Monday, December 31, 2012

Christmas Goodies 2012

Like I promised, here are some of the goodies I got from my loved ones this Christmas. I am extremely grateful for everything I received and I am especially impressed by all the thoughts that went into them! Most of the presents are from my sweetest boyfriend. He definitely has been listening to me throughout the year! Yup, Deborah Lippman (or Debbie Danceman as my bf calls it), MAC, Pandora and Lululemon are the ways to win a girlie-girl's heart <3



Thursday, December 27, 2012

Holiday Fashion

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. There is so much happy spirit in the air. I love all the festive decorations and music everywhere. Here is how I spent my Christmas ...
The weekend before Christmas, I went on a mini road-trip to visit some family and friends. I have never seen so much snow in my life. The snow covered most basements and made stop signs barely visible.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Review: Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Charade

I have been wanting to try Nars eyeshadows for a long time. I am deeply in love with Nars blushes and have heard a ton of great things about its eyeshadows. The reason why it took me so long to try them is the $39 price tag for a duo. Other high-end brands such as Urban decay has fabulous eyeshadows too and you can get a palette of 10 colors for that price.

I was at The Bay in Vancouver downtown just browsing and spotted a makeup artist (Aaron - Awoz) I watch on Youtube working at the Nars counter. Aaron is such an enthusiastic person and an amazing makeup artist. He showed me all the Nars eyeshadows and gave me great recommendations. This is what I came home with...


The duo I picked up is CHARADE: muted mauve + smokey plum <3

Monday, July 16, 2012

Topbox July 2012

My Topbox for this month is here:


It is a monthly beauty box subscription available in Canada for $10/month. Topbox promises to deliver 4 deluxe size beauty samples to your door every month. I really love the fact that it always delivers with a tracking number! 

I have tried Glymm box in the past, but I cancelled it after 4 months because I liked the samples in Topbox better. In comparison to Glymm box, Topbox definitely provided more makeup and nail items, which is what I prefer. I like skincare and hair care products too, but the samples usually only lasts 2-3 applications. 

I am happy, though not super impressed, with the items in the July Topbox. The nail polish is a full size product and the face mask is a decent size. However, the shampoo is rather small and the face cream came in two tiny packets.


Pure+Simple Calming Cucumber Mask (20mL)
Full size: $25.25 (50mL)
It has a cooling gel consistency.

Sampar Essentials Ultra Hydrating Fluid (2 x 2mL)
Full size: $80 (50mL)


NuMe Style Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo (20mL)
Full size: 250mL ($24.99)

China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Blue Sparrow (14mL -  Full size)

There is also a $100 gift certificate for NuMe.

Love:
  • China Glaze nail polish - Other than the fact it is a full size product, I also love the bright blue color. It is perfect for the summer.
Like:
  • Cucumber mask - The mask feels like very soothing just like the product description says. I am not sure about its ability to firm the skin, but I do feel refreshed after using it.
  • NuMe shampoo - I like its scent and the way it lathers. However, I have already used up more than half of the sample after one use. It is hard to tell whether it treats damaged hair or not with one to two applications. 
Meh:
  • Samper hydrating fluid - It feels like any other light face cream/ fluid. It claims to provide long-term hydration and protects the skin from harmful effects of pollution with its special Urban Advance Complex. I assume its hefty price tag is due to the innovation behind this fluid and the effect it provides. For me, using the produce twice will not convince me to spend $80.

I highly recommend Topbox is you are in the market for a beauty box subscription. Although this month's content is not super exciting, I have received items from brands such as Deborah Lippman, Stila, and Shu Uemura in the past months.

Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? What did you receive?


Smile, be happy :)

Linda

Friday, June 22, 2012

Sale: Kate Spade's Sale is on SALE!


I woke up to this in my email ...



... instant smile to my sleepy face!

