HAUL | Sephora VIB Sale

It's officially the last day before 2017 - a very Happy New Year to all of you! I've been having a wonderful Christmas break spending time with family and Riley, just huddled up on the couch watching classics like Home Alone and The Santa Clause while sippin' on hot cocoa. It was Riley's first Christmas with us as well so the highlight has been dressing her up in Santa outfits.. hehe. Dog owners, right?

Before 2016 is over, I wanted to share everything I picked up in the Sephora VIB sale earlier last month - again, I had my order shipped to my best friend's house in the states and she kindly brought everything back for me when she flew home for the holidays. Thanks girl! This time, I really capitalized on the 20 percent off discount and splurged on a few much needed skincare products, while making a conscious effort to minimize makeup purchases - props to me.

Let's start off with all my new goodies! I picked up not one, but two eye creams to add to my skincare collection - the Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate and Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream. Both samples left my eye area smooth and rejuvenated, and also wore well under makeup, so I splurged and got both. Guilty as charged! I also got the Bobbi Brown Protective Face Base SPF 50 after trying a sample my sister gave me, and really appreciated how lightweight it felt on my skin and under makeup. I've always had to mix shades Vanilla and Custard together to use as concealer, so I went ahead and picked up one of the new NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer shades in Cannelle, which thankfully turned out to be the perfect light yellow shade with a peachy undertone for my under eyes. I never had the intention to try out the Beauty Blender Micro Mini, but with such a significant discount I thought, 'why the heck not?'. I can't wait to try these tiny sponges out for concealer as well as detailed contouring and highlighting. The last thing I need in my life is another foundation brush, but the Sephora Collection Pro Featherweight Complexion Brush #90 had overwhelmingly positive reviews - some people even raved that it gave a more flawless finish than the Beauty Blender - so I just had to try it out for myself. After just a few uses, I have to wholeheartedly agree with the masses - softest bristles ever and blends like a freakin' dream.

Sephora Collection Pro Featherweight Complexion Brush #90

As for repurchases - which translates to tried-and-true favorites - I got a new Benefit Erase Paste Brightening Concealer in Medium to replace my old (and quite possibly expired) jar. I also got another trusty Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, my favorite Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, and another backup of the Beauty Blender with a Mini Blender Cleanser Solid. Last but not least, I redeemed my annual birthday gift from Sephora - the Marc Jacobs Birthday Gift including the Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in Blacquer 42 and Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 216. I don't own any Marc Jacobs makeup as of yet, so I'm itching to try these out. Thanks Sephora!

Marc Jacobs Birthday Gift

That's a wrap - thanks for checking out my Sephora VIB haul! I hope that in 2017, I can give you guys more exciting hauls, reviews, first impressions, travel diaries and all that good stuff! 

I'm off to go countdown now - thanks for a great year and see you all in 2017!

TRAVEL | Tokyo 2016

My family is a family of Scorpios. In November, we celebrated my birthday, my mom's birthday, both my uncles' birthday, and our dog's first birthday. Pretty crazy, right? Well, my sister's birthday was at the end of October (she's right on the cusp between Libra and Scorpio, but we just call her an honorary Scorpio), and in celebration of her big day, we took a short weekend trip to one of our favorite cities, Tokyo!

We crammed all the food, sights and activities we could manage into our four day, three night stay, and had an awesome sisters bonding trip without the parentals. Freedom! Just kidding - my parents wanted to stay home to take care of Riley. Awww. I've been to Tokyo a handful of times, but I still manage to experience something new and exciting every time I visit. One thing's for sure - you will never see enough of Tokyo. Here are the highlights from my trip!

