WEEKEND EDITION | What's In My Bag x Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag

What better way to do my first ever What's In My Bag post than to feature my Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag that I got for my birthday last November. I still can't get over that gorgeous brandy color! The contents of my bag aren't all that interesting, but admit it - everyone's a teensy bit nosy, including myself! So here's my invitation for you guys to snoop around and check out what I've been carrying around with me on the weekends!

My Céline Large Flap Multifunction Wallet in Black/Yellow has been by my side for almost three years now, and I'm still loving everything about it - the leather, the functionality, the minimalistic black exterior with the pop of neon yellow on the interior. Céline is definitely one of my luxury faves! I can never leave the house without my Ipad Mini 'cos I have too many games on there that I can't possibly leave unattended (anyone else obsessed with SimCity BuildIt?). I always have a tin of Wrigley's Eclipse Sugarfree Lychee Flavored Mints for minty, fresh breath and a small water bottle 'cos hydration is important, folks! In terms of makeup and beauty essentials, I try my very best to pack light on the weekends and fit everything I need inside this Fresh Beauty Cloth Pouch.

The best lip balm ever, hands down, is the Mentholatum Deep Moist Menthol Lip Balm - I've used this stuff since high school, and my repurchases have probably now gone into the hundreds. The Winky Lux Flower Balm is a new favorite, as it's not only pretty on the lips but also beautiful to look at, and I also bring along a tiny Chanetecaille Mini Brilliant Gloss in Charm just for good measure. I got this dainty Hand Mirror whilst on a trip to Taiwan - it even comes with its own pouch - and I always feel uber fancy every time I use it. As a contact lens wearer, these Rohto C3 Cool Contact Lens Eye Drops are an absolute life-saver when my eyes are feeling dry or itchy, not to mention I'm slightly addicted to the ice-cold, cooling sensation. I always bring a tiny perfume with me at all times, and the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne is a current favorite - the scent is a lovely mix of fruity and woody notes. I'm a bit of a germaphobe and this Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash helps clean my hands without drying them out, and has the same delightfully soothing aroma of their Resurrection Hand Balm. Last but not least, as an oily-skinned gal, Clean & Clear's Oil Control Film is a must-have for keeping my oils at bay and my face presentable.

This is everything fit snugly inside my bag, and as you can see, there's still plenty of room to fit my iPhone 6 Plus, keys, a portable phone battery charger if needed, and of course, snacks!

I am in a serious, committed relationship with my new Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag, and this Brandy/Raw combination was a brilliant choice - trust me, the color is even more glorious in person. I adore all three of my Mansur Gavriel bags - including my Bucket Bag in Black/Ballerina and Lady Bag in Cammello/Antico - but this one is currently my go-to weekend bag of choice over those roomier options. It's lightweight, easy to carry, fits all my essentials and is in the most fitting spring shade. The perfect weekend bag, if you ask me!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream x Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum

New product alert! Last week, I managed to get my hands on a sample of the newest product from Fresh, the Black Tea Firming Corset Cream, and was instructed to try it in conjunction with the Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum to achieve a defined, contoured complexion. I had to be put on a waiting list just for a sample of this new cream, so let's put these to the test!

Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream |
My current holy grail toner is the Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion, so I was super excited to hear about a new product launching from the same range. And the words firming and corset sure got my hopes way up! This new cream is "a firming formula for the face and neck that provides a corset-like effect for a more lifted and defined appearance", with a thick, buttery consistency that melts into the skin - my face just drank it up! It has a soothing tea scent, just like the toner, but with more of a sweet, fruity note with the addition of goji fruit extract. Long story short, my skin seemed to really get along with the cream - plumper, bouncier - but in terms of firmness and a corset-like effect, I'm still not convinced. At most, I will say my skin felt a bit more taut, but I was disappointed to say the least that there was no visible improvement in definition and lift. Like, where my cheekbones at? Fine, maybe asking for a visible change from a face cream was asking too much. This product probably isn't targeted to those of us with younger, firmer skin to begin with, so as much as I loved how it felt on my face, I don't have the need for this as of yet. It is a pricey purchase at $95USD for 50ml, so perhaps I'll try it again in ten years or so when I need the extra help and have some extra cash!

