Massive Collective Haul

4:41:00 PM mandy 9 Comments

Warning: Very picture heavy & word filled.

Before anyone says anything about me spending a lot of money, I just want to say...I know. But then again this is a collective haul, from the last time I updated until pretty much the end of 2009 :P Also, for most of the makeup items I buy, they're money that I saved up from either Chinese New Year or my lunch money. Most skincare items, my parents (who spoil me >__>) purchase for me because they know I've been very annoyed by my skin problems. And, some of the other items were things my Aunt or Uncle got me and I consider them to be Christmas gifts, even though they didn't say so. (I said I'd pay for them, but they said "Don't be silly, I'm your uncle/aunt, I'll pay for it.)

I haven't come across this problem yet, but just in case so I don't have to say this many times it'll be my own little disclaimer (I guess).

------Haul Begins (Most of these are in order of how I got them------


"Kobayashi" BIF Night Sheet
(This is what it says on the table that's on the back of the box, it's the only thing that has english on it :X)
Oh, I got this at an Asian pharmacy in a Chinese neighborhood (8th avenue, if anybody lives in NY or wants to know :P)


L to R: Nexcare Acne Dressing, Nexcare Acne Dressing - Cute Shape, TFS Peeling Day - White Jewel, Shiseido Super Mild Bodysoap (I'm not sure of the official name because it's all in Japanese)
These were all from my aunt. ^__^ She spoils me. The Nexcare Acne Dressings, I asked her if she could order it from Sasa.com but she asked her boss to get them for me on his business trip to HK. (Now that I think of it, I feel bad because it must have been weird for him :X) TFS Peeling Day was bought at the TFS store in the city. She got one for herself as well. And I'm not too sure on where she got the body wash. Maybe from an Asian pharmacy?


NARIS UP Eggshell & Charcoal Mask
I found a couple of Asian pharmacies on 8th avenue that sells these. I was so happy when I saw it and immediately asked my mom if I could get it :) But...I think my pain tolerance is very low, it hurt a lot when I went to peel this sucker off. I've only used it once and can't bring myself to try it again! Going to put this on my to-do list of 2010!


L to R: TRIM buffing block & Essie Looking for Love
I bought this when a Beauty Supply store in my neighborhood opened up. I remember seeing um Moonbeanstarlight use a similar one buffing block in one of her nail tutorials and I thought it was cool :)


Origins Spot Remover Acne blemish treatment gel
I got this after A Beautiful Sentiment recommended it. It wasn't that expensive (IMO). My first Origins product, I love the scent in their store (I went to the one in Soho).


Costco Kirkland Signature Borghese Brush Set
A lot of people were talking about it & I was so excited to see this at the Costco I go to with my family. I went with my uncle & it was kind of embarrassing getting this with him because honestly, I don't tell my family members that I'm starting to be interested in makeup :X Anyways, like I said before I brought money and everything and was going to pay him back, but in the end he bought it for me. I felt bad so I bought a present for his daughter (my first female baby cousin :P) a nice gift for Christmas.


L to R: TBS Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion, TBS Vitamin E Eye Cream, TBS Facial Brush, NYX Girls Gloss in Baby Pink
The makeup/skincare part of my Black Friday haul :) I usually buy clothes on Black Friday, this is the first year I bought makeup/skincare. It's also my first time buying The Body Shop and NYX products. (I bought the lip gloss at the Beauty Supply store I mentioned earlier, if anyone would like to know the address please comment below)


L to R: Laneige Star White Multiprotector SPF 40/PA+++, Banila Co. let me Bebe naked BB Cream SPF 37/PA++ 4x, a Gift set that came as a freebie.
All these were bought from a soompi shop. Since she lives in NYC, I met up with her (save some shipping money). I've been eyeballing the sunscreen since she first put it up on her shop. And when she had a special going on (even though the item itself wasn't discounted) I really wanted to get it, I'm also running out (or I thought I was) of my current sunscreen from Lioele. To be completely honest, I think that the Banila Co. bb cream was part of the freebie samples that came from my Gmarket order (I bought my Banila Co. primer from her as well) but oh wells, I really wanted to try it. Curiosity is draining away my money!


