Yet another gigantic collective haul to share with everyone! Hopefully, this will be one of the last big hauls for the next couple of months because I have bought way too much for the past half a year. If I end up buying as much as 'normal' during these two months of summer vacation...I'll need to check in with a professional because I would really have a problem then since I have no excuse to go into the city now that I don't have my student MetroCard (for public transportation in NYC).
Onward to my haul! Enjoy ^__^
yeppeunsonyuh purchases
The site is run by a seller that I frequently purchase off of on Soompi. This is the same seller that lives pretty close to me so I get to save on shipping :P She was nice enough to tell me when the concealer came back in stock since at the time that I wanted it (in May) she only had shade 1 available.
Canmake Cover & Stretch Waterproof Concealer UV - Shade 2
I remember hearing a few bloggers rave about this concealer. At the time I bought it my face was breaking out a lot and my acne scars seemed like they were never-ending. I've tried some potted concealers and such but not many liquid ones. However, this month was mainly focused on taking picture after picture I kind of put this concealer off to the side because of the UV aspect. But I will play with it soon now that all the picture taking is over.
Canmake Cream Cheek - 03 Strawberry Whip
The seller only had this shade available and I didn't want to bother her about personally ordering a specific shade for me (even though she did offer to). Since I only wanted to try the product out, especially after all the raves everyone has for it, the shade didn't really matter. I really love how light and easily blendable this product is! Definitely not a hard cream product which makes it a lot easier to use a brush with it. However, it seems like there is very little product in there =X
Samples from yeppeunsonyuh :]
The seller is always generous with her samples (for me at least I can't vouch for others since I don't know many around me that also order from her to compare with lol).
L to R: Wet n Wild Coloricon Eyeshadow Collection - Blue Had Me at Hello & Petal Pusher
Another purchase that I made in preparation for prom. After reading the suggestions I received a while back on what kind of look I could wear with my dress I thought that these two would be a nice choice to play around with. Many color options and inexpensive. However I didn't end up using this palette because 1. after playing with the colors beforehand I didn't feel comfortable enough wearing the bold blues and I don't think I'm skilled enough to wear the purples (it made me look like I was punched =X) 2. I found a better palette =P
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick
I was running low on my previous deodorant/antiperspirant and I heard a YouTuber mention this more natural deodorant and was very intrigued. I haven't used this yet though. Has anyone else used this or something similar? How well does it work?
L to R: Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hour Foundation - 200 Soft Beige & Essence of Beauty Wedges
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hour Foundation - 200 Soft Beige
I saw a few bloggers and YouTubers recommend this foundation especially since it's drugstore and has no SPF so I would be best for photography. However, after trying it out I really did not like the way it sat on my skin. It didn't feel natural..me..at all IMO. I know there are tons of people who like it and I hate how something relatively inexpensive didn't work for me :[ I have since returned this. Luckily CVS has a great return policy!
Target E.L.F. purchases
2 E.L.F. Eyeshadow Brushes, E.L.F. Studio Line Contour Brush, E.L.F. Eyelid Primer
On the same day that I returned the Rimmel foundation, I was on my way to the city to also return the UDPP I got and to try to get a sample of a foundation to try from Macy's before deciding on whether or not to commit to a full bottle. Before going to the city, I dropped by Target to see if I would strike some luck and see if they had the eye primer in stock (which they did..but only the normal version and not the mineral version). I decided to take the risk and got it since it was only a dollar. No harm to my wallet even if it doesn't work. I also saw that they had a ton of other E.L.F. products in stock but I had to limit myself to only those three brushes since I was in need of eye brushes because my friends left me with the task of doing their makeup for prom as well (pressure on a newbie like me =X)
T to B: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese and Black Bean
A lot of people have recommended these to use as bases and such so I thought I'd give it a try. They do offer a nice base although they are a bit hard to blend...Or maybe it's just mine? Does anyone else have this problem? How do you fix it?