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum |
To truly maximize the results of the Black Tea Firming Corset Cream, I was told to lather this Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum on beforehand and after my Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion. Fresh claims that this serum "smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing a firmer, luminous look", and that it has a fast-absorbing formula with a corset-like effect on the skin. It has a lovely tea scent with a hint of floral with its addition of honeysuckle leaf extract. The serum is quite tacky upon application, and I have to disagree with it's fast-absorbing claims as it took a good while - almost half an hour - to absorb into my skin. Even then, it left a gooey film on my face, which leads me to believe this might be much better suited for dryer skin types. I'm sad to report that I am just not a fan of this serum, as it was just too sticky for my taste and I didn't feel any improvement in firmness - it just felt like an extra layer of skincare with no intended purpose. Perhaps it's a good solution for fine lines and wrinkles, but thankfully I can't test out those claims just yet. At $90USD for 50ml, I just don't find this at all necessary as part of my current skincare routine. I still love you, Fresh!

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!

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!

REVIEW | Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 x Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment x Sugar Lip Polish

I have a confession to make - I don't like wearing lipstick. Sort of hate it, actually. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy testing them out and hauling a few occasionally, but I rarely ever wear lipstick on a day-to-day basis. I find them way too sticky and heavy on the lips, especially in this humidity. So instead, you'll almost always find me rocking one of the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments SPF15 instead.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF15

$24 USD at Fresh, Sephora

0.15oz | 12 shades

I've gone on and on about this before, but I'll say it again - I love Fresh, so freakin' much. The Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Petal was the first item I purchased from the brand, and I've been completely hooked ever since. The lip and face products from Fresh have become some of my must-have staples in my makeup and skincare routines, and these lip treatments are one of my favorite, no-fail picks to gift to family and friends. Definite winner!

As someone who has always had major gripes with lipsticks - they feel heavy, they smear and smudge, they fade super quickly - these Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments have been the answer to my lipstick prayers. They are sort of a hybrid between a lipstick and a lip balm - they moisturize, protect (with SPF15!) and smooth the lips, while providing a sheer wash of color without the dreaded greasy feeling. They also have that signature zesty citrus scent that Fresh products are known for. Yum! I pair these with the Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment underneath to make sure my lips stay smooth and hydrated, as well as exfoliate beforehand using the Sugar Lip Polish to ensure soft, supple, kissable lips at all times. Perfect triple combo!

Rosé | Petal | Tulip | Advanced Therapy

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment

$26 USD at Fresh, Sephora

0.15oz | 1 shade

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

$24 USD at Fresh, Sephora

o.6oz

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rosé | 

I got this adorable sample with one of my Fresh purchases a few months ago, and it gives a beautiful sheen to the lips with a subtle, rosy-pink tint. It's quite sheer, and is my go-to for my 'no makeup' makeup days!

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Petal | 

This was the first lip product I picked up from Fresh - the shade is just so me - and it's the perfect MLBB shade that makes the lips look effortlessly pouty and perfected. Ooh là là!

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Tulip |

I am definitely not a bright lip kinda girl, but this shade is a lovely, wearable hot pink that is perfect for the summer, and it instantly brightens up the face while making the lips look plump and oh-so-juicy.

Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment | 

The second you apply this lip balm, you can feel your lips become instantly hydrated and nourished. It's crazy! I love that it really softens up the lips and enhances the application of any lip products on top. The only con is that it can tend to seep into your mouth and leave a rather unpleasant, bitter aftertaste. But that might just be me, and it's so nourishing that I can live with it!