Inside the gift set :)
Top L to R: TFS Soap (?), Sugar fake lashes in Flirt
Bottom L to R: Missha Hydrating Toner & Emulsion



L to R: Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Love, Givenchy Very Irresistible Givenchy (my first 100 points exchange), Stila Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer (in little pot, not sure what shade though), a sample of D&G Light Blue
I went to Sephora and came out with what I wanted! :) My first fragrance. I took advantage of the B.I. $15 off coupon. It was too good to pass up, but this was more of a splurge because all I usually use is body spray/mist. Can't wait to use them. ^__^ Has anyone ever used this fragrance before?


Softlips Vanilla lip protectant/sunscreen with SPF 20
I asked my mom to get these for me after I finally finished my Carmax lip balm. A lot of people raved about these and I wanted to try it again after so many years (I got these as a kid, but I always lost them :X I don't think I'm going to use the second tube (I like to try new things & it's taking a long time to use the current one.)


Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer
I asked my dad if I could get this. My face has been breaking out all over the place & I wanted to try this since it has salicylic acid in it. And I haven't finished my SkinFood emulsion get, so I didn't want to try out whole regime sets (like the Clinique 3-step).


MAC TLC Popster & Freebie Japanese Candies :)
I was so happy to see this go in one of the soompi shops. I've been wanting a TLC but didn't know what to get & I missed the whole Hello Kitty collection because my interesting for makeup/skincare started after it came out >__<


L to R: Kose Cosmeport Moisture Mild PURE Lotion-L, My Beauty Diary Best Sellers (7 masks), Kanebo Kracie Naive Deep Cleansing Foam - Green Tea
I asked my dad if I could purchase these only because I ran out of my current toner (that my aunt got me & I don't want to ask her for more because I feel really bad that I'm asking her for so many skincare things) & I completely finished my cleanser which was really drying out my skin because of the winter weather. Who doesn't love masks, plus it was a set of 7 for $10 I couldn't resist :X It's not as cheap as if I were to buy it in HK/Taiwan/etc., but it's pretty low compared to other stores that sell these masks by where I live.


Queen Helene Mint Julepe Mask & Batiste Dry Shampoo - Original
Once again, I bought these at the Beauty Supply store in my neighborhood. I'm beginning to love that place ^__^ I was hesitant on whether to buy the Mask or not because I dislike mint with passion :X I got it anyway because I'm kind of desperate and would try almost anything to clear up my skin. I've also been looking for dry shampoo everywhere! I found a hair supply store (I think) on Broadway in the city that sold it, but didn't get it then (glad I didn't then). Now I have easy access to it, let's just hope this store has a lot of business ^__^ Oh, I asked my mom if I could get these too :P (I'm very spoiled. But I don't think I'd be this spoiled if I started to work :X)


L to R: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel & NARS Duo Concealer in Custard & Ginger
I bought this 2 days ago when I went into the city for a doctor's appointment. I'm running out on the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (one of my aunts got this when the department stores were giving away products because of a cash settlement) and only put it to good use this winter when my skin got very dry and flaky :X Winter only started a while ago, so I needed to get another moisturizing product to last the next couple of months. I would have gotten another moisture surge if it so expensive. If only Clinique sold a small size of the moisture surge...Anyways, how can anyone give up the Good buy 2009 deals? It was way too tempting. And the description "for light to medium complexions" made me want to get it even more. I think the sale might be ending today...since it's New Year's Eve, last day of 2009 :\


L to R: Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream in #2, Innisfree Mineral Skin BB Cream SPF40/PA++ Shade #2, SkinFood Salmon Darkcircle Concealer Cream #2 (orange top), SkinFood Salmon Darkcircle Powder (green top) *The little bottles are freebie samples I got*
The soompi seller was having a special for this specific batch (free shipping & freebie samples). I couldn't bring myself to pass up this special offer. I know my self-control terrible :X (Must change in 2010!) I've heard raves of those two bb creams. Even though my skin is combination oily, I went with #2 (for etude house bb cream) because it's darker in color, people said #1 (for oily skin) is like paper white..yikes. Muse & a handful + some more bloggers raved about the SkinFood salmon concealers and I had to get it. My under eye circles are getting darker and darker (need to change my sleeping habits!)


