November's lovely package came from Che of lovefemme. Che hosted a three winner giveaway awhile ago and I was the lucky first prize winner.
The first prize contained the Color Club Back to Boho Collection in Set A and two holographic polishes in Revvvolution and Fashion Addict.
The Back to Boho collection A nor B has made an appearance at my local Winners and neither have I seen Alter Ego, another Color Club collection I've been lemming.
The others or what I refer to as "the bonuses"; Benefit One Prime Day, Urban Decay All Day Setting Spray, NYX The Caribbean Collection 5 Color Shadow Palette, and an adorable Forever 21 necklace!
Not pictured is the Konad stamping set included in the prize. This means I can finally have pretty designs on my nails! (I am one of those unfortunate people with no freehand skills.)
All in all, despite the fact my parent's ditched me at the start of November, this month has been incredible for me. With the SO's visit, mail, shopping, eating... What more could a girl ask for?
The verdict is in and it looks like The Ultimate Splurge is going to go unpunished and today, I hope the same goes for the Hong Kong Haul. This haul is planned and only happens once a year too! So again, please remember that I do deserve to spoil myself now and then so.... go easy on me (again), okay? *Inserts innocent puppy dog eyes and hopeful smile here*
Before I begin, I want to share my favorite products from last year's haul:
1) Nexcare Acne Dressing - I will review this soon!
2) Hada Labo SHA Face Wash + SHA Lotion + Tamagohada AHA + BHA Face Wash
3) Panasonic Heated Eyelash Curler
4) Kiss Me Heroine Make Mascara in Long & Curl + Volume & Curl
5) Cure Natural Aqua Gel
Big things like the mascaras were never formally reviewed but I'll eventually talk about them. But alas, onto the haul... *Insert whimpering here*
Dejavu Fiberwig Extra Long, Lash Knockout; Fairydrops Platinum Film, Platinum Waterproof, Volume Burst, and HbG (LE)
Now before you judge me, I've got one thing to say: Asian mascaras work best for me so I stock up whenever I can! With that said, I will now decrease my experiments with American/Canadian mascaras. The drugstore aisles can tempt me all they want but I will show restraint, promise!
Canmake Cream Cheek in Sweet Orange [10] & Heavenly Heart [11], Melty Nude Lip in Creamy Nude [02], Baby Pink [03], & Peach Beige [04]
Couldn't resist asking for more Canmake Cream Cheeks though... To confess, I haven't even gone through all of the cream cheeks from last year. I do plan on giving a few away though. Perhaps one or two may even make an appearance in a blog giveaway ;)
But everyone needs the perfect nude lipstick, right? The Melty Nude's are my attempt to find "The One"!
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence & Watery Mousse SPF+ PA+++
The "MOM, YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO FIND THIS FOR ME" purchase were the Bioré sunscreens. Sunscreen is a top priority and after reading countless rave reviews, I knew I HAD to try these.
Hada Labo Air BB Cream, SHA Moisturizing Milk, SHA Moisturizing Cream; Beauty Formula Cucumber Body Cream; T-Sing Magnetic Nail Polish
Lastly, the items pictured above were accidental buy's. This happens each and every year, despite my very clear wishlist! Actually, none of these items were even on the wishlist so this is entirely not my fault.
Fortunately for my mother, this will be my last "big" Asian-cosmetic haul for the next year or two. What with The Ultimate Splurge and a few more items coming in the mail, I simply cannot justify any more make up or skincare. I am a sick, sick person but at least I'll admit it, that counts for something right?
Right!?
Since my lip glosses are already quite bold and lip tints are very natural, there just isn't much of a point in buying lipsticks, for me. Now this sounds unthinkable but when you also have lips with many and wide vertical lip lines, it's near impossible to find a lipstick that doesn't magnify the issue.
Then comes along Vasanti's Ultra Luxe Lipstick in Denmark; a "rich cranberry magenta".
In direct and indirect sunlight, Denmark comes off as a bright red and nothing like Vasanti describes. However, indoor lighting will truly expose the rich cranberry color. Still, I see no visible signs of the magenta tone.
Putting aside the colour issues (especially the one in the swatch -___-"), I love the Ultra Luxe formula. It migrates a little due to the creaminess but I find a lip liner fixes that easily. It's hard to find a moisturizing lipstick without the slipperiness but Vasanti did good with this one! You can tell some of Denmark has slipped into my lip lines but that is inevitable for me. The bright side is that it's not as rigid looking and more plump than usual.
Also, because the colour is so opaque, it leaves a slight stain after. The stain resembles more of magenta than cranberry so actually, I guess I am still getting the whole cranberry/magenta that Vasanti describes. As for actual wear time, the lipstick only lasts about 4 hours on me. Keep in mind that I'm a 24/7 munch; no lip product lasts more than 6 hours on me. This would definitely last longer for those who don't eat or drink much throughout the day.
