My Everyday Makeup Routine | JUNE 2019

Hello June! Yes, posting regularly was the goal I set out in my last post, but again, life got in the way. Apologies! But I’m treating June 1st and my January 1st, so let's get right to the first makeup post of 2019!

I have no idea whether people are still interested in posts like these, but I am! So here goes nothing. These are all the products I've slapped on my face for the past few months without fail. I've really tried to prioritise my spending and limit my beauty buys (#adulting?) and I think you can probably tell - most of these are old school products that probably only I still swear by.

The Ginza Hybrid Day Protector SPF 30 |

I would repurchase this forever and ever if it didn't cost an arm and leg. Lightweight and creates a perfected and smooth base for makeup application. Love!

Maybelline Matte Poreless Fit Me Foundation | 128 Warm Nude

Just a solid choice for foundation - blends seamlessly, offers medium buildable coverage and lasts throughout the day without fading or creasing. Bonus is that it's affordable too!

Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer | 20 Light

I don't hear much buzz about this concealer, but I've been using it religiously for quite a while. It offers good coverage, blends easily (better with a BeautyBlender) and brightens the under eyes. It doesn't completely erase zombie eyes but instead like you got a good night's rest.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder | Diffused Light

TBH, I don't know if this really makes that much of a difference but I have to dust this all over the face after base application for me to feel like I've completed my look. It does seem to blur pores and lines and the tiny flecks of shimmer look quite flattering on the skin.

Jordana Sculpt N' Go Creamy Contour Stick | 01 Light and 02 Medium
Yes, these are very well loved. The lighter shade is my go-to contour shade, even over my Fenty Beauty Match Stix in Taupe (it also helps that it's less than a quarter of the price), and the medium shade is perfect for bronzing. So blendable and easy to use - just use your fingers, blend and voila! Great for travel too.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder | 720A Sunny
One of the OG bronzers (I don't even think it's sold anymore) and it's easy to see why it's so loved. The orangey undertone warms up the skin and makes you look sun-kissed and healthy.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush | Exposed
A really pretty, neutral nude shade for those of us who aren't super into blush but still want a hint of colour on the cheeks. Perfect shade to complement any makeup look.

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Hard 9 Eyebrow Pencil | 06 Acorn
I made an entire post on this so no need to say more. Holy grail status.

Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Duo | Medium and Candlelight
This is such a useful little duo - I use the contour shade all over the lids as eyeshadow and lightly down the sides of the nose. The perfect contour shade, IMO. The highlighter is also very aptly named - not as intense and blinding as the Becca highlighter in Champagne Pop, but soft and pretty nonetheless and perfect for everyday.

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara | Waterproof formula

I'm not the pickiest with mascara, but this makes my lashes look long and fluttery and doesn't smudge. So a win in my books!

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat | Pillow Talk
This lip liner deserves all the hype - a gorgeous nude-pink that really does perfect your pout and the creamy formula feels uber-comfortable on the lips.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick | Pillow Talk
This was the only new makeup item I bought this year - was in love with the liner so obviously had to pick up the lipstick as well. I use this everyday without fail - perfect MLBB shade and a matte formula that isn't drying on the lips. Eyeing the nude-taupe shade Very Victoria next!

A little BTS action with Rileymoo. Until next time!

HAUL | Sephora VIB Sale 2017

So my dad just came back from Beantown after running his third consecutive Boston marathon, and it just so happened that he was scheduled to fly back to Hong Kong the day after Sephora's VIB sale officially started. So - yes, you guessed it - I sent my dad detailed instructions (pictures, maps, floor plans, blueprints, the whole nine yards) and had him venture into Sephora on his own to pick up a few items on my wishlist. What a champ!