L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner - Carbon Black
After even when priming my lids with UDPP prior to wearing pencil liner failed on me, I decided to try an inexpensive liquid liner. A lot of gurus compared this to the Lancome one so I thought it must be alright. But this turns very flakey quickly and smudges easily on me. Maybe it's just a problem that I have :\ Eye products don't seem to like my eyelids very much...I have also returned this as well. I felt bad that I was returning so many used cosmetics back to CVS =X
Sasa Haul!!!
The much-awaited Sasa haul that I've been dreaming about since May! The friend that helped me order from Imomoko and Adambeauty offered to order from here since she was going to as well. Luckily a majority of the products that I wanted came back into stock (although there are still some that I want to try). These will last me FOREVER...literally. Now I must remind myself to stop internet window shopping haha.
Hada Labo Tamagohada Daily Face Wash
I've been wanting to try this for such a long time. Skin like a hard-boiled egg is VERY tempting no? :P
My Scheming Crystal Hydrating Eye Mask
My Scheming Crystal Whitening Brightening Eye Mask
I don't remember where I heard about these masks but I really wanted to try it. I haven't tried the hydrating one but I did try the whitening brightening one. I loved the gel texture of the mask, very squishy and comfortable :] I wasn't paying much attention to the whitening and brightening short-term effects though =X Will keep note of it next time! Sorry..hehe.
I also can't wait to try the DIY eye masks that BEAUTYQQ mentioned with the tray these masks come with. Has anyone tried that?
Genie in a Bottle Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Spray
I've been really into sprays and mists lately. I didn't know Genie in a Bottle had a spray until I browsed their Sasa page. I thought this would be great for both summer and winter. And it wasn't expensive at all. I think it was less than USD$10? But I'm not sure if it's still available because of Sasa's terrible rate of restocking their OOS items.
L to R: Genie in a Bottle Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Serum & Naruko Magnolia Brightening and Firming Spray
After xppinkx posted about her huge Sasa haul a while back and how lovely the Genie in a Bottle serums were I really wanted to try them (note how often I say I really want to try something LOL). Sadly the whitening serum was OOS but these hyaluronic ones weren't. I may save these for the winter time mainly because I tend to be drier then. I love how inexpensive it is and that it comes with 3 bottles instead of just 1 :D
Again...I wanted to try almost ALL the Naruko lines after Fuzkittie and SumMei talked about them months ago. But it is so difficult to get (well not anymore a few stores in NYC are selling them now and there is even an official store in Flushing, of course, the prices aren't as good as they are online from the Taiwan site). Since Sasa didn't have too many of their gellies in stock at the time and I was on a spray/mist kick, I decided to order the spray. I'm not in need of firming but the brightening aspect sounds great ^__^
BeautyMate Bright Up Nano Eye Masks
Best friend also ordered tons from Sasa, including these eye masks. So I asked if we could trade. I haven't tried these out yet but I can't wait too since Bubz raved about them a long while back.
T to B: Urban Decay Naked Palette & Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner - 13
Ooo Pretty!! ^__^
Best friend and I got Naked together hehe (No wrong images xD)
Pwuahaha I felt a surge of happiness when I saw these babies at the Soho Sephora location. There were only three of these left and best friend and I both took one. Evilness :D I knew I shouldn't have made such an impulse but the feeling of having something so coveted was intoxicating! Of course, this was a great purchase none-the-less. I can always wear a palette with natural colors comfortably. The only gripe was I wished it still had the double sided pencil :[
This was the palette that I used for prom instead!
MUFE Aqua Liner - 13
When it was first launched Temptalia gave a great review on how long this lasted and I think she gave it an A or A+ (which I've noticed isn't given too often). So I thought this would be a great choice of a liner to use. And when I swatched it at Sephora and rubbed it, it didn't smudge! But..that can't be sad for when it's actually on my eyes *sigh* I think my eyes hate makeup! Although this does last great. I cannot rub or touch my eyes at all or else it would come right off =X Maybe it was because I didn't wear a primer? Will try again soon. The applicator is also difficult to get used to after using the brush applicators of the Physician's Formula liquid liner. I may give the Asian liners (K-Palette and Dolly Wink) a try next after I finish this one.