Sugar Lip Polish | 

I mentioned this in my May Favorites already, but this product is wonderful at gently buffing and exfoliating away any dry, flaky bits on your lips while still keeping them moisturized. My lips always feel so soft afterwards, and lip products glide on so much nicer. Mine is a smaller, half-sized mini tub (0.28oz) of the usual full-sized (0.6oz) jar, and it's still going strong after a few months. Apply this dry for best results, and again, try not to get this in your mouth!

Rosé | Petal | Tulip | Advanced Therapy

If I still haven't convinced you to go out and give these Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments a try, then I have failed at life. Just kidding. But seriously, I am not kidding when I say you need at least one - or maybe three - of these lip treatments in your collection. Especially if you're like me and don't like wearing lipstick! Plus, the Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment and Sugar Lip Polish are wonderful additions to step up your lip game to the next level. Go on, you can thank me later.

MONTHLY FAVORITES | June 2016

Today officially marks the start of the second half of the year. Give me a minute while I properly freak out. How are we already halfway done with 2016?!

All the craziness aside, June was a particularly exciting month for me because... I got a new job! Hip hip hooray! Which also explains the lack of posts... my apologies. But June was not exciting in the least in terms of my makeup favorites - I stuck to the same products and slapped them on my face every morning. My goal was to look fresh and awake, and not at all like I stayed up playing with Riley the night before.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 52 Vanilla |
As you should already know by now if you've read my rave review, this is one of my favorite foundations of all time. It evens out my complexion, gives me a natural glow, applies like a dream, smells ah-mazing and lasts all day. What more can I ask for?! (Well, maybe SPF... but that's a whole other issue.)

Benefit Erase Paste Brightening Concealer in 2 Medium |
When I feel like I need extra help in the dark circle department - which is always 'cos I'm a night owl - this is what I reach for. This concealer in Medium is a pink, salmon shade that I use as a corrector under my eyes, and although the consistency is very thick - and a little does goes a long way -  it's super easy to blend out and really helps neutralize my dark circles before I go in with concealer. Works like a charm. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm |
The Urban Decay and NARS concealers are pretty much interchangeable in my routine - I seriously love them both - but this one in Light Warm is a much lighter shade than my NARS Creamy Concealer in Custard, which makes it more aptly suited for brightening up the under eyes and highlighting the face. It helps trick people into thinking I look super energized and ready to take on the day, when in fact I'm hitting the snooze button on repeat inside.

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder in Naturally Neutral |
I got this little gem way back when I was still in college and never opened it until last month. And boy, was I missing out big time. This has become my go-to setting and baking powder for my face and under eyes - I've been using this over my Laura Mercier powders which is saying a lot - and it gives the most beautiful, soft finish to the face. I recall this being around $5 USD and it seriously works like a high-end powder, if not better. The only con is that it has quite an overwhelmingly powdery perfume scent, which some people claim to love, so to each their own. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed |
This is the first shade I picked up from the Tarte blush range, and it's my best blush buy to date. It's a gorgeous, rosy nude shade that gives your cheeks a natural flush and I swear it looks perfect with every skin tone and any makeup look. I can also attest to the 12-Hour claim - it's true!

MAC Eyeshadow in Wedge |
This matte, "soft muted beige taupe" shade from MAC is the first eyeshadow I ever purchased from the brand, and is probably my most worn eyeshadow ever. I wear this on my eyes almost every day in some way or another. This month, I've been blending it all over my lids with the fluffy Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush, and I'm good to go. It is gorgeous worn alone or as a transition shade, and is definitely a must-have in my books.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rosé |
This adorable, sample-sized lippie from Fresh is perfect to just throw in my makeup bag and apply on the go - it's moisturizing, has SPF, and adds a subtle rose tint to my lips. So much love for such a tiny product. Stay tuned for an upcoming review (hint - rave) on my Fresh lip products! 