The first item on my list was the Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash that I had tried out and reviewed in a previous Sample Sunday, and I knew I needed it in my life after just one try - it's a gentle yet incredibly effective scrub that makes my skin feel new again. I had instructed my dad to get the 8oz bottle, but he went ahead and got the 16oz instead because "it worked out to be a better deal"... Asian parents, I'm telling you. Next up was the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer that I had heard rave reviews about ever since it launched two months ago. I've been a longtime fan of their Radiant Creamy Concealer, but reviews kept referring to this as even smoother, creamier, and long lasting with full coverage. I picked up the shade Cannelle, which is actually a shade darker than its counterpart in the other formula, so using it under the eyes is a no-go (until I get more tan). But so far, this is working wonders on the face (I'll be comparing the two concealers in an upcoming review so stay tuned!). Since it's approaching summertime, I thought it would be a good idea to repurchase an old favorite in a darker shade, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue in Ginger 06. The last tube I used up was in the shade Buttercream 03, but because this base blends out to be quite sheer, the shade difference isn't too drastic. I love how natural and healthy this looks on the skin, while also providing SPF protection - a definite win for effortless, summery makeup! I also repurchased my trusty Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel that I swear by for helping treat and clear up any breakouts, and another tub of the BeautyBlender Solid Cleanser that is the only product that I feel thoroughly cleans out my sponges and brushes.

The only other item I wanted was the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Poreless Finish Airbrush Press Powder - phew, that's a long one - but unfortunately it was out of stock in stores. I've heard somewhat mixed reviews on both this and the loose powder version, but I was intrigued about the poreless and airbrushed perfection claims, so I definitely will keep an eye out for it to test it out for myself!

Lastly, my dad went off script and brought back this Lancôme Say It With Your Eyes Essential Eye Kit that, and I'm trying hard to hold back tears as I write this, he had accidentally used my Beauty Insider points to redeem - 500 of them! And keep in mind, I have never redeemed anything with my points ever, 'cos I just wanted to accumulate and save up for something epic. Sigh. I am not a big Lancôme fan - only because I haven't tried much from the brand - and could've definitely lived without this set, but, I'm just going to take a deep breath and be thankful that my dad went to Sephora for me in the first place - and grateful he didn't use up all my hard-earned points. This set comes with the Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara, Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base, Génifique Yeux Youth Activating Eye Cream and the Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover. I sincerely hope these are good products and that they can make up for all my quiet sobbing and silent tears. Keep an eye out for these in upcoming Sample Sundays!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Bobbi Brown Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation x Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask

Bobbi Brown Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation |

I'm always psyched to try out new products from Bobbi Brown - especially their base products - and my expectations are always sky high. The words "nourishing" and "glow" may sound a tad intimidating for someone with oily skin, but I am always down to try anything and everything. Bobbi Brown claims that this "richly emollient yet lightweight hybrid cream foundation delivers moisture and luminous coverage for a polished, lit-from-within look", and that it contains the skincare benefits of a rich, luxurious moisturizer that makes skin look instantly plump, smooth and radiant. The shade Sand 2 is yellow-toned and matches me to a tee, despite it oxidizing a smidgen darker after application. The gel cream consistency feels very weightless and comfortable on the skin, although I found it a bit streaky in application with a brush and much better with a BeautyBlender. Although it claims to have high coverage, to me it's more of a light to medium buildable coverage, and there are tiny, barely-there shimmer particles that help achieve that lit-from-within, glowy complexion. This wasn't particularly long-lasting on my oily skin and my T-zone got shiny after just two hours - it does advertise to be catered for normal to dry skin types - but it faded away evenly and didn't emphasize any dry patches. This is just one of those products that is very pleasant to use, but too pricey for what it does - the foundation costs a whopping $75USD here in Hong Kong, and my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation can essentially achieve the same natural, luminous effect, with both better coverage and lasting power. So reluctantly, I'm going to have to pass.

Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask |
WEI is a skincare brand that I've wanted to try for ages - the products are created based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which really tickled my curiosity, and the Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask is their best seller. This ultrasoft mud mask is formulated with seven herbs that claim to deeply penetrate the skin and help counteract cell damage, minimize pores, diminish breakouts, refine skin texture, and renew lifeless-looking skin. And let me just cut to the chase and say that I am officially obsessed. This has a nice, subtle scent - an earthy, herbal, perfumy mixture - and has a smooth, velvety consistency that feels oh-so-soothing to apply. It's slightly cooling (and tingly) upon application and dries down quickly, but isn't at all tight and stiff like other mud masks - you can talk and laugh and make facial expressions without feeling like you're creating bloody wrinkles! I rinse it off after the recommended 10 minutes, and the water transforms the mask into a rich, oily consistency that makes my skin feel ultra nourished, soft, and firm. I was sold after just one application, and will definitely be dropping the $42USD to get the full size, which consists of 8 individually packaged pods and an application brush.

REVIEW | Urban Decay Naked Flushed

I am a chronic over-packer and I just can't help it. Packing for a short weekend trip means that I feel the need to stuff my travel makeup bag to the absolute brim with dozens of different face products, 'cos you just never know, right? So needless to say, any sort of multi-purpose beauty product that do more than just one thing are my best bet. I got the Urban Decay Naked Flushed for my birthday a few months ago, and this seemed like the perfect three-in-one product for traveling - a bronzer, highlighter and blush all packed into one. Let's see if I'll be substituting all my face products with this one palette for my next vacation!

Urban Decay Naked Flushed

$34USD at Urban Decay, Sephora

6 shades (USA) | 3 shades (Hong Kong)

The packaging is right up my street - simple, sleek and sturdy, plus it comes with a huge mirror, which makes it perfect for travel and mid-day touch-ups. The bronzer, highlighter and blush are all full-sized, and Urban Decay claims that the formula has a "luxe, featherlight texture that feels amazing on your skin and provides a flawless finish", as well as light-diffusing particles to help enhance and perfect a fresh, glowy look. This is evident when you look closely in the pan, as you can definitely see subtle, reflective micro-shimmers in all three shades. I have the palette in the shade Naked, which is catered for medium skin tones.

Bronzer | "medium bronze satin"

This warm-toned bronzer is the least powdery formula of the three, and its stiffer consistency makes it harder to finger swatch but easy to pick up product with a brush. It has a satin-matte finish with tiny, micro shimmers that looks very natural on the skin. The warmer tone makes it perfect for adding some tan-like color to the face, but not for any intense contouring or sculpting. Out of all the bronzers I own, this is the most similar to Nars Laguna in both shade and finish, with Laguna being a bit more cool-toned, and therefore more versatile for bronzing up the face as well as contouring.

Highlighter | "soft pink champagne shimmer"
This frosty pink highlighter is a bit powdery, but very pretty when swatched and applied to the face and buildable in intensity. However, the shade is a bit too deep for me - I'm still suffering from pasty winter skin - and if applied too heavily, it shows up as a pigmented, pink stripe on the tops of my cheeks. Instead, this actually works fabulously on the apples of my cheeks as a subtle, glowy blush. Since this palette is catered to medium skin tones, this highlighter would work beautifully when I have a bit more color.

Blush | "dusty rose with hint of shimmer"
This is the most powdery and pigmented of the three shades, so I have to be very careful or risk looking like a clown - I barely dip my brush in and tap off all the excess before applying. The pigmentation is definitely there, but it's just too bright of a shade for my taste - I'm more of a nude, Tarte Exposed blush kinda gal. But if you are into bright rosy blushes, this actually performs very well.

Although the formula of these shades aren't as buttery as I hoped for, I was pleasantly surprised with how well they performed. However, the colors just aren't my favorite, and despite the convenience of this compact, I don't see myself reaching for this over any of my other bronzers, highlighters or blushes, so I definitely won't be bringing this on my next vacation. Overpacking for the win!

But for those of you who like fuss-free, multi-purpose products, especially for mornings when you're in a rush and want to look put together in a pinch, this definitely deserves a gander the next time you pass by an Urban Decay counter. And for those of you who like the concept of this palette, make sure to look into the other available shades that may be better suited for your skin tone. I may revisit this palette in the summer months when I have more of a tan, but for now, this is sadly a miss for me.