L to R: ELF Studio Complexion Perfection, EDM Long Handled Kabuki, EDM Flat Top Brush
Top Right: EDM Large Mixing Jar
Been wanting these for a long time. I think it'll be the last of the brushes I'm going to get for a LONG while. Until I get a job and save up some money..then I might invest in a couple of MAC or Sigma brushes (mostly face brushes).

------End of Haul post------


That was long, thanks if you went through all of that. ^__^ This is more of a log for myself to keep up with what I buy, what I asked for, what I get, etc.

9 comments:

Merry Christmas

11:48:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays ^__^
Hope everyone's holiday wishes are all fulfilled!



Sorry I've been MIA and haven't posted in forever, but school took over my life & I've been procrastinating :X But I'm going to try and post up my huge collective haul and maybe put up one or two reviews (hopefully) during this winter break now that I have some time :)

0 comments:

Wandering Around Herald Square

5:10:00 PM mandy 21 Comments

I rarely do this, especially by myself, but I went to Herald Square yesterday after prep school & lunch with my Aunt. It was weird walking around by myself. And I had no idea where the stores that I wanted to go to were. I just knew they were around the area. And on these streets.

The first store I went to look for was the newly opened The Face Shop in Koreatown. (If you need the address please click here). Mona posted about it and I was so excited! This meant I didn't have to travel all the way to Flushing in Queens to go to TFS :) I didn't expect a big store since TFS isn't as well known in America. In the store itself, there were a lot of products. Some of the products in the store aren't on the website, so if you have a chance go and see for yourself! The price ranged was okay (I guess). Of course the prices are higher than if you were to buy it online or in Korea, but for me I'd rather go to a store and see the products myself.

Then I went to Macy's. I don't think this needs a lot of explanation. It's pretty much a "must go to" place if you come to NYC and want to shop. ^__^ I'm not interested in the clothing there as much as I use to. Now I'm more interested in the makeup counters. I'm growing up! LOL I'm not sure if it's just me, but when you first went up to the makeup counters, did you feel awkward or out-of-place?

When I was walking from TFS to Macy's, I saw the Duane Reade that Mona blogged about. I tried to google map it's location, but I couldn't find it. It was a great surprise to see it near Herald Square. The store is like a mini Sephora but for drugstore. They had everything normal drugstore has and more! Some extra goodies I remember seeing there: Essie, OPI, Ecotools, Beauty Blender, Too Faced, Yu-Be, Rosebud Salve, and a small travel sized version of a dry shampoo. I'm sure there were more, but I can't remember all of them :X It's going to my new favorite drugstore. Only problem is...it's all the way in Manhattan. >__< Mona's blog! :) (I mentioned her blog a lot.) It's great to follow bloggers who live in the same city as I do. I get to learn about places that I would never go to. It's so interesting! Thank you Mona!!

21 comments:

Collective Haul...again

3:49:00 PM mandy 2 Comments

I'm such a terrible blogger. I only post like once a month :X But I do follow blogs everyday so no worries, I'm still here :)

After following tons of great blogs during this month, I wanted to get a lot of things. However, I'm only a student and I can't order online, so I can only see and wish. For the things that I do have access to, I have to save up lunch money (I sound like such a child) and/or use my Chinese New Year money to buy things that I really want. Most of the time, when I go to Sephora, Macy's, or drugstores, I talk myself out of buying most makeup items that I want to try. Reason being...I don't wear makeup daily. But I still have the urge to try it. Ahh! This isn't good. >__<; Hmm, enough of my rambling. The rest is going to be a collective haul that I got over the last couple of weeks. (Must keep track of my spendings!!)


Mandom Cleansing Express Sebum Cleansing Lotion
I read some good reviews about this product. Going to use it after I finish my Kanebo Cleansing Oil. (I might review it when I'm done.)


Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub Oil-Free
I sufferred terrible breakouts. After I read some reviews on how good it was, I thought I'd give it a try. I needed an exfoliator anyways.


Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm
A lot of people rave about Carmex. But the squeezy tube doesn't appeal to me. Also, I love my Rosebud Salve, but...it's really hard to carry it around at school and apply it with my finger. So far I'm loving this Lip Balm. It has a nice finish and doesn't dry out my lips :)



E.L.F. Studio Line Brushes (L to R): Complexion Brush, Small Precision Brush, Blush Brush
I love soompi! The sellers there are great and do surveys (or like sprees on blogspot). It's great for people like me who can't order online :) So far I've only tried the complexion brush, once. I think it's best to use this as a setting powder brush because it only leaves on a slight layer of powder. When I went to clean off my powder & sunscreen at the end of the day, there wasn't as much makeup on the cotton pad as there usually is.


Gmarket Haul (except for the first one): TFS The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF20 PA++, Castledew Watershot Foundation #21, Castledew Watershot Foundation #23, DHC Q10 Cream Foundation in Yellow Ocher 01, Banila Co. Prime Primer matte
The BB Cream was from the seller's shop on soompi.
I bought the Castledew foundations after Bihada Diaries & Lotus Palace's review. Since I had no idea which color to choose, I bought both. I still don't know which one suits me but I'll figure that out.
Ekimura did a review for the DHC foundation and I thought I had to try it since it was going to be discontinued, but of course, silly me I think I bought the wrong shade. >__<;; And the only product that I got solely because I wanted to was the Banila Co. primer. I haven't tried it yet, but I hope to soon! :) I've noticed that a lot of "oil-control" or "matte" primers from Korea have a green tint to them. (Like the Etude On Screen Primer for oil control)


TFS Haul: The left two were gifts/freebies (I think she told me that the middle one was soup. It smells really nice!) & on the right is TFS Clean Face Spot Clear Intensive Patch
I tried the patch last night. I was hoping for my pimples to completely disappear, but what product does that? It did reduce the sizes by like a half? And it's not like bulging red spot anymore. Maybe the breakouts will be gone with one or two more uses. These were $8 for one pack without tax. On Sasa.com Nexcare also has patches like these for ~$3-5 dollars (I think) but of course, I can't order online... So these were the next best thing to try.
*Thank you Mona (from MakemeBlushhh) for the address to the new location in the city :)


Inside the little package: TFS Clean Face White Post-Acne Nighttime Spot Eraser sample, Box of cotton pads, and Nail Polish (53-Fluorescent Orange).
I haven't tried any of these yet and I might never have a chance to use the orange because it looks too bright and bold for me :X


MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium
My 2nd MAC product :) I went to Macy's wanting to get one of the lipglass/lustreglass sets, but the colors looked too bold and shimmery for me so I asked for this instead. (I hit pan on my Maybelline Dream Matte powder so I wanted to try something that looked more natural.) This really hurt my wallet, but I was willing to spend it on this. I'm not going to go crazy buying makeup, only once in a while...>__>;; I should stay away from MAC and Macy's, but I really want the Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait. What to do?! Anyways...the MA matched me with Medium Plus, but she said that they sold out ( :O )! So she tried "1 shade lighter" which I knew was medium, but she chose Light Medium instead and it looked okay since I'm probably going to get a little lighter during the fall & winter. I'm not going to start this product until I finish my Dream Matte powder.
What brush do you use to apply the MSF Natural? Not to like set anything, but when wearing it alone?

2 comments:

First love package & Collective Hauls

2:16:00 PM mandy 0 Comments

I've been following blogs for a couple of months now, but only started to comment back recently (sorry!) Then a while back, Kathi (LotusPalace) reviewed her Banila Co. products and offered to send the samples to the her followers who replied first. Even though I wasn't within the first three (I think), she was still very sweet and sent me samples anyway! I got the package yesterday and I cannot thank you enough!! :) I felt very obligated to post about it ^__^ And I've been buying things here and there and thought I should post them up to keep up my spending journal before I get lazy and forget to.

Love Package from LotusPalace (Follow her!!)


Inside the little packet ^__^:

L to R: My UV Guard Sunscreen Pore Control SPF50+ PA+++; Let Me Finish Prime BB Cream (top); it glow Luminiser SPF 15 PA+ (bottom); Prime Primer

Her stationary is so cute! Now I get to see some of it in person :) How exciting!

Hauls from the last 2 weeks or so:

Essence of Beauty Kabuki Brush (My first kabuki, I might do a review on it in the future.)