So those were my favorites for the month of June, hope you enjoyed!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Fresh Sugar Face Polish x Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector

This week's Sample Sunday is going to be all about skincare! The stifling heat and humidity in Hong Kong is really taking a toll on my skin - clogged pores, flaky skin, grossness all around - so it's the perfect time to test out two skincare products that can supposedly help combat these unsightly issues.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish |

Fresh has got to be one of my favorite skincare brands of all time - I love every single product I've tried from the brand (so far), and the clean and minimalistic packaging is right up my street. This generous sample of their best-selling face exfoliating mask is made with "pure brown sugar and real strawberries that creates the appearance of a softer, smoother, more radiant complexion" and the scent is deliciously sweet, like a mix of citrus and strawberry. You're supposed to gently massage a generous amount onto cleansed, moist skin, and leave it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing with warm water. Okay, this makes my skin feel incredible -  so soft and smooth and supple! This is everything I want in a face exfoliator - it's gentle yet effective, leaves my face feeling smooth and hydrated, and the scent is wonderfully sweet. Flaky skin, no more! I will definitely be picking up the full size once I'm done with this sample, fo sho.

Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector |
Large, visible pores are a huge insecurity for many people, myself included, and this sample from Kiehl's sounded like it could be the answer to the problem. Touted as both a makeup and skincare product, this claims to instantly minimize the appearance of pores and refine skin texture, as well as provide long-lasting pore and texture correction. Sign me up for some of that! After trying this for a week, however, I'm still torn. As a primer, I do see some improvement in terms of pore minimization and blurring, most noticeably on my nose, and it does make my face feel and look smoother. But it certainly doesn't make my pores look invisible, which I was hoping it would do. This does contain silicone, which makes the texture quite slippery but it glides nicely on the skin and feels lightweight on the face. One issue I had was that the product does separate - water kept oozing out of the packet - and I've read that the same has happened to others. I made sure to blot away the moisture before application and there were no problems. I am definitely more intrigued with this as a skincare product and its ability to improve the skin and diminish pores in the long run. You're supposed to also use this at night as the last step in your skincare routine, and I'm not sure if my eyes are playing tricks on me, but I do see slight improvement on my nose after the week! So I would be willing to give the full size a chance, which costs $35 USD. Will definitely keep you posted on whether this is worth the splurge!

Swatched | Blended out

Thanks for tuning in to the second edition of Sample Sunday! 

Let me know if you guys have tried either one of these products, and if you love it or hate it!

MONTHLY FAVORITES | May 2016

It's June already. How the heck did that happen?

May was quite a chill and laid-back month for me, and that really reflected in the makeup that I chose to wear. My favorites last month were all products that gave me a very minimalistic yet summery look, and I didn't really fuss over blush, eyeshadow or mascara. I just wanted to have a radiant, glowy complexion and look put together. Wait, I want that all the time..

Chantecaille Just Skin Anti-Smog Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Vanilla|  

I did a full review on this product last week, but long story short - I love how this applies and how it makes my skin look natural and perfected. It's been my go-to base for everyday (when I'm not directly in the sun - I talk more about my issue with the SPF in the review).

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy: Brighten, Depuff and Smooth in Fair/Medium |

I hauled this recently and have been using it every single morning, without fail. It's the best morning pick-me-up since the applicator is cold and helps you feel awake instantly while helping cover your dark circles (albeit not completely). Works great under concealer and I look forward to using it every morning.

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Cream Bronzer in 42 Rich Bronze |

I've wanted this cream bronzer for years (seriously) after hearing it was a dupe for the ever-so luxurious Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base. Those who own both attest to the striking similarities in texture, application and finish, and whenever I can save money, trust that I will! This applies as a cream but blends into a smooth, powdery finish. It's great for using on natural days - there's no shimmer or glitter - and warms up the skin without looking like makeup.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop |

This has been the only highlighter I've been reaching for all month. I already raved about it in my haul post, but I'll say it again - this is stunning. The peachy gold shade is so beautiful and flattering and you look like a freakin' Greek goddess in the flesh. Need I say more?