REVIEW | Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color x Rouge Coco Stylo Complete Care Lipshine

Even though I don't like wearing lipstick on a daily basis, I still catch myself at times staring at the two Chanel lippies in my collection in adoration - the Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color and Rouge Coco Stylo Complete Care Lipshine. Just holding a Chanel lipstick in my hand makes me feel a hundred times classier, and I just want to apply them on my lips all the time!

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color

$37USD at Chanel, Nordstrom

0.12 oz | 33 shades

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo Complete Care Lipshine

$37USD at Chanel, Nordstrom

0.07 oz | 9 shades

440 Arthur | 212 Recit

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color in 440 Arthur |
This is a limited edition, mini-sized lipstick that I received after attending the Chanel pop-up event last year, and it's in the shade 440 Arthur, a medium red-orange shade with a luminous finish. (Fun fact - this is the exact color that Keira Knightley wore in the Rouge Coco ads, but unlike me, she looks effortlessly chic and put together.) It has great pigment and a smooth, buttery consistency that felt very comfortable on the lips. It pulls more coral than red on my pale skin, which I don't think is the most flattering, but I think this pop of color would look beautiful with a tan. Currently, I wear this shade lightly stained on the lips - a perfect popsicle-stained pout - and it manages to subtly brighten my face and complexion. The luminosity and shine disappears after about an hour - this stuff does transfer - but the color stays put for about four hours, even after eating.

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo Complete Care Lipshine in 212 Recit |
My sister picked this out for my birthday, and for someone who isn't all that into makeup, I think she made a brilliant choice with this gorgeous berry shade. These lipshines claim to have "the intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lipgloss and the comfort of a lip balm" with a hydrating formula that includes apple seed extract, jojoba oil and coconut oil. It's in a twist-up style (but beware - you can't twist back down so don't be too ambitious!) and this color in 212 Recit is a beautiful berry plum shade with a pearlescent finish, and has teeny tiny gold flecks of shimmer in the tube that (thankfully) doesn't translate on the lips. It is considerably more lustrous and glossy - like a lipgloss - than the lip color in Arthur, but not as opaque upon first swipe. It's buildable from a light mauvey berry shade to a deep plum color. This truly felt comfortable and hydrating like a lip balm, with a very emollient and buttery formula. I also enjoy wearing this lightly dabbed on for an everyday look, as opposed to smeared on at full opacity. This has around the same lasting power - around four hours - but the glossy effect stays put for almost as long. Just like Arthur, Recit does transfer as well, but when it wears off, it leaves behind a beautiful mauve, MLBB stain.

440 Arthur | 212 Recit

So far, I'm impressed with the performance of these two Chanel lip products (but perhaps not as much by the price), so holler in the comments if you have any favorites or holy grails from the brand, as I'd love to check them out in the future!

HAUL x REVIEW | Sephora Hong Kong

Yes, I know I just posted my Sephora VIB haul a little over a month ago, but procrastination got the best of me and I never got around to posting this haul I made during Black Friday last November. Almost a year ago, I announced that Sephora was making its way over to the 852 via their online store, and it took me eight months to finally make my first order. They were offering a 20 percent off Black Friday discount, and you know I just couldn't resist.

Shipping took a total of four days, and all my items came securely packaged in bubble wrap. As soon as this came through my door, all Riley wanted to do was tear into my package and chew up all my lovely products. Not happening! So instead I made her sit quietly and pose for the camera - she does not look amused. You guys would be proud to know that I kept my haul to a minimum this time around - zero makeup!

Let's start with the most eye-catching item of the haul - the bright, Barney-purple Practk Palmat Brush Cleaner. I finally decided my half-assed attempt at cleaning my brushes by rubbing them between my fingers and on my palm just wasn't cutting it, and came across this handy product on the website for $10USD. When the Sigma Beauty brush cleaning gloves first launched a few years back, I thought they were just way too expensive for what they were (it's currently priced at $39USD), so color me surprised when I found out after my order that Practk is actually a new sister brand of Sigma Beauty that creates inexpensive and innovative beauty tools! The Palmat is much smaller and more portable than the Sigma variations, and fits right in the palm of my hand (and is adjustable to fit any hand size). There are grooves and indentations - a wash and refine section - on both sides that are designed specifically for larger face brushes and smaller eye brushes that really do wonders at getting in there and thoroughly cleaning all the foundation and eyeshadow out of my brushes. I've used it a handful of times so far and have been really enjoying the results. Ten bucks well spent!