Tweezerman Tweezers; Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment; ELF Professional Travel Mirror
*I have been breaking out terribly the past couple of weeks. I'm not sure if it's because of my hormones or because I'm really stressed from school. Wish it'll go away...)=


Sephora & MAC Haul
Top: Sephora Sifter Jar
Bottom: The Skincare Tinted Moisture Protection SPF 20 (sample in light); MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NC30)


My first MAC product! It was a little intimidating to walk into the cosmetics counter section for the first time, by myself, at Macy's. But the MA that saw me looking around was pretty nice, not pushy at all. She asked me what I was looking for and what I needed to cover and helped me choose a shade. I thought I was lighter, but oh wells! LOL Now I think I know my MAC shade, which will help a lot when I'm browsing around blogs ^__^;;

0 comments:

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!!

11:29:00 PM mandy 3 Comments

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!!
My grandma made a lot of yummy food to celebrate. Hmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about! What did you do to celebrate?

------NOTD------

My first NOTD. I did it just now when I was watching the finale to a TVB show on tv. (Moonlight Resonance)


with flash & without flash

Bottom & Top Coat: Sally Hansen Green Tea + Bamboo Nail Strengthener
Purple Color freshcover Nail Enamel - Simple Joy
Glittery/Sparkley Color: Essie - Anniversary Gala

------Drugstore Haul------

I didn't purchase much, but here it is anyways :)


L to R: Maybelline Mineral PowerConcealer Fair & Cream; Scunci Self-Holding rollers

I'm not sure if the shades match, but if it doesn't I can always wear something over it. After trying it already on my face, it doesn't feel right returning it. Also, if anyone happens to know how to effectively use the rollers for side-swept bangs...please tell me!!

3 comments:

Junior Year of HS

5:22:00 PM mandy 1 Comments

Today was the first day of school...It was hectic. I have all new teachers, but at least my schedule is still from periods 2-9. So I don't have to wake up at 6 every morning to get ready and eat breakfast. I don't think I would be able to survive. I feel bad for most of my friends who do have 1-9 schedules. I can tell this year is going to be stressful. The English teacher already knows the date of the PSAT (OCT 14) and then there's the SAT in the spring. I'm not ready for it yet..!!! Every class that I walked into, I felt awkward and a little out of place because even though I knew a few people in the class, I don't talk to them. So I just kind of sat in class quietly...I should get rid of my shyness habit. >__<;;

The start of a new school year...
I think I'm ready. If not, I'll just have to toughen up and get rid of all my bad habits so they don't interfere with my school work.

1 comments:

Giveaways

5:11:00 PM mandy 1 Comments

Here are some giveaways that you might like to join! :)

Shanghainese Dumpling's Giveaway
Rules:
1) Be a follower of her blog
2) Become a Fan of Shanghainese Dumpling’s Facebook Page
3) Leave a comment on a post to let her know that you’ve done so
1 Extra entry if you do all of the above and
4) Post a link on your blog about her give away, just use the family photo of the prizes and link to this post.
5) Leave another comment to let her know the your blog post link
2 Extra entries if you do all of the above and
6) Do the Shanghainese Dumpling Blog Survey, positioned at the top right side of her site (just below the ad)
7) Leave another comment and let her know that you’ve done so.

CLICK HERE

1 comments:

Current Giveaways

8:12:00 PM mandy 1 Comments

Even though I don't have much luck, I thought it would be fun to join anyways. There's no harm in participating ^__^

May's Beauty Obsession Giveaway
Rules:
Open to everyone!
1. Must be a follower.
2. Tell me your favorite face mask or eye cream.
3. Post about my giveaway on your blog (if you have one)
The winner will get:
-P&J Whitening Serum
-Majolook eyeshadow palette (sorrie, don't know the name of the color)
-5 Dermal sheet masks
-1 Innisfree apple yogurt pack
-1 Eki's flower clip
-some samples
CLICK HERE

Hello Denysia's Giveaway
Rules:
1. You have to be my follower on this blog! You don't have to have a blog to be able to take part in this giveaway. I will be checking to make sure.
2. You must comment on this entry, and let me know that you are following me! Simply state, "I'm following you!"
For extra entries:
3. If you post on your blog about my giveaway, make sure you comment again to let me know! And this will count as a second entry!