Tsukiji Fish Market |

Hamarikyu Gardens |

Bunon |

Harry's Hedgehog Cafe |

Gonpachi |

Hachiko |

Shibuya Crossing |

Harajuku Gyozaro |

Mori Art Museum |

TeamLab Exhibition |

Ginza |

Midori Sushi |

And of course, no holiday is ever complete unless there is some sort of beauty haul involved. While I indulged mostly in food this time around (and currently rocking the extra five pounds), I did snag a new foundation, the Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 17, and two repurchases, the Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil and Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion. I will be doing reviews on these products in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures, and please let me know your favorite spots in Tokyo!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara x Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara |

I was always skeptical about high-end mascaras until I tested out the Guerlain Cils D'Enfer So Volume Maxi Lash Mascara in the first ever edition of Sample Sunday, and since then I've been on a mission to test out all the high-end mascaras I can get my hands on. This YSL mascara claims to "exaggerate lashes with excess volume from every angle", and reminded me of the Guerlain mascara in almost every aspect - both mascaras gave my lashes volume and lift all day with minimal smudging, has a similar floral fragrance, and are both $32 for the full size. If I had to differentiate between the two, I would say this YSL mascara gives me bigger, more voluminous lashes (at the cost of slightly more clumping), while the Guerlain's short, bristly teethed mascara wand gives longer, more fluttery lashes. Both are great volumizing mascaras (and it really depends on personal preference), but if I had to nitpick, the bigger, bushier YSL wand is trickier to work with in terms of trying not to get mascara on the lids and ruining that bomb smokey eye - that is the worst.

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream |

After testing out the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream in the last Sample Sunday, I wanted to stay on the Bobbi Brown train and try out the eye cream sample as well. The Extra Eye Repair Cream claims to repair, revive and strengthen the eye area by targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness and dryness. That's an impressive list of claims! First of all, this stuff is thick, so a little goes a long way. It feels rich and luxurious but does take a bit of warming up between the fingertips to spread smoothly under the eyes. The ultra-creamy consistency means it takes a while longer (I give it at least 5 minutes) to absorb fully, so for those of you who like to snooze in the morning like myself, this won't work as part of your 5 minute makeup routine. Under makeup, I have yet to notice any creasing or pilling up which is a good sign. As a nighttime eye cream, this feels wonderfully moisturizing and I do think my under eyes look smoother and my fine lines less pronounced after just a few days, while my dark circles are still beyond repair (excuse the pun). Bobbi Brown does also offer the Hydrating Eye Cream which is lighter in consistency and may be a better option for daytime. So far, I'm loving this Extra Eye Repair Cream as part of my nighttime skincare routine and would be willing to fork over the $72USD for the full size.

REVIEW | MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation

It's taken me years to finally take the plunge and buy my first ever MAC foundation - the whole NC/NW shade system confused the heck outta me, was it just me? - but it's better late than never! When the Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation first launched last fall, I was instantly drawn to the name - like a moth to a burning flame - on account of my unhealthy obsession with lightweight, natural bases with SPF.

MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation

$34 USD at MAC, Nordstrom

30ml, 1oz | 23 Shades

MAC's shade system is one of the most counterintuitive concepts I've ever come across. All their foundations are categorized into either NC (Neutral Cool) and NW (Neutral Warm). Now, if you were to believe you'd match a NC foundation if you had cooler undertones and NW if you were warmer, you'd be dead wrong. Instead, NC foundations all have warm, yellow undertones while NW foundations have cool, pink undertones. Yes, you probably all know this already, but still, what the heck?! And not to mention all the times I've tried getting color-matched at a MAC counter only to be matched to a different shade and undertone. Sigh. But alas, this foundation launched last year and generated so much buzz that I just couldn't help myself.

MAC claims this foundation "delivers color in an ultra-fluid, elastic gel-serum formula with a virtually weightless feel" that not only controls oil, but also provides all-day hydration. The foundation comes in a frosted glass bottle with a dropper applicator, which seems handy but actually gets pretty messy around the opening. The consistency of the foundation is like a serum - very fluid and runny - and blends and melts effortlessly into the skin. It feels weightless, as MAC claims, and has very natural, skin-like coverage that can be built up from sheer to an almost-but-not-quite medium, leaving a dewy, natural finish. This is one of the few foundations that doesn't cake up even when I add on layers, and I find that a flat-top brush give the most coverage and the most seamless finish. While this doesn't have the best lasting power on me - I notice fading after just five hours - it doesn't separate or get patchy, and wears away quite naturally. From the get-go, this looks dewy on my oily-combination skin and I get progressively shinier in the T-zone throughout the day. So powdering and blotting is a must!