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Super-Translucent Mattifying Powder |

Just because I want to look glowy doesn't mean it's okay to look like an oily mess. This mattifying powder used to be my absolute favorite - before Laura Mericer's Translucent Loose Setting Powder came into the picture - and now I use them interchangeably, with this being a lot less messy than Laura Mercier's jar format. It's very well-loved and for good reason - it has a smooth texture, is invisible on the skin and keeps the areas I want (like my T-zone) shine-free for hours.  

Sonia Kashuk Rich Bronze | Becca Champagne Pop | Soap & Glory Mattifying Powder

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien |

I got this sample as part of the birthday gift from Sephora last year, and it's a super pretty rose pink, MLBB shade that is perfect for everyday. It's not overly opaque (yet rather buildable, which I prefer) and is really comfortable on the lips. Doesn't last too long on me - only about two hours 'cos I'm always munching on food - but I don't mind reapplying.

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish |

You can't look beautiful and radiant if you have dry, chapped, flaky lips. This is a gentle but effective exfoliating scrub that gets rid of dry flakes (yuck) and makes my lips feel super soft and smooth afterwards. A tip would be to apply this dry, since the crystals slightly dissolve when wet. Also, try not to get this in your mouth, because although it smells amazing - like lemon and brown sugar - I can't say the same for the taste.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Small Tapered Brush |

I hauled this from Target recently with the sole purpose in mind of using it with my highlighters, and it has been perfect for that. The tapered end makes it super versatile - I can also see myself using this to blend concealer, set the under eyes, and even for contouring. Definitely picking up a few more when I get the chance.

Wet n Wild MegaLast Nail Color in 205B Sugar Coat

This is a milky, nude pink shade that has been my favorite nail color for any and every occasion. It makes your hands look so darn pretty and elegant, and helps pull your entire look together (it really does!). I've been wearing this all summer and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. Oh, and did I mention this is $1.99 USD?!

That's a wrap, thanks for reading! 

Here's hoping the month of June lasts a bit longer than May did. Next thing you know, summer with be over and fall will be upon us..

HAUL x FIRST IMPRESSIONS | Sephora

Who's in the mood for a good Sephora haul? I know I am! As promised, here's a look at all the beauty bits I picked up at Sephora while I was in Boston last month. I also did some damage at Target and Colourpop, but I'll share those in a separate post 'cos there's so much goodness here already. Let's dive in!

The hotel we were staying at was located right next to a huge shopping complex, which - unfortunately for my wallet - included a very well-stocked Sephora. So naturally, I had to go in for a little peek. I take full responsibility for what happened next.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop | First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy: Brighten, Depuff and Smooth in Fair/Medium | Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm | Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30 | Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

I finally caved - after months and months of telling myself that I didn't need it in my life - and picked up the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop, and wow. It is the most stunning peachy gold shade and I've been wearing it all day, e'ery day. It is truly all it's hyped up to be and more. The First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy: Brighten, Depuff and Smooth in Fair/Medium has become one of my favorite products to use in the morning - the applicator feels so cool and refreshing under my eyes and it truly does seem to depuff and brighten - but I still think the price ($36USD) is a bit steep for the amount you get. I wasn't that eager to try the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer, only because the Nars Creamy Concealer in Custard has been my ride-or-die high-end concealer, but I must say I am pleasantly surprised - the consistency is lighter without sacrificing coverage, and the shade I got in Light Warm is much more suited for brightening the under eyes and highlighting the face. I picked up the Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30 without even researching about it because I love the brand that much and trust the quality of their products. So far, I've only used it once on the face and lips and it's worked really well - it's not greasy and smells like brown sugar and citrus! I got a backup of the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, which I don't find absolutely essential for everyday, but is rather nice to have around for special occasions.