Kate Spade is one of my favourite fashion brands. Its design is fun and yet sophisticated. I especially love their bags. They often come in different colors which makes one design suitable for both formal office use and  fun weekend wear. I am very into brights for this summer. Here are some of my picks from their Sale's SALE section.

Gold Coast Elizabeth in Flo Coral: Elegant design with a pop of color


Signature Spade Leather Brianne in Acid Yellow: The perfect fun crossbody bag for summer outings

Flickers Scout in Wheat Grass: A classic satchel with a fun twist.
(I've seen many brands introduce this popular design, but this is my favourite.)

Cobble Hill Small Leslie in Adriatic: I love a functional bag with crossbody straps.
Here is a detail review another Canadian blogger. 


Bedford Road Leighton in Cruzer/coral/black: Stay organized with this work-appropriate bag.
It has two top zipped compartments and  is only 1/3 of its original price!

Finally, I want to leave you with a stunning statement necklace. It will dress up any outfit and put you in the spotlight instantly.

Treasure Chest Statement Necklace in Flo Yellow Multi

What are you picks from this sale?
What is your favourite fashion brand?




Smile, be happy,

Linda

Monday, June 18, 2012

Review: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in 664 Rose Bikini

I am a huge fan of Dior cosmetics, especially its lip products! I love Dior Addict lipsticks and the lip glow. I was so EXCITED when I came across the F&F sale at The Bay last weekend. It was the perfect time to pick up another Dior item since all cosmetics were 10% off. Cosmetics are usually never included in any promotions at department stores, especially Dior.

I went to the Dior counter thinking about getting the gloss in 576 Sari Pink. Missglamorazzi on YouTube have been raving about it in her May 2012 favourites. However, when I swatched it in person, 664 Rose Bikini from the new summer collection showed up more pink than 576 Sari Pink. I wanted a bright pink gloss so I went with 664 Rose Bikini. (Even the name is so cute!)

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in 664 Rose Bikini








Sephora:
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss features a featherweight formula with a flash-plumping, "spotlight shine" effect. Hyaluronic spheres keep lips smooth and moisturized, while mirror-like micropearls reflect light in all directions for a dazzling finish.

Texture:
I completely agree with the description. I would use those words to describe the gloss:

  • glossy
  • non-sticky
  • moisturizing
It is really the perfect formula for me. Not only it looks super flattering, it also feels good on my lips. I am not a fan of sticky lip glosses because they attract my hair to my lips like they are besties. This gloss does not do that at all. Having said that, it only lasts for 1-2 hours. I don't mind it at all because it makes me happy every time I apply it :)

Color:
664 Rose Bikini is a true bright pink with no shimmers or sparkles. Compare to this color, 576 Sari Pink is more of a peachy pink with shimmers. I decided on 664 Rose Bikini because the color shows up on my pigmented lips better. It is a wearable sheer pink when wore alone. I also love to pair it with a bright pink lipstick (e.g. Mac lipstick in Nicki or Chanel Rouge Allure in Insolente) for a statement look.

Price:
$31(CND)/ $28(US)
It is definitely a splurge for me. For the quality and the sleek packaging, I still think it is worth it. I really should just stop buying random makeup items every time I'm at the drugstore and save up for some more Dior love :)

P.S. I am a beginner with photography and blogging. I tried my best to capture the true color the gloss. The hand swatch looks more red than pink and the camera would not focus :( Sorry! If you have any constructive comments, I would love to hear them!

Smile, be happy <3

Linda

Friday, May 11, 2012

Formal evening outfit: sparkles + colors

The graduation season is here now! I have mine in a few weeks. I created an outfit on Polyvore with some of my favourite fashion brands. This is what I would like to wear if I could shop anywhere at any price :) I hope you enjoy the sparkles and the vibrant colors just as much as I do. Graduation


Kate Spade high heel shoes
$325 - endless.com

Kate Spade clutch handbag
$208 - katespade.com

Kate spade jewelry
$70 - couture.zappos.com




Smile and be happy :)

- Linda