 5 sheets of facemask (the green one) - Nature's Republic, Tony Moly

I have used some of free samples and I might come up with a post on like short review or first impression.

For skincare I was looking for something uniquely Korean *something of a big hype* and premium.

My eyes caught the PREMIUM SNAIL Intense Care from Tony Moly,

Yes,  it's snails! Before this, I had read about snail's secretion (mucin) skincare goodness, it's good for rejuvenation and it has healing properties, very good for acne prone or post acne prone *like me*. In Korea snail skincare was the hype a while back. Most brands have their own snail skincare range, but I decide to get this because it's discounted. 

So from the Tony Moly Intense Care Snail I got the:-

• Snail Cream (45ml) which include a sample of the Snail Eye Cream (15ml) in the box
• Snail Essence (35ml)  which include sample of the Snail Skin (20ml) which a toner and Snail Lotion (20ml) in the box. 
• Snail Foam Cleanser - FREE full size package. OH MY GOD!

 I love them! Like I said before these are premium skincare, so it's quite pricey. I thought getting the mask but it's sold together with the ampule which are too pricey for my budget.

• 

  Picture below, from left: *Tony Moly Intense Care Snail* Foam Cleanser (free), ** Essence ( 38,000 won),
  **Cream (35,000+ won? can't really remember),  Tony Moly Floria Berry Anti-Wrinkle Sleeping Pack (15,000 won? Can't remember as well)

• 
  
• 
  

 

• Tony Moly Floria Berry Anti-wrinkle Sleeping Pack. 

Sleeping pack/mask, again, very popular in Korea. This is suppose to be put on after all your night skincare, you sleep with it and wake up with healthy great skin. For this range, there's another one for whitening which I want to get first but this had more discount, hahah! Not that expensive and the discount reduced it's price a lot. It contains blueberry flower, and no I don't recall this ingredient before, but I trust Koreans, hahah! 

I haven't use these stuff yet, will do soon probably when I'm back in Belfast. 

Next skincare products that are popular there are face mask in sheets, ok they have these around the world but not as many and as popular as in South Korea that even guys regularly use them. They have many affordable and cheaper version, but they are still very good.

Now, I just realize that I only bought snail related mask, I'm not sure what was I thinking, but I just didn't get to buy other type of mask.

• Nature Republic Snail Therapy 1000 Hydrogel mask sheets 5s
• Nature Republic Snaytox Anti-Wrinkle Hydrogel mask 5s
• Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination watery mask 5s (FREE)

 Snail Therapy and Snaytox mask are the most expensive mask sheet I found there with price at almost 5,000 won per sheets, so these mask almost cost 50,000 won.

• Tony Moly Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask in Snail  10s, price at 10,000 *I should have gotten other type too... oh man*

From Left: Nature Republic Snail Therapy 1000 Hydrogel Mask sheet, Nature's Republic Snaytox Anti-Wrinkle Hydrogel Mask, Tony Moly Nature Pulp Essence Sheet Mask Snail.

From the skincare shopping experience I had in Seoul, I just had to say that most of the staff does not speak English, but usually they do have one or two staffs that speaks English especially in popular area like Myeongdong. Some of them are really good and explain well and convincing, some are good enough to be helpful. Now with that, foreigners definitely have no problems getting explanation on the products and some product have English explanation but you might get a bit iritated due to the ridiculous error *ko-nglish*. I wonder how would it be shopping at French pharmacy...

Ok now on makeup. As you can see, I don't buy much. I think because uniquely Korean makeup style is not really my style and I'm not really into looking like typical Korean stars which they usually go for natural simple look and lot of eyeliner.Only a few Korean celebrities manage to amaze me, usually singer like Lee Hyori since singer they experiment with look. Korean actress? Drama and film? Not really. So again, I look for something popular among Koreans and suit my style as well and I got these three items.

From Left: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ in No.23 Natural  Beige (25,000+ won), Tony Moly Crystal Light Pink Beam (less than 10,000 won), Tony Moly Tony Tint Red Apple (less than 10,000 won)

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ in No.23 Natural  Beige 

BB creams are the mother of base makeup in of the Koreans. There, believe me even each brand can carry up to 10  type of BB cream and then we got varieties of brands, so IT IS A LOT of variety to choose from. However, thank god that I am dark tanned not many will actually suit me. I don't think there's any that matches me exactly and I had my experience with BB cream which I decide it's not really my style, but since this is popular in Korea I had to get one no matter what.

• Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in No.23

It is one of the most popular BB cream *internationally*, there's tons of reviews on the internet, and what make's it really really popular is that it's coverage is really good and that it matches darker skintone better. This was the first BB cream I always wanted to try, but I just didn't get the chance. After a while I just didn't bother.

I already used this and it's actually quite good, and the coverage is interesting. It's not about how much it covering, but how the covering feels *does that make sense?*. I would simply said it covers unlike how full coverage foundation  do, which is better... I'll explain more in a deeper review in the future. Other than that, I also like that it is not only SPF 42 but also PA+++.

Left: Tony Moly Crystal Light Pink Beam, Tony Moly Tony Tint in Red Apple.

 Another staple in Koreans makeup that suite my style is liquid HIGHLIGHTER or they call it "pearl". Koreans usually go for that overall glow by mixing into their base*BB creams usually* and add more of this on high points of the face. I never had liquid highlighter before but I tried cream type like MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl. 

•  Tony Moly Crystal Light Pink Beam

At first I bought this for my sister because I don't like the colour being pink, I prefer it in champagne or gold tones *warmer tone* but they don't have that. But since I'm quit an avid highlighter user, I end up putting it on. And it's actually look decent. It definitely does not show up as pink, and it applied almost sheer. At first I thought it's quite shimmery and glittery but it does not seem that way when I put on, it give a nice sheen 'glowy' effect. I'm impressed with it for now. At one look, it's actually a dupe for Benefits High Beam. It is I think, but I think it might be better than Benefit. I tried swatching on Benefits Sun Beam before, and it's surprisingly very shimmery unlike what I see in review by vlog, so I reckon High Beam might be same... hmmm.

• Tony Moly Tony Tint in RED APPLE

When I beginning to wear makeup I do like the stained or tinted look, natural pink/red lips but not so anymore since now I'm so into deep and bright lip colour. However, my friends on the trip was making a fuss on lip tint and I thought I check it out.  Again, there are  a lot of varieties and definitely very popular and I would say uniquely Koreans. There's shiny type, pale pink, bright pink even orange... If you think Korean celebrities are baring their lips naked and got a healthy pink colour, think again. They are 98% probably wearing lip tint. 
What actually make me purchase this, is the shade, Red Apple. I swatched it on, and it's really a decent colour that really suit my style. It can be deep red, not pink *though you can stained it to light* and it's matte. It stained lips so it should stay on longer. However, it is quite a mess to get it stained my lips and for now, I think it's just an ok product. It's totally fine since it's cheap

As I was visiting places and others I always notice they sell compact mirror. There's lot of beautiful and elegant  design and by the end of trip I decide buy one. I got mine from Insadong and it's 10,000 won I think. I like it that it's white with slight iridescent  and design is pretty, got a bit of hangul, definitely a sweet token from Korea. Plus I want to touch-up my lipstick, I don't have to take out my compact powder which is convenient

Non-cosmetics/fashion Items : Mirror, slingbag, necklace, bracelets

In the trip, I do want to get a bag, but I don't know, probably I didn't set up a budget so I was not sure what bag to get and I already set my eyes for a certain bag of certain brand and by then I have spent most of my money for skincare. 

However, I manage to get this one very  lovely and very inexpensive bag. I first saw one in green at Myeondong and thought I will get it when I go to Myeondung for serious shopping. But when I went there again, the green is gone!! argghhh... So there were only black and orange and I choose orange so it is more interesting. Anyway, since it's cheap I would experiment with bolder colour.

Orange Slingbag - 10,000 won

Although it's cheap and well, synthetic materials *you know how much I like my leather*, to me it looks expensive. It's simple, no brand attached, I hate those imitation brand stamp... The design is nice and the leopard print definitely interest me and it's quite boxy, long strap/handle and bright coloured, totally Korean style. hahah!

Necklace 9,000 won, blue beads bracelet 3,000 won, leather band bracelet 8,000 won

I bought old gold necklace and blue orange bracelet at Hongdae.
It's actually intresting to shop at Hongdae as well, the small boutiques and standup stall. Probably because that Hongdae is the place for artist etc, there are actually a lot of cool interesting design in for fashion items, though it's not always cheap. I like the necklace being old gold, the wing is of decent size and there's a 'touch' of leather and makes it a bit interesting and it's actually look simple.
Now the bead bracelet! I totally love it! I've been wearing it a lot a lot since I got it, the colour is really nice the patches of blue and orange in beads makes it's stood out on my wrist. I should have got more, arghhhh... but that time it was quite early in the trip so I was a bit careful when purchasing stuff.