I ordered this foundation online and had to base my shade decision off online swatches, and ended up picking NC20 that works fine as my winter shade, but NC25 or NC30 would've definitely been a better match. Since hauling this earlier in the year, I've worn this a handful of times during the hotter months and was not all impressed - this streaked down my face once while I was out walking Riley, dripping down and staining my crisp, white T-shirt. The horror! The humidity also made me look like a greasy, sweaty mess, so if you're also oily and prone to heavy sweating, avoid wearing this in the summer. In the winter, however, this foundation has proven to work wonders. As the weather's now turned chillier here in Hong Kong (thank the heavens, it's about time), I've been reaching for this almost everyday as a natural, everyday base for work. I see this working best for those of you with dry to normal, and even combination skin types that prefer lightweight, natural coverage. Oily girls, don't be afraid to give this a try as long as you accept that this foundation will make you look shiny (and lasting power will be slightly lacking). 

Swatched | Blended out

Side note - I hear this is an exact, and I mean 100% identical dupe of the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water SPF 30. Same ingredients, same formula, same exact foundation. How, you ask? Well, turns out both MAC and Smashbox are owned by Estee Lauder, so I guess they thought it was a smart marketing strategy to release this new formula under both companies. Smashbox is more expensive than MAC at $42USD for the same amount of product, and offers only 8 shades compared to 23 shades. So unless you're a ride-or-die Smashbox fan, there's a pretty clear winner here. 

Now that I've tried my first MAC foundation (and somewhat figured out the infuriating shade system), I'll definitely be swatching some of the other foundations next time I pass by a MAC counter. Holler in the comments if you have any favorite MAC bases!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream x NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream |
You all know that the only face cream I've used for the past few years is the amazing Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, but hey, it doesn't hurt to experiment! Especially when it comes to Bobbi Brown products. I remember playing with my mom's Bobbi Brown makeup and skincare products as a kid (without permission, hehe) and now it's time to give it a proper test. Bobbi Brown claims this is a "light moisturizing cream that leaves skin healthy and prepared for a seamless makeup application". Yasss, sounds right up my street! I love the lightweight texture and how it doesn't leave that dreaded greasy film after it absorbs into the skin, leaving it soft and plump - no more dry patches! So yes, it does seem to enhance makeup application as claimed. Unfortunately, I've noticed some texture and clogged pores on my forehead and cheeks after using this for a few days, which has never happened with my Aesop face cream. I can't say for certain this is the culprit, but needless to say I'll be holding off on this for a while until I can give it another fair try just to be sure. For now, I'm sticking to my trusty Aesop cream!

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30 |
After trying my luck with the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, it was about time I gave their new(ish) foundation a go. Velvet matte sure sounded like a winner for my oily-combination skin, but I was so wrong. This NARS base is an "oil-free skin tint to protect and perfect with medium, buildable coverage and a soft-matte finish", and it has a whipped, mousse-like consistency that, while much thicker than other bases I own, was easy to spread and blend. The shade Alaska looks a shade too dark on my arm, but actually matches my face nicely. This felt comfortable upon application, but I was distracted by how visibly drying and cakey it looked, particularly around my nose, mouth and forehead. I was hoping it would look better as the day went on. Nope! In fact, I'm just going to come right out and say this was pretty terrible. This looks alright far away, but all sorts of bad close up - cakey, thick, dry, messy, settled into my fine lines (especially my smile lines), and worst of all, it faded incredibly patchy and streaky, to the point where I was self-conscious of talking to people up close! I will say that my dry, parched winter skin probably isn't the best canvas to try this formula on, but nevertheless, this just did not work for me. Shame.