Sephora Collection Instant Nail Polish Remover + 14 Travel Size Wipes | Clinique Purifying Cleansing Brush Head Refill | BeautyBlender | Sephora Collection Classic Mini Multitasker Brush #45.5 | Sephora Collection The Natural: Citrus Brush Cleaner

I've been on the hunt for the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover for years - you know, the one in the tub where you dip your fingers in - and have not been able to find it anywhere! So when I saw that this Sephora Collection Instant Nail Polish Remover + 14 Travel Size Wipes was only $7USD and was in the same tub format, I snapped up two sets. Such a good deal! I purchased the Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush about two years ago (which I would not recommend btw, since only the handle vibrates and not the brush head itself) and stopped using it after just a few months. I picked up a Clinique Purifying Cleansing Brush Head Refill so that I could give it another shot, and Clinique recommends replacing the brush head every three months. As I've mentioned before, I always get a backup of my favorite BeautyBlender in every Sephora haul, it's the absolute best. The Sephora Collection Classic Mini Multitasker Brush #45.5 is a completely unnecessary purchase - I already have the full-sized version in #45 which I love - but this was just way too cute to pass up. When it comes to cleaning brushes, I've been on the hunt for something fast and effective, so cue the Sephora Collection The Natural: Citrus Brush Cleaner. I tried it in store on a dirty display brush and it worked like a charm, dried super fast and also smells like oranges. At just $6USD, highly recommend!

Sephora Favorites Eau So Luxe Perfume Sampler | Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Rollerball | Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita

I have no willpower when it comes to picking up Sephora sample perfume sets - this one is the Sephora Favorites Eau So Luxe Perfume Sampler - because it's just too good of a deal to pass up. It's $25USD and you get six samples, but also a voucher that lets you pick up a full-sized rollerball of whichever sample you fancy most. So essentially, you're getting a free rollerball. Uh, yes please! I ended up using the voucher to get the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Rollerball, which I think every girl and her mother has tried and loves. What's funny is I distinctly remember disliking the scent when I tried it on a year ago - it was a bit too musky and spicy for my taste - but it has definitely grown on me. Hands down, the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita has been the hardest lip product for me to track down. Anyone else? It took me, no joke, over a year to finally find it in stores, and it's so surreal to now have it sitting in my makeup bag. I tried it on the second I got back to my room and it did not disappoint. I am and will forever be obsessed.

Sephora Favorites Paint It Pink

And perhaps the most exciting part of this haul is the Sephora Favorites Paint It Pink set that I picked up at the very last minute. Valued at $122USD, it was priced at just $40USD - which is an absolute steal considering a BeautyBlender is already $20USD, like what - and features eight beauty products, three which are full-sized, in everyone's favorite shade! The set includes a BeautyBlender (which I swear by), Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold (who doesn't love rose gold?), Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (this is my current everyday mascara), Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Baby Love (definitely my kind of color), Laura Mercier Velour Lovers Lip Colour in French Kiss (a bubblegum pink shade that's too bright for me but has a nice formula), Make Up For Ever Artist Pexi-Gloss #202 (super shiny but also super sticky), Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Blissful (love this range and this color), and Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Scratch (a really soft and buttery rose gold). This set is currently out of stock on Sephora's website - hmm, I wonder why - but if you ever happen to come across this, snatch it up and don't think twice!

Phew, that was long. I feel like I need to go lie down now. 

Hope you enjoyed this Sephora haul and was inspired to make some beauty purchases of your own! I'll be posting part two of my Boston beauty haul soon which includes goodies from Target and Colourpop. Don't miss it!

MONTHLY FAVORITES | April 2016

Finally, my first monthly favorites post!

Let's press pause on all the travel chatter and talk about my beauty favorites this month, aka the products I decided to bring with me on my two week trip. You know I absolutely love these if I handpicked them from my entire makeup collection. You'll see that most of them are products that are easy to apply but look super effortless. Winning.