Then I got thin leather bracelet at Dongdaemun, it's quite pricey, but the cheaper alternatives didn't look as good as this one. I actually wanted to try to the spiky one, you see them quite popular these days but after a lot of thinking, I forgo it. I thought if I want to get spiky bracelet, it's popular now, so I can get it elsewhere. So I end up buying this since again it looks elegant, simple, I definitely will wear it piled on *if I want to style up to the max* . I like the golden clip and I did have a hard time choosing the colour but I guess you can never go wrong with tanned leather.

I just realize that I didn't take individual pictures of the scarf I got there as well, it was from Insadong, 4,000 won per piece, which is quite cheap. I bought two *again, should have gotten another one*, one with large blue floral print, and one with small red flowers, you can see it on the first picture above.  And probably in the future I put up OOTDs with the scarf.

So I hope you guys enjoy this haul and hopefully this post give a peek into what you guys getting while shopping in Seoul, South Korea.

Spring 2012 Beauty hauls - mostly makeups!

Alright just finish my exam. It's just one module that I sit for the 3rd time so hopefully 3rd time is a charm, and I scored this finally... haihhhh...


So continue on... first post after exam, beauty hauls.


This season for some reason I was into brushes. Just thank goodness, I was not sucked into MAC brushes crazyness, I was spending more drugstore brands *cheaper*. and I would thank the Boots's 3 for 2 offer for this.

so I'm not sure where to start but since I talked about brushes, so let's start with that, again these are all in random order because there's is no way I can remember when I got all these stuff. This seems a lot *and expensive* but you see I'll just put up the retail price here but most of the stuff I got for free or discounted from store offers or my beauty card club claim *rebate* and note that all price in GBP.

So as you know I am a big fan of Pixiwoo channel on Youtube, I really like that Samantha Chapman has comeup with a brush collection "Real Techniques" and it's all synthethic brush and affordable.
The face brush might cost a bit more than 10 quids, then there's brush set for a bit more 20 quids and in set they got about 4 brushes, making this collection really affordable.
Real Techniques

Top: The packaging,
 Bottom: Brushes in panaromic view style  brush  pouch,
 from left: pixel point eyeliner, accent brush, brow brush, base shadow brush, deluxe crease brush

Starter set (eyes): 20.99
I admit I got this because of the rave on the 'Deluxe Crease Brush' that is an amazing brush for putting on concealer. The other brush included in this are the base shadow brush, accent brush, pixel-point eyeliner brush and brow brush. Then there is a nice brush pouch which is really great for travelling especially.

Stippling brush : 10.99
I was just really tempt for some reason. After watching a few videos using stippling brush with foundation and I was more convinced.This one is all synthetic bristles and supposedly 'stippling and swirl' method can be used with this brush instead of the traditional dual fibre stippling brush method which is just to stipple.

Eco tools brush is also one of those recommended by Pixiwoo and love it because it's affordable.

Recycled Retractable Kabuki 12.99
I got this for touch up purpose and I don't really like the sponge that come with powder compact. I used to bring my Bodyshop Kabuki brush because it has pouch but it's just too much effort that I had to get it out from the pouch so I have to get those retractable one. This is a good option because it's a good quality and cheap.

Touch Up Set 14.99
I think I got this in the Boots offer 3 for 2, and instead getting something cheap for free, I make sure all the stuff I bought is of about the same price so I save more than 10.00 pounds. Great! The reason I snatched this set because I was attracted that it has lip brush and lash brow groomer because I don't have proper one. Other brush included is the Finishing Brush and Eye Shading Brush which is great for under eye sockets and it come with an extra pouch.

MAC Brush Cleanser 8.50
Did you know how long does my brush take to dry itself after cleasing?? Days!! Which I found so inconvenient so I got this brush cleanser. It's alcohol base so it disinfect, clean and condition, plus with faster drying. What's greater is that it's good for cleansing between use since it's fast drying as explained by MAC sale assistant when I was at the counter.

As you all know I am quite a MAC junkie so these what I got.

MAC

From Left upper:  MAC Lipliner in Dervish, Prep+Prime Eyes #Medium Dark, Lipstick  # Taupe, #Diva

Lipstick in Diva  13.50
A great deep red burgundy matte colour, with enough red pigment since I don't really like 'too much purple' like Rebel. Finally a decent lipstick for the wine lipstained effect.

Lipstick in Taupe  13.50
I got to thank ThePersianbabe for introducing me to this lipstick on Youtube. I'm buying this so it could be a great day to day lipstick since it's not so 'full on' and also it's a matte which I always prefer. It actually look quite nude but a bit darker on me but it's great! I would love to explain more but maybe on another post.


Prep+Prime Eye in Medium Dark 12.50
I thought of getting the MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre because it's a better match for my skin but I hate the idea of getting another paint pot for the same purpose because then what I would do with my Painterly Paint Pot?? So I decided to try this one. For days I'm doing simple wash of colour or simple eyeliner when I feel Painterly Paint Pot is just too much but I still can't forgo eye base, this is great. It's quite sheer and the sales assistant explain to me to use it very sparingly and before my concealer or even under paint pot.


Lipliner in Dervish 10.50
I can remember exactly why I got this, I think I was trying to get a lighter brown nude lipliner *lighter than Spice* but the sales assistant match me to this which is pink one but I kinda like it and got it which mean I end up not buying what I originally want to... haihh...*I wasn't on top of my game that day* But, I'm not really into wasting stuff as well as  returning so I still use it. It's lighter than Whirl  and has a bit of sheen.

From Left: MAC Eyeshadom (Refill Pan) # Cork, #Print

Eyeshadow in Cork 10.00
Eyeshadow in Print 10.00
So since I got the Z-pallete *large one* I was only thinking of getting eyeshadow or blush in pans so it's more cheaper. So I got MAC Pro Pallete  Refill Pan in Print to add a dark grey into my collection and it has some shimmer but not glittery. Another one in Cork which is a matte medium yellow toned beige, great for subtle contouring since my Brun is a bit too dark.

Packed To Go: 3 Assorted Black Eyeliner 27.50
I bought this just because it's a great bargain. Three full size MAC eyeliner for less than 30.00 pounds??? Woww! It would be really perfect if it got brown in it... haiihhh. So this include the Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack, Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved and Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline.

Mineralized Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle 21.50
Definitely the latest purchase,  a bit of retail therapy during exam mode. I always wanted to get MAC skinfinish and when MAC In Extra Dimension come up with 'to die for' golden tone Whisper of Gilt, I really want to get it, but UNFORTUNATELY they ran out. I missed it. There's some stock of Glorify which is more bronzy but I don't want that. So to make myself feel better I got the Mineralized one, Soft and Gentle. I might make another post on highlighters.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse #39 23.50
I got to say I had to get an injection of luxury at times and Chanel does it for me, that's is all.
This is a matte to satin finish, very light and airy and the colour is just a divine deep red and very much 'me'! The luxury effect definitely obvious with the amazing packaging with 'click on' and 'Chanel' engraved.

Origins A Perfect World Anti-oxidant Cleanser with White Tea 17.00
I used Neutrogena before and I love the Refreshing Cleanser *blue bottle* but it ran out when I was back in Malaysia last summer and I asked my sis to get it since I want to stay at home that day, but she got the Deep Cleansing (orange liquid) instead which is very drying for me. After a while, I just had to change it. It takes me to use it up 3/4 of the bottle that I finally decided to throw it, haha! So instead of looking for the right Neutrogena cleanser I thought of getting Origins instead since I'm using their skincare.

These definitely I bought because of the offers in Boots. Nevertheless a little comment why I reach for these.

From Left: Revlon Photoready Makeup #Vanilla, Revlon Bronzer #Sunkissed, Barry M Dazzle Dust #Old Gold

Revlon PhotoReady Makeup in Vanilla #002 12.99

I thought of getting a lighter foundation to be mixed with my very dark Clinique Superbalanced makeup so that it matches my face better.

Revlon Bronzer in Sunkissed #02 7.99
I was attracted to it's finish, I thought it would be a great subtle highlighter.


Barry M Dazzle Dust in Old Gold #24  4.59
I was attracted as a cheaper pigment, and Old Gold seems like an easy colour to pull of.

Okay I got to admit this post is quite compact... I don't put much comment so that this post is not too long...
Though most I would include ins certain near future post.


So it's summer holiday for me now, I have about a month in Belfast before I go back to Malaysia and then I have my trip to Seoul Korea in July so can't wait for that. That reminds me that I haven't finish my post on my Europe trip last summer... I'm lame at this... '-.-