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Chanel Le Blanc Light Creator Brightening Makeup Base SPF 40 x Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Body & Hand Wash

Chanel Le Blanc Light Creator Brightening Makeup Base SPF 40 |
Remember that Chanel beauty event I attended back in June? (Yeah, the same one where I failed miserably and took one measly photo for the blog.) The gift bag I received included a mini sample of the Le Blanc Light Creator Brightening Makeup Base in 10 Rosée, which Chanel claims can immediately correct imperfections and improve radiance for up to 8 hours with light-reflecting pearl extracts derived from Akoya pearls. Oooooh. The shade Rosée has a pink tint that brightens dull skin, and has a lightweight, watery consistency that dries down surprisingly fast - I had to work quickly with a stippling brush to buff it evenly over my face - and leaves a semi-matte finish that isn't tacky or heavy. It isn't a particularly hydrating base though, as I noticed it had dried out my foundation in several areas, especially around my nose and chin, as the day went on. The shade is very light on me, which I guess in turn did brighten my complexion, but I didn't find it too noticeable after foundation was applied over top. While I do enjoy the initial finish and the SPF 40, my nose did not agree with the intensely floral scent and I observed no striking improvement in radiance and longevity to justify $55 USD for the full size.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Body & Hand Wash |
Ever since I hauled my Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, I've been keeping an eye out for covetable body washes from other brands. I remember receiving this Body & Hand Wash sample last fall when I repurchased my second bottle of the Nectarine Blossom & Honey cologne. Out of all the perfumes I own, Jo Malone fragrances have the best longevity hands down. This Body & Hand Wash has a lightweight gel consistency that works up a gentle lather and isn't particularly drying nor moisturizing. Just like the cologne, the smell of this is seriously long-lasting and lingers on the skin for hours. When I first poured this into my hands, the scent was so potent that it felt like I was emptying out the perfume bottle instead. If you're already a fan of the Nectarine Blossom & Honey cologne and want to enhance its longevity and intensity, this would be a great addition to your routine. For me personally, the scent was just way too overpowering and I actually felt a tad nauseous after constantly getting a whiff of it as the day went on. Next time I'll ask to try a sample from a different range, but for now it's a pass and I'll be sticking to my trusty Aesop.

HAUL x REVIEW | Aesop Skin Care and Body Care

So I've totally dropped the ball here - my last entry was posted almost a month ago. Sorry guys, so not cool! Life and work has been hectic recently but I'm finally back at it and so excited to share a juicy haul from one of my beauty obsessions, Aesop! My adoration for the brand is made pretty clear in a previous Sample Sunday post, but I'll say it again - everything about Aesop is #goals.

I hadn't planned on doing a haul so soon after lifting my shopping ban, but I recently received an email invitation from Aesop regarding a ten percent discount promotion they were having in selected boutiques around Hong Kong. To my knowledge, Aesop only offers this discount once (or maybe twice) a year, so you know your girl had to do some damage. Although Aesop is on the pricier side, I'm all for splurging on good, effective (and cruelty-free!) skin care. Good skin = great makeup, folks. Not to mention, all Aesop products smell absolutely incredible. I am sure to overuse words like 'amazing' and 'incredible' in the rest of this post to describe the wonder that is the scent of Aesop products, so please just bear with me.

Fabulous Face Cleanser | 200ml for $345 HKD
If you follow my blog, you'll know that my long-time HG facial cleanser is the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - I recommend it to anyone who wants a gentle yet effective cleanser that will take the day off and leave your face clean and soft. After staying loyal to Fresh for a few years, I was ready to switch things up and try something new. One small sample packet of this Fabulous Face Cleanser sold it for me (which is why it boggles my mind when companies are stingy with samples - like hellooo!) and I knew I needed the full size. This is a gentle, mild-foaming gel cleanser that is great for sensitive skin, and the smell is an incredible mix of rosemary and other botanical ingredients. I actually look forward to waking up and washing my face with this in the morning as I find it super refreshing and calming to the senses. Unlike the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, this does not excel in washing off heavy makeup, but it isn't really an issue for me since I always double cleanse with a cleansing oil first. The larger 200ml bottle does come with a pump, but I learned the hard way that you can't just stick the pump in from the get-go - it will overflow and ruin your bathroom floor and your day. Rookie mistake!

Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream SPF 15 | 40ml for $275 HKD 
I was mostly intrigued by the name of this face cream, and when I saw it came in a tube there was no going back. I am a sucker for cool packaging! Yes, I know I previously went on a mini-rant about SPF 15 being too low for my daily sun protection, but for bare-faced days when I'm just lounging around the house or popping downstairs for a quick grocery run with Riley, this face cream with SPF combo is perfect. Apparently it took Aesop ten years to research, develop and perfect this formulation. An entire decade, and they couldn't bring the SPF up to 30? Just kidding (kinda). This has a lightweight consistency that leaves a healthy sheen on the face (without being oily) and of course, the scent is an amazing musky, lavender-esque concoction that has me excited every time I slap it on my face.

Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream | 60ml for $365 HKD
I have been repurchasing this face cream for a couple years now, and I am still obsessed - it's the only cream I use both morning and night. Aesop describes this as "a lightweight, citrus oil-infused moisturizing cream for normal and combination skin" and I find it provides the perfect amount of hydration for my combination skin that isn't too heavy or oily. The scent is wonderful - duh, citrus oil! - with a combination of mandarin, lemon and tangerine rind, and my face seems to drink this stuff up. Not much else to say except love, love, love!

Cepheus Set | $587 HKD
This was a completely spontaneous and unplanned purchase but I just couldn't help myself. Aesop offers six Celestial gift kits that pay homage to six of the eighty-eight modern constellations (such a cool concept!), and this particular Cepheus gift set contains the Geranium Leaf Body Care Trio that includes a body cleanser, balm and scrub. Aesop describes this set as "three aromatic Geranium Leaf Body Care staples offering gentle, thorough cleansing, invigorating exfoliation, and generous hydration and nourishment."

I've always been curious about this range - the green packaging is just so inviting - and kindly asked the sales associate to try the three products on my hand. Look where that got us. First up is the Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser. Sure, I tried to convince myself I didn't need an expensive body wash (since I would be rinsing it off seconds later) but I just couldn't get over the scent. Oh my goodness, the entire range smells like you're getting a massage in an outdoor spa (think mandarins, lemons, citrus oil with a dash of herbal deliciousness) and this cleanser leaves my skin feeling really clean, soft and refreshed. The Geranium Leaf Body Scrub has a gritty, sandy texture that manages to buff away and soften the skin without feeling scratchy or harsh, and you can really feel the botanical oils working together with the granules to both polish and hydrate. The Geranium Leaf Body Balm is slightly thicker in consistency than the usual creams I use, and is that much more nourishing without feeling sticky or greasy. To me, this acts like the top coat over freshly painted nails - it helps lock in all the moisture and keeps my skin soft and velvety and smelling like a freakin' spa. If only they came out with a Geranium Leaf perfume...

And a quick shout out to the packaging because I am still in awe of how beautiful the entire presentation is - from the reflective gold specks on the outside (that actually replicate the constellation of Cepheus!) to the quote by Vincent Von Gogh printed on the inside of the sleek tin box, "I know nothing with any certainties, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." Aesop, please stay the wondrous, poetic, creative brand that you are.

That's a wrap, I hope you guys enjoyed this haul and review! 

My Aesop collection is actually quite extensive - I have a bunch of other products that I absolutely love and one that my skin did not agree with - and I think it'd be helpful to do a review on all Aesop products I've tried and own. Keep an eye out for that soon. Until next time, happy hauling!

REVIEW | Canmake UV Silky Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++

It's been more than three months - three! - since I've been under a self-imposed makeup shopping ban, and I've kept my word - zero shopping! No, there's no need to applaud - fine, I'm amazing. After some rather excessive beauty hauling in Europe and Boston earlier in the year, I decided to take a spending break and focus on products I already owned and loved. To celebrate my incredible self-control and willpower (tsk tsk), I rewarded myself with a new beauty buy - the Canmake UV Silky Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++.

Canmake UV Silky Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++ 

$120 HKD at Sasa (around $15 USD)

2 Shades

It was love at first swatch with this Canmake powder foundation - my boyfriend had insisted we pop inside Sasa to get some hair gel (why, oh why would he tempt me?!) and before I knew what hit me, I was paying for this baby at the checkout counter. While I am certainly not the type of person to buy products on a whim - you best believe I do my research before committing to anything - this swatched so beautifully on the back of my hand, and I was already a big fan of the brand. Canmake is a popular Japanese drugstore brand that carries an extensive range of high-quality products at affordable prices (we like the sound of that!), and their Shading Powder in 01 Danish Brown, a lovely, cool-toned bronzer, is one of my favorites for achieving that natural shadow and contour. Hello, cheekbones! The Canmake website claims this powder foundation is resistant to sweat and sebum, gives a "smooth, baby-soft finish" to the face, and has a skin-friendly formulation with no alcohol, mineral oil or perfume. Since I'm always on the lookout for bases with SPF, this seemed like a good buy at an affordable price point. Cha-ching!