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner | 

Fresh is one of my all-time favorite skin care brands ever, and this toner is incredible. I got a sample size of this as a gift with purchase and immediately went out and bought the full size when I was done. This has a blend of black tea, blackberry leaf extra and lychee seed extract, and smells super fresh (dangit!) and soothing. I remember how amazing my skin felt the first time I tried it, and I've been obsessed ever since. I use this both in the morning and night after washing my face. Two thumbs up!

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in Buttercream 03 | 
I talked about this previously in my Sephora haul, but this is, by far, the easiest and most effortless base to apply on the go - I can either use my hands or a brush - and it melts into the skin flawlessly and gives a healthy, dewy, natural everyday complexion. Also has SPF 30!

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ |
My face got burnt the day after we arrived in the Netherlands (that Dutch sun, man), and I am so proud of myself (hehe) for deciding to throw this in my makeup bag last minute. This sits really nicely under makeup, and the high SPF ensures that my face is well protected - my dad even used this for his race! The price is a bit steep - I got the 30ml bottle for $325HKD, which is a little over $40USD - but sun protection is crucial, and I haven't been able to find another sunscreen product that sits as well under makeup.

Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush #56 | 
Okay, the long handle on this brush makes it not the friendliest option for travel, but I love, love, lurve how this brush flawlessly buffs in foundation. It's also super versatile - I can use it to buff in my concealer, apply my contour, blush and even highlighter. One brush to rule them all. It should be called Sephora Pro Flawless Everythanggg #1. You need this in yo life, peeps.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light 10 |
My absolute favorite concealer from the drugstore - amazing texture and coverage, super blendable, and works great for both the face and the under eyes. It's also a very close dupe for NARS' Creamy Concealer, at close to one fourth of the price! The shade range is a little lacking, I have to say, but a must-have if you do find a suitable shade.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer |
I usually don't have time to contour and chisel out my (nonexistent) cheekbones while on holiday - sorry Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour palette, I still love you - so this old favorite was the obvious choice for a warm, natural bronzer for everyday. 

Urban Decay 24 Hour Eye Shadow Pencil in Juju and Rehab |
My favorite easy, no-fuss eyeshadow combo. Apply, blend, wham-bam done. These are beautiful and don't budge or smudge once they set. I use Juju all over the lid, and Rehab to darken along the lash line. Easy, breezy, beautiful, shadow pencils. 

Benefit Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara |
I've been using this mascara every single day since I hauled it a few months ago. Yes, it really does curl (yay!) and lift (yipee!) my lashes and also hasn't smudged on me (yet) which is a huge plus. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk |
I bought this a few months ago after giving into the hype, and it's been my number one go-to lip product - it's super creamy, and the perfect my-lips-but-better shade to make them look poutier and more perfected. I can wear it with any makeup look, by itself or under lipstick. So in love!

Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Eau de Parfum |
Just look at how cute and tiny this bottle is! -squeals- I got this in a limited edition Fresh perfume set from Nordstrom last year. It smells super citrus-y and fresh (dangit! Not again), like you drenched yourself in a mixture of oranges, lemons and grapefruit. That might sound off-putting to some of you, but I really dig it. The lasting power is not the best, but the bottle is so cute and small that I don't mind just throwing it in my purse and reapplying whenever. Go check it out in stores! My ultimate favorite is still the Sugar Lychee scent. So. Good.

Origins Super Spot Remover |
This product is a life-saver and an old favorite since high school. You can apply the gel straight onto your blemish using a cotton bud, and you should start feeling it tingle and sting straight away, which I find super satisfying. My blemishes are much less inflamed the next morning and usually dry up within two, three days with continuous application, morning and night. Can't live without it.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in Buttercream 03 | Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light 10 | Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen | Benefit Hoola Bronzer | Urban Decay 24 Hour Eye Shadow Pencil in Juju | Urban Decay 24 Hour Eye Shadow Pencil in Rehab | Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk

I would love to know your April beauty favorites, and I hope you enjoyed seeing mine!