Bottom Line:
After a successful experience with Denmark, I'm going to look into other Ultra Luxe lip colours. I definitely recommend you check them out too if you've had a difficult time finding moisturizing lipsticks without the slipperiness.
*Item was provided in Vancouver Beauty Bloggers Swag Bag. I am not obligated nor compensated to write a review. All opinions are my own.
I did something bad. Like, really really really bad...
You see, it all started when the SO (significant other, for those wondering) arrived a week after my parent's had left for Asia. Dear, sweet, awesome SO came to me with a suitcase filled with goodies from the Sephora Friends & Family sale but we mysteriously ended up in Seattle for a weekend and it was there where I temporarily went insane.
So we innocently wandered into the Sephora in Seattle downtown because I had planned to pick up one Illamasqua blush. But all Hell broke loose at the check out. The sales associate had informed me I had hit VIB status and at the same time, the VIB 20% off discount was going on. The SO saw how ecstatic I was and at that point, all he could say was, "Go look some more.". Best. Boyfriend. Ever. Am I right?!
From one measly little blush, I ended up with four. Add in a few brushes and a rollerball set and somehow I managed to spend over $200 before taxes and discount. To make matters worse, I had already purchased the Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Starter Kit (prior to the VIB status) the day before at another Sephora.
Here's the wreck:
Haul from Sephora F&F Sale:
Too Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection, Jack Black Balm Squad Lip Quad, Tarte Lip Service Limited Edition LipSurgence Collection, nails inc. Special Effects Electric Lane Holographic Glitter Top Coat
Haul from Sephora VIB Sale:
Make Up Forever HD Complexion Starter Kit, Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Lover + Hussy, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Blissful + Tipsy, Fresh Sugar Obsessions Rollerball Trio
Haul from Sephora VIB Sale:
tokidoki Pittura Brush Set: 24 Karat Edition, Sephora Collection I.T. Natural Foundation Brush
It was like some blush fiend *coughs*Tracy*coughs* had taken over my body. My hands kept picking up blushes and then putting it back. The cycle of "should I, but I shouldn't" was relentless. I'd walk to and away from the same (and last) Jack Black Balm Squad thinking how useful it would be if I had two sets instead of one. My kind kept screaming, "It's meant to be, can't you see? Last set dude, you better get it or you'll regret it!". Then something clicked in my brain. I realized my old hoarding tendencies were kicking in again and I knew what I had to do. I walked away and made a beeline for the checkout. The SO also made sure I didn't step away from my spot or grab any "candy" around the checkout area.
So you see, I was quite strong but also quite insane! The restraint I showed (or lack of) really surprised the SO. Even he thought I could have done far worse!
Keep in mind too that this doesn't happen often. In fact, this is the first time I have ever splurged this much on make up all at once. Putting this all out there makes me feel less guilty but you be the judge....
Should my splurging go unpunished or do I need help?!
Tracy of Beauty Reflections did this neat alphabetical get-to-know-me post and I thought I'd join her. Since there are 26 letters in the alphabets, there will be 26 facts about me!
SERIOUSLY.
A for Age - I'm 20 now but I turn 21 in March.
B for Best Holiday - This one is hard... I've traveled a lot since I was born. Hell, I went to Vegas when I was 2 years old (don't remember it but there are pictures to prove it!). I guess the best holiday was when I went to Hong Kong for the second time when I was 15. We also went to Taiwan and Japan on that trip!
C for Chores You Hate - There are only two chores I really hate. The first one is a battle with the dogs: giving them their bath. Then there is the issue of changing the duvet covers. Seems like i can never get the duvet to line up with the cover and this annoys me so much!
D for Dogs - Let's refer to C, shall we? I have 3 dogs in total; 2 adopted and 1 bought. They are indeed a handful but I would not trade them for any other dogs. Okay, so I did try to trade them a while back for a Pomeranian show dog but of course that fell through...
E for Essential Start to Your Day - Don't have anything particular besides to pee. Small bladder, what can I say?
F for Favourite Colour - Sea foam green or teal. I like colours that lay between the lines of blue and green!
G for Gold or Silver - Silver because it's easier to wear. I do have a few favourite gold pieces like this Little Mermaid necklace my uncle stole from a VH1 back when I was a wee toddler. There's also a sun, moon, and stars necklace my dad bought for me when I was a baby. It broke but I kept all the pieces in hopes I can fix it one day for my own daughter!
H for Height - I stand short at 5'1. Sometimes I lie and tell people I'm 5'2, not that it makes a huge difference *sigh*.
I for Instruments You Play - None. I learned how to play the ukulele and guitar back in elementary school but that only lasted for a year.
J for Job Title - From time to time, I will work for my mom at our family-owned insurance agency but for the most part, I am unemployed. So... do you need insurance?
K for Kids - Way too young for this. Next question!
L for Live - Vancouver born & raised. I love this city but eventually, I will have to move to somewhere sunny with lots of sand!
M for Mother's Name - Donna with no nickname or middle name.
N for Nickname - My siblings call me Ash and occasionally Ash-tray if they're teasing me. I