E.L.F. Studio Line Fan Brush
Best friend and I made another stop to Target one day and I saw this baby there. I've been wanting to get a fan brush for some time now but they were all pretty expensive. This wasn't in stock the last time I went to Target though. I have yet to try it but I heard it's great for natural flush (which is my ideal cheek look)!
OPI Silver Shatter
Best friend helped me get this at the nail supply store. Was very surprised that even they weren't selling it at the wholesale price like other OPI's usually are sold there. But I guess even though these shatters are very popular and should gain the most they can? :P I've tried this once and I like the effect but can't say I love it just yet. Maybe it'll be one of those polishes that'll grow on me?
What have you bought last month? Anything similar :P
Hard to see but it's the cleansing water. Very hard to take the picture when it was just creeping through all the cracks and crevices of my brother's hand.
How it comes out of the pump bottle as it's near the end. I had to pump a bajillion times to get this amount of foam though. I don't recommend it xD Just pour it out!
How it lathers if you do it prior to rubbing your face.
Product Description (from website):
-Technologically advanced, oil-free foaming liquid effectively breaks down make-up and dulling impurities without irritation, restoring skin's natural radiance
-Hydrating marine botanicals nourish and protect skin's moisture balance so it feels refreshed and revitalized
-Sea-derived essential minerals work synergistically with Sea Mineral Complex, scientifically advanced delivery system to ensure vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed at the cellular level
Ingredients (from website):
Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Polyaspartate, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Allantoin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Lecithin, Methylisothiazolinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit Extract
Directions:
From website: Pump a small amount into palm. Add water and work into a lather. Massage over damp face and neck. Rinse.
From bottle: Apply to dry face and neck, add water and massage into milky lather, Remove with washcloth or rinse.
What I did: I sometimes followed bottle's directions. Other times I'd forget I needed to have dry hands and wet my hands prior to pumping the product out. But either works fine. In fact, I think have wet hands helps create a better lather than trying to do it when it's already on your face. Also, I had to pump at least 3 pumps sometimes 4 before I felt I had enough to rub/lather enough on my face.
Packaging:
Comes in a plastic bottle with a pretty short pump. It has 8.25 fl oz or 243 mL of product. It seems like a lot of product but it really isn't when you start to use it. It might be a bit messy at first when you pump the product out because it is water so it'll spurt out pretty far (further than what I anticipated the first few times I used it). But you should get the hang of it. I can't complain much about the packaging for this specific product because I really can't think of another way to hold cleansing water either than in a toner-like bottle with a spout nub (I don't know what they're called so I'm going to call it a spout nub =]). Also as I got towards the end of the bottle, it was difficult getting any water to squirt out. Instead, it came out as a very weak fluffy foam that wasn't enough to use to wash my face. So I ended up having to twist off the pump and pouring the product into my hand. Which was very difficult because the water would always end up dripping out of my hand.
Price:
H2O+ website or store
8.25 fl oz / 243 mL for USD$24
16 fl oz / 474 mL for USD$28 (jumbo size. I'm not completely sure if this is LE or not)
Prositives:
-Gentle
-Doesn't break me out
-Makes my skin feel soft
-No residue left over
-Doesn't sting
-Oil-free
Negatives:
-Difficult to use since it's just water. A lot of it falls off my hands before I can even use it >__<;; But then again I have very small hands...
-Scent may bother some people. I think they made it to smell like sea/ocean water...but it's a little too fragranced IMO
-My face is a little tight after it dries but definitely not as drying as some other cleansers I've tried.
-Not as hydrating as it claims to be IMO
-A bit expensive for what it is. If I actually used this night and day I would probably have finished this within 1 - 2 months tops.
Note:
I'm not sure how well it removes makeup. I never tried it because I only used this in the morning as a gentle cleanser.
Also, the site says you could use this to clean brushes and sponges but I didn't know that until after I finished the bottle so I can't test this claim anymore.