The powder foundation comes in a pearlescent, blue compact case with a mirror and sponge (super travel-friendly!), with small slots at the bottom of the case for ventilation purposes for when the sponge is still wet. How thoughtful is that?! The foundation is fragrance-free, and the shade range is, again, incredibly limited with just two shades, including 01 Light Ochre for "pale skin and those who like a brightening effect", and 02 Ochre for normal complexions. I went with the darker shade, which was still too light for my complexion. Oh well, gotta work with what you got! The instructions say that you can use this foundation with the sponge either dry or wet, and specifically not to throw out the plastic film on top of the foundation. Maybe to keep the foundation from drying out? Who knows. I knew I should've kept going to Japanese classes!

I quickly found out (the hard way) that application is so important with this foundation - how you apply this and the tools you choose will make or break your face. Trying this on with the sponge both dry and wet turned into a cakey, patchy mess - like packing on cement - and even my beloved Sephora Classic Mini Multitasker Brush #45.5 was a no-go. Welcome to Cake Town! I finally took out my fluffy e.l.f Powder Brush and made the point of pushing the foundation into the skin instead of buffing. Success! The foundation is buildable to a medium coverage, but be warned that it can look cakey fast. I used a concealer brush to tap this under my eyes as concealer, which did a surprisingly okay job at hiding my dark circles.

This looks pretty good once you get the application right, but it's also super obvious that you're wearing foundation. My boyfriend, who is usually completely oblivious to my makeup, noticed as well and made sure to let me know. Thanks dude. But fear not - this is one of those foundations that looks better as the day goes on, once you let your natural oils mix with the base. It certainly did hold up in the heat as it claimed, and I wasn't nearly as shiny as I usually get in this humidity. However, the foundation faded rather unevenly throughout the day, leaving patches on my forehead and around my cheeks. Not a good look.

Swatched | Blended out

If I could go back in time - wouldn't that be swell? - I would not buy this again. No, nope, nah, never. This just isn't the most flattering base, the application can be tricky and was a lot more work than I anticipated. If you have very oily skin, and you want something that offers sun protection and helps you stay relatively matte, then sure, you could give this a try. If you have dry, normal, even combination skin, don't even think about it! 'Cos this will be a nightmare. Overall, I would say just save your money and try your luck elsewhere!

Thankfully, this hasn't gone to complete waste - I now use this as a midday foundation topper! I dust this on in the afternoon when I need that extra coverage and to top up my SPF - it's recommended that we reapply our SPF every few hours, but of course we ain't gonna mess up our highlight and contour... so this is the perfect solution!

Hope you enjoyed this review! I'm really proud of myself for sticking it out for three months, and am officially lifting my shopping ban - let the beauty hauling commence!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Anti-Aging Cream x Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss #202

Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Anti-Aging Cream |
After a rather disappointing experience with the Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF30 during a previous Sample Sunday, my hunt for the perfect daytime moisturizer with SPF is still very much ongoing. This is a hydrating moisturizer from Origins with SPF 25 and anti-aging properties that claims to improve lines and wrinkles, and restore the skin's youthful appearance. It is rich and thick in consistency yet not overly greasy - Origins also offers an oil-free version for you oilier girls - and does have a subtle sunscreen smell which I'm not the biggest fan of, yet am also not bothered too much by. I do need to give this time - 5 minutes or so - to fully sink in before I can start applying foundation. So far, I'm liking it! There's nothing super fancy about this cream but it gets the job done - my face stays hydrated throughout the day and gets that much-needed sun protection. This seems to be a good, solid choice for an AM moisturizer and I will definitely consider buying the full-sized jar in the oil-free formula.

Make Up For Ever Artist Pexi-Gloss #202 |
For those of you who remember my Sephora haul back in May, I talked about picking up the Sephora Favorites Paint It Pink set and it included this sample sized MUFE lip gloss in #202 Sweet Pink, a sheer, neutral light pink. I have never been a lip gloss gal - I have owned a total of zero in my life - but this sample was too cute not to try out. This has a flexible, paddle-style wand that applies just the right amount of gloss and fits the contours of my lips perfectly. The gloss itself is tacky - just a step below being too sticky - and I don't find it too distracting or uncomfortable to wear. It delivers a ton of shine and really highlights my lips, making them look fuller and poutier. Not gonna lie, didn't think I would like this - or lip glosses in general - but it's growing on me! This is definitely not a must-have in my books, but it's certainly nice to have in your purse for when you want that extra attention and oomph on your lips. Plus, it has amazing staying power. I dig it!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil x Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil |
This is my first foray into face oils, as I used to shudder at the idea of slathering oil on my already oily combination skin. I've finally now learned that face oils can actually be beneficial for all skin types - it can help strengthen, protect and balance the skin, and even regulate the overproduction of sebum for oilier skin types. This face oil from Caudalie is a "soothing oil to restore dry and sensitive skin overnight", and is formulated with a unique blend of 6 natural oils that nourishes, soothes and repairs skin. The next morning, your skin should feel transformed - fresh, radiant, soft and supple. Yes please! Although this is catered for "dry to very dry skin", it still worked wonders for me. This has a subtle aroma of tea leaves and roses - uh, YUM - and has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs almost instantly - like my face was drinking it up! This has a nice soothing effect on the face, and I noticed that my skin just looked better the next morning - fresh and supple, with significantly less redness around my nose and on my cheeks. I'm definitely sold on this stuff now and have already added it to my skincare wish-list. I have a feeling face oils are going to become my new obsession...

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash |
It's been a while since I've found a good exfoliating scrub - my last favorite was the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub which I have now found to be just a tad too abrasive on the face, ouch - so I had high hopes for this exfoliating wash from Philosophy. This claims to "effectively cleanse the skin while providing resurfacing benefits", serving as a 30 second mini-peel that replenishes, protects and improves the skin's texture. This stuff is seriously good - it contains tiny, refined sand-like crystals that are super gentle on the skin (quite possibly the gentlest exfoliator I've ever tried), and made my face feel super smooth and clean, yet still hydrated (no tightness whatsoever). There is no noticeable scent, and would be an especially good option for those of you with sensitive skin. If you have flaky skin and prefer more of an intense exfoliating experience, this won't be your cup of tea. I personally appreciate that this is gentle enough for daily use, and will definitely be picking up the full size.

Thanks for reading! What are your favorite face oils and exfoliating scrubs?

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask x Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

It's an extra special Sample Sunday this week 'cos I'm trying out a brand spanking new, fresh-out-of-the-oven product from one of my absolute faves, Fresh!

Fresh is celebrating 25 years of innovation by releasing a brand new product, the Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask. Woooo! I sprinted to the closet Fresh counter straight after work to get a complimentary sample (as all members of the Fresh Family were generously invited to do so), and to my delight, I was gifted with two additional samples - the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask and Sugar Face Polish - in an adorable sachet along with a packet of dried orange slices for that perfect cup of tea. Uh, brilliant. I've already sampled (and raved) about the Sugar Face Polish, so let's check out the other two masks from Fresh!

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask |
Just take a look at that pamphlet and tell me you don't feel like smearing all that freshly squeezed goodness all over your face! 'Cos that's exactly what I did the minute I got home. This new product is "an innovative mask made with a concentration citrus blend and potent vitamin fruit complex that gently exfoliates to reveal a vibrant glow". The scent is absolutely delightful - a fruit blend of crushed oranges, lemons and clementines - and the texture feels thick and gooey, with tiny chunks of fruit bits. It felt (and smelled) like I was smearing orange jam all over my face. In a good way! No joke, I had to make a conscious effort not to give this a lick. The mask took extra effort to fully wash off (since it did completely dry down in ten minutes), and while I didn't actually feel any exfoliation action going on, I was pleasantly surprised to find my complexion looked brighter, and my skin plumper! Where dat glow come from, yo? Although I don't find this to be an absolute must-have mask - unless you have serious issues with dry, dull, tired-looking skin - it was lovely to use and still gets two thumbs up from me!

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask |

Fresh's Black Tea range is wonderful - the Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion is my holy-grail toner - and the sales associate instructed that I applied this Instant Perfecting Mask after the Vitamin Nectar mask to boost and maximize results. This is a "hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin" and, just like the toner, has the most soothing aroma of black tea and lychees. The texture is very interesting - it has a whipped, velvety mousse consistency with just a touch of graininess to it when you smooth it over the face. Like mashed potatoes! Dang it, now I'm hungry. I felt a tingly, cooling sensation instantly upon application - as it does claim to have - and this mintiness was further amplified when I rinsed the mask off with cold water after ten minutes. Let me tell you, my face felt freakin' phenomenal after - so refreshed, revitalized and soft. While I'm not exactly sure if it was a result of a combination of the two masks, I've already made a mental note to add this to my wish-list. If you want soft, perfected skin and you enjoy masks that "refresh the skin and the senses", you need this in your life.

Because Fresh masks do run on the pricier side (the Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask will set you back $62USD, while the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask will cost you an arm and a leg, I mean $92USD), I would definitely recommend getting a sample first to see which one gets along best with you skin (Sephora is great at this!). If I had to pick my favorite out of the two, it would have to be the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask - it made my face feel like a whole new woman.

Let me know if you've tried any Fresh masks, and which ones are your favorite!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | The Ginza Hybrid Day Protector x Melvita Moisture-Replenishing Night Nectar

It's all about under-the-radar beauty brands for this week's Sample Sunday!

The Ginza Hybrid Day Protector |
I'm going to take a wild guess and say most of you will probably be unfamiliar with this brand, but The Ginza Cosmetics is actually a premium skincare line from Shiseido! Well, whaddya know! (And Ginza is actually an upscale district in Tokyo where Shiseido was born and their flagship store still resides. Ooooh, makeup education!) This Hybrid Day Protector SPF 30+++ claims to protect the skin by shielding it from harmful factors including UV rays, air pollutants and "invisible substances" - their words, not mine. It has a lightweight, mousse-y texture that melts flawlessly into the skin using just my fingertips! It comes out as a nude gel yet offers zero coverage, but manages to have a skin perfecting quality - it makes my pores less noticeable and has a similar blurring effect as the Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector. In direct sunlight, I found this has the tiniest amount of shimmer, which I think gives the skin that extra radiance and oomph. The texture, the scent, the application - this was just an all-around pleasant product to use. However, it turns out the full size is almost $2200HKD (that's close to $285USD... *eyebrow raise*) which is entirely ridonculous for something that performed like a glorified primer with SPF. If I were Oprah, I'd probably own this entire range. But I'm not. No one will ever be Oprah, expect Oprah. I love Oprah. Wow, that escalated quickly.

Swatched | Blended out

Melvita Moisture-Replenishing Night Nectar |
All you organic skincare junkies, listen up! I've been a fan of Melvita for quite some time now - the French pioneer in organic beauty, Melvita only uses ingredients that are organically and responsibly sourced, along with packaging that is completely recyclable. Talk about doing it right! I was given this sample of the Moisture-Replenishing Night Nectar from their Rose Nectar range upon purchasing the Rose Nectar Fresh Eye-Contour Gel a while back (which was nice and refreshing but worked poorly under makeup), and had put off trying it since it's specifically for dehydrated skin, Well, I've since learned that you can have the oiliest of skin types (like moi) and still be dehydrated! This claims to bathe the skin in "beneficial moisture all night long" with a velvety consistency. I was highly drawn to its subtle, calming rose scent and milky, runny texture that felt soothing, almost even cooling, on the skin, although it never did fully absorb and sink in. The instructions on the packet say to use this only in the evenings, which I suspect is because their products - like the Eye-Contour Gel - don't work particularly well under makeup. Since I was lathering it on before bed, the tackiness didn't bother me all that much. Still, I feel this Night Nectar was too rich for my oily skin, and perhaps the Hydrating Facial Gel from the same range catered for dry to combination skin would be a better fit. We shall see!

That's it, folks - I love trying products from unknown and underrated beauty brands! You never know when you'll find something absolutely amazeballs.