Practk Palmat Brush Cleaner

Instead of splurging on makeup products this time - and believe me, I had to exercise great restraint - I opted for some much needed beauty tools that were currently lacking in my collection - eye brushes! I am not someone that wears (or experiments with) fun, creative eye makeup - a soft brown shade like MAC Wedge in the crease and I'm good to go - but nonetheless, quality eye brushes are a must. I've heard rave reviews about Zoeva, especially regarding their brushes, but never had the opportunity to get my hands on them until now! After perusing dozens of online reviews and pictures, I narrowed down my choices to just three eye brushes - the 221 Luxe Soft Crease, 224 Luxe Defined Crease, and 228 Luxe Crease. They might all look eerily similar, but trust me, they're not!

MAC 217 | Zoeva 221 Luxe Soft Crease | Zoeva 224 Luxe Defined Crease | Zoeva 228 Luxe Crease

My favorite, or rather most-used, of the three would have to be the 221 Luxe Soft Crease - it's the perfect size for my eyelids and my go-to for a sheer wash of color, and helps blend out all my shadows to perfection. It is comparable to my trusty MAC 217 in terms of shape, application and functionality, except that the 217 is pinched at the ferrule. The 228 Luxe Crease is a more tapered version of the 221, and I use it to deposit a darker shade on the outer corners for that smokey effect. I reach for the 224 Luxe Defined Crease the least, as I find that the more feathery and splayed out characteristic of the brush hairs make it best suited for detailed work in the crease that I just don't often do. However, the bristles are cut flat at the top and are all of the same length, which makes it a unique brush in my collection. Each brush was $82HKD (just over $10USD), and so far I am loving them all and genuinely impressed with the quality.

Zoeva 109 Face Paint Brush

Lastly, to feed my ongoing obsession with contouring, here's the one brush that inspired this entire haul in the first place - the Zoeva 109 Face Paint Brush. Chiseled cheekbones, here I come! Last year, I got my hands on the NARS Tahiti Bronzer - a set that included the famous Laguna bronzer and a mini-size of their highly coveted Ita Kabuki brush. I lusted after the Ita brush for years, but decided to splurge $59USD for the Tahita Bronzer set with bronzer and brush instead of just the full-sized brush with the longer handle at $55USD. A much better deal in my opinion! With the Zoeva 109 brush priced at $157HKD (about $20USD), I just had to see for myself if the two brushes were comparable, or better yet, if they were similar enough to be dupes.

NARS Ita Brush | Zoeva 109 Face Paint Brush

Both brushes have the same flat, square-shaped bristles - the Zoeva 109 is denser and more firmly packed compared to the NARS Ita brush, which has longer and more loosely packed bristles. While the 109 is much softer in texture, the Ita brush, which shocked me as quite scratchy and itchy on the face upon initial use, has become smoother and more gentle over time. There was some light shedding for both brushes in the beginning - just a few strands here and there - but they have managed to keep their shape after washing.

After a few months of testing, I have to say that I just can't pick a favorite - I love them both! Cop-out answer, I know. The softer texture of the 109 makes it very pleasant to use on the face, and the shorter, stiffer bristles make for a more precise, controlled blending, and everything looks more diffused and natural. Plus, the rose gold detailing is just icing on the cake. On the other hand, the Ita brush allows for me to really carve out my cheekbones and jawline, and offers a much more intense, defined and fierce contour that the 109 just can't achieve. Perhaps if I had the original Ita brush with the more manageable longer handle, it would've edged out the competition. So while I don't believe these two contouring brushes are exact dupes, they do both perform similarly and are both good investments to make for your brush collection, especially if you're a contour-fanatic like myself. For supermodel bone structure (and in my case, traveling purposes), my choice would, hands down, be the NARS Ita brush. For an everyday, natural born-this-way contour, the Zoeva 109 takes the cake. 

Thanks for reading! I'm done with hauling for a while - get ready for more beauty reviews coming your way!

REVIEW | Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF17

New year, new me! Just kidding - same me, just with a whole lot more reviews!

My recent trip to Tokyo in October not only resulted in a five pound weight gain, but also a beauty gain in my makeup collection. Here are my thoughts on the Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 17. With a name like that, do you really expect me to leave the store empty-handed?

Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 17
4000‎¥‎ at Shiseido Japan | $35 USD at Shiseido, Sephora
30ml | 18 shades

Let me first put out a disclaimer that there seems to be two versions of this foundation floating around  - Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 17 and Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 18.  My version with SPF 17 seems to only be sold in Japan and comes with a total of 6 shades, whereas the other version with SPF 18 is being sold pretty much everywhere else in the world, and features a total of 18 different shades. Not sure why this discrepancy exists, but what's important is the actual product inside and how it performs, which I'm confident is completely identical. Now that that's out of the way, on to the review!

Shiseido claims that this foundation "cancels out the appearance of redness, blemishes and visible pores without concealing the skin's natural beauty", and that your skin will look fresh and glow with sheer perfection. The word sheer might scare some people off, but it's right up my street. The packaging is pretty straight forward - not at all glamorous but gets the job done - and its compact size makes it great for travel. 

I hypothesized, the very second I squeezed this foundation out onto the back of my hand, that this would be similar to the MAC Waterweight Foundation SPF 30 - and I was spot on. In terms of consistency, finish and wear, these two foundations are pretty much identical dupes. So in the interest of saving time, if you've already checked out my MAC foundation review and liked what you read, then you can stop here and go about your day, because I can already tell you that you'll be a fan of this Shiseido foundation. If you haven't read that review - uh, where have you been? - go take a gander then come back for some comparisons!

Just like the MAC foundation, the consistency of this Shiseido foundation is very thin and fluid, and spreads out over the skin equally as effortlessly. I would say the MAC foundation is a tad runnier while offering a hint more pigmentation and coverage - Shiseido stays true to its name in terms of being sheer. I've tried out both foundations together on multiple occasions - each base on one side of my face - and I can honestly say they look exactly the same on the skin, as if I'm wearing just one foundation all over. If you really wanted to nitpick, my MAC Waterweight Foundation in shade NC20 is a touch more yellow-toned whereas my Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation in shade O20 Natural Light Ochre, while initially more brightening on the face, dries down to be a smidgen darker.

MAC Waterweight NC20 | Shiseido Sheer and Perfect O20

Both foundations are perfect for those no makeup-makeup days when all you want is to even out your skin-tone and look like you're having a good skin day - which is pretty much all I want everyday! They both give the same natural, skin-like coverage that can be built up to an almost-medium, and are equally lightweight and comfortable to wear. I didn't find either to be particularly great at diffusing the appearance of pores, and because both bases dry down to a dewy, satin finish, my oily-combination skin starts looking shiny after just two hours. The Shiseido foundation does seem to have better staying power - just an hour or two more - as I find the MAC foundation to be more easily transferable, and as I mention in that previous review, have experienced firsthand it streaking down my face during the summer months. Fingers crossed this Shiseido foundation doesn't do the same!

So in a nutshell - if you love natural, skin-like bases that don't feel heavy on the skin and are a breeze to apply, you will really enjoy this Shiseido Sheer and Perfect foundation SPF 17. If you already own and love the MAC Waterweight Foundation SPF 30, then there's absolutely no need to splurge on both. If you don't own either foundations and want just one to try out, I would say go for Shiseido purely for the better lasting power and spill-proof, travel-friendly packaging.

Thanks for reading - hope everyone is having a wonderful, positive start to the new year!

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!

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!