Repurchase?:
Nope. I use it up way too quickly and the price doesn't really help either =X I'm sure there are other gentle cleansers that are probably cheaper that can do the job...
Rating:
3.5/5
To me it's just average. Nothing too special.
Recommend?:
Probably not. Unless it comes in a gift set that isn't too expensive.
-edit-
Maybe to those who want a gentler cleanser than foaming ones.
Disclaimer: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not affiliated with the company or any other sites mentioned above. These are just my opinions so please research more about a product before buying it. I'm just trying to share the experiences I get from using a certain product. I'm not endorsing it or anything. If anything this is for my own memory of what I liked and what I didn't like. Also...my skin is my skin...your skin is your skin, please don't blame me if the product doesn't work for you. Appropriate credits mentioned wherever I copied and pasted from the brand's website.
Finally my purchases of May.
I'm warning everyone beforehand that I did a lot of damage last month. A lot of it was because my friend offered to order from Sasa (but because most of the items I wanted went OOS) I went a little crazy on Imomoko and Adambeauty trying to satisfy my lemmings. The stuff I bought will probably last me a while..so I hope I won't have the urge to buy more in the next couple of months. The rest of the items were bought in preparation for prom. (I only have a couple of other things in mind but those are drugstore items. After that, I definitely need to stop and save for college!) All these purchases already made up for the month of April where I purchased close to nothing xD
On with the haulage!!
Picture & text heavy!!!~
Origins Haul
L to R: GinZing, Modern Friction Face Scrub, VitaZing SPF15 Energy Boosting Moisturizer
I'm a little upset that Origins is promoting a set that has all three of the products that I wanted to try a month after I made my purchase :(
Origins GinZing
Origins Modern Friction Face Scrub & Origins VitaZing SPF15 Energy Boosting Moisturizer
1st Imomoko Haul!!
Items came very fast. But they sent me the wrong foot pack yet charged me for the other one (which was $2 more than the one they sent). Mistakes happen & they were nice about it and allowed me to return it for an exchange. Shipping was also very quick. Which is strange because my friends who ordered had mixed shipping lengths from them. =T
Kao Essential Damage Care Nuance Airy Treatment
I really wanted to try the hair mask that so many people were raving about. But Sasa has been OOS of that particular item, especially after Bubz recommended it. So I thought this might be similar. I've tried it once during my busy month last month. It made my hair feel very soft but I don't know if I'm just not used to using these types of products or such but I felt my hair turning oily slightly faster. But then again..it could have been that I was touching my hair a lot more because it felt that soft =P Will try it again and try not to touch my hair and share my findings again!
Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil
I thought I should find a cleansing oil before my Origins one runs out (even though I still have more than enough to last me maybe this entire month). I cannot wait to try this and see if it's moisturizing or not. I do not know if it claims to or not because I do not read/understand Japanese but coming from Hada Labo I think it should/might be moisturizing..right?
Hada Labo Shirojun Arbutin Whitening Set (Lotion & Milky Lotion)
I was running out of my H2O+ moisturizer and slowly using up my Hada Labo SHA Lotion AND saw this awesome set on Imomoko so I wanted to give it a try. I haven't started it yet but hope to soon! Hopefully, it'll help brighten my skin and maybe lighten my neck *cross fingers*!
1st Adambeauty Haul!!
L to R: Mentholatum Skin Aqua UV bihaku Milk WHITE, Hadalabo BB Moist Emulsion SPF 50+ PA+++ - Natural Ochre, Hadalabo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash
Baby Foot East Pack (Size M)
This was the foot pack that I originally ordered. I really wanted to try it after seeing it on LotusPalace's blog. It sounded really interesting and I wanted to pamper/splurge on myself for prom and graduation. (I don't take care of my feet! So I must do so now, especially for the summer haha)
Benefit Feelin' Cheeky Set
Been meaning to get this since April. I planned to get this when Sephora had the 15% off but when I went to the Sephora I went to I didn't see any of the other items that I also wanted so I put it off and lost the chance to save some $$. =( I've only tried the Benetint so far and I really love it. It isn't as bold as my TonyMoly tints and isn't as quick drying. It's also very sheer unlike the TonyMoly tints so it's much easier to build up to desired intensity (maybe I haven't tried) whereas the TonyMoly ones come out very opaque the first layer you apply. Especially since TonyMoly's is a doe foot applicator and Benetint is a brush. Really like! I might even buy a full sized when..if I ever run out =D
Nanoce BB Set
Bought from the beauty store I previously ranted about. This time she was busy on the phone the majority of the time and didn't stare me down or even bothered to talk to me and best friend until we asked her for price and such. Maybe she sensed we were buying? Haha. Actually, I wasn't even intending to purchase this because I thought she only had the BB Cream alone. But I saw the set and it was only a few extra dollars (from her BB Cream price) and I was swayed. Bestfriend can attest to my vulnerability LOL She witnessed it firsthand.
Nanoce BB Moist Cream No.2 Healthy Ochre
I really wanted to try this after how many bloggers said this was a better match for slightly darker than the usual Korean BB Creams AND after seeing how beautifully Nic Nic looked in her face shots when she wore her's. I've been wearing this for the past week and I really like it! Hasn't broken me out. I don't think it clogged my pores. It didn't make me look uber pale or white-faced. Although..sometimes when it's especially hot and my makeup wears off a little faster than usual my normal face color starts to show up and makes it look slightly off but no biggie. I even got a compliment one day from a male friend that usually doesn't compliment me LOL It was surprising and might not have had anything to do with wearing this but I want to give it some credit. I do not know if it was a joke but it felt nice Haha
Nanoce BB Mineral Powder
I haven't tried this. But the powder jar is much smaller than what I expected. And much pinker than I expected as well. I hope it isn't light for me. Will try soon but want to use up some of my current powders before I open this one.
Koji Eyelash Curler No.73
I bought this mainly for prom. I decided to purchase this after scouring the beauty shops of Chinatown. The particular store that I went in had the wider curve and standard curve. The shop owner (I think or SA) allowed me to take out the curlers to try in-store which I thought was nice of her...was not expecting it! I was surprised that my eyes fell under the wide eyes range! I've used this a few times and it doesn't pinch my eyelids like the Kirkland one did (that came with the brush set I purchased a year or two ago). However, I think it is a little too curved for me because the curler never gets the inner corner lashes. I may try the new Shiseido ones which have a bit flatter/straighter curve. I don't know though. I'm not in need of it. One is enough LOL
Sephora Haul :D
I purchased these while waiting for my mom to get off work one Saturday. We were taking a trip to Queens to search for some things for our new house (YAY!). I was only thinking of purchasing the primer and the Jack Black lip balm duo but saw the Benefit set and changed my mind. Hehe It's very rare for me to see Online Only items in stores and I wanted to try these products! (Excuses I know...don't judge! lol)
Mini Benefit Erase Paste No.2
It looks very pink/salmon-y. Definitely doesn't look like it would fit my skin tone but you never know. I haven't tried it out yet since I have so many under-eye concealers that I wanted/need to use. Maybe I'll give it a try next week.
Mini Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in R.S.V.P.
Been wanting to try this. I'm a little disappointed though because it isn't as pigmented as I thought it would be but it's still a nice wash of color and shimmer for a person who prefers less eye makeup.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
After some suggestions and based on my budget and resources...I decided to get this primer. The only reason why I didn't get the ELF primer even though it is 1/6 of the price of UDPP was that I'm pretty sure the Target I go to does not have it and I didn't want to go through the trouble of purchasing a $3 item and paying for the shipping. Also, I thought if UDPP didn't work I'd return it to try the NARS primer instead since Sephora has a great return policy. I've tried it a few times. Once with just the Milani liner and I'm sad to say it didn't help with that. I'm going to try this again soon with just shadow to see if it helps that though *cross fingers*!