One lucky winner is going to recieve:
A hello kitty box (Just like the one I have to store Q-Tips!)
Paul & Joe light cleansing milk sample
Paul & Joe Facecolor powder CS N in 058
Pucca notebook
Bread family 5 piece bandage
Paul & Joe Deep cleansing milk sample packet
RMK mascara in EX-02 (Purple)
Paul & Joe Moisture Lotion N sample packet
Majolica Majorca eyeshadow quad in SV887
Manjunkun & Friends mirror (Like mines!)
Korres wild rose 24 hour moisturiser SPF 6
Korres evening primrose eye cream SPF 6
Hello Kitty floss picks
CLICK HERE

1 comments:

Mini haul (?)

9:25:00 PM mandy 1 Comments

I don't know if this is still considered a haul since I only purchased one item, but I'll list it as a haul so I can organize my posts better ^__^;

I went into the Beauty Credit store hoping to purchase a foundation. But the SA kept insisting that I get both a base and a foundation. Since I didn't bring enough money to purchase both products, I chose to buy the base over the foundation since I can use the base with my BB Creams.


Beauty Credit Lovely Q10 Pearl Shine Make up Base 40ml

It seems a bit too shimmery for me but I might be able to get away with it if I mix a little with my BB Creams. I might blog about it later on after I try it.

1 comments:

Haul?

10:18:00 PM mandy 0 Comments

I'm pretty sure that it's called hauling...Well anyways, I'm going to use to blog to record the things I buy. During the past couple of weeks, I've bought a few things and want to buy more. But...! I need to stop myself. So I'm going to look back here everyday and see how much I bought and tell myself I shouldn't buy more. I doubt it's going to work effectively, but it's worth a shot.

After seeing so many reviews on stippling brushes, I wanted to have one of my own. I found out that Target sold one that was in a decent price rage. So I went after I went to prep school. I only planned on buying the Studio Tools brush, but then I saw the Sonia Kashuk brush and I couldn't resist. =X Not only did I end up buying 2 brushes instead of 1, but I also bought a loofah. Since it's from ecotools, it was pretty cheap so I'm not really regretting it.


Last month, a seller on soompi was holding a survey and it had a lot of the things that I really wanted to order. So I caved in and order 7 items. However, one of the items weren't in stock so I only bought 6 of the 7. I was very happy when the package came!


L to R: Etude VIP girl Dear Darling Lips Stick PK007, Skin79 Dream Girls BB Beblesh Balm, SkinFood Peach Sake Serum, SkinFood Peach Sake Emulsion, Etude On Screen Primer No.01 Oil Absorbing

I wanted the SkinFood Peach Sake line for a really long time. Sometime in May/June, I planned to order from another soompier. However, because of PayPal problems, I couldn't. I was very upset because I begged my mom a long time before she agreed to let me order and in the end I couldn't get it. But now I got it :) Although I still want more SkinFood products. I guess that'll have to wait.

From another seller on soompi, I bought some Shiseido Vitel Black & White Mask.


I was initially very happy to get them because I hoping to be able to get rid of the stubborn blackheads on my nose. So I tried them the very night I received the package. It looked like it'll really pull those blackheads out. But...it didn't. Well for me. Some people have used them and said they worked great. It was a pain peeling the thing off. I was literally tearing halfway through. I couldn't take it anymore and just washed it off. I might or might not try it again. But next time I'll be better mentally prepared for the pain. Has anyone used this before and can someone share with me how they effectively peeled it off with as minimal pain as possible? >__>;;

0 comments:

summer homework

2:12:00 PM mandy 0 Comments

The night after school ended, I got an email saying I had homework. Isn't that great?! What was the homework about? Well...I have to draw. Yes, draw. I don't think I'm very good at it but I can proudly say that I am improving. (: Although it is very hard to think of pictures to put into my sketchbook. It has 80 pages and I only have 10 of them filled (and minus a couple of pages that I ripped out because I thought were very hideous.)




















Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should draw for the rest of my sketchbook? :)

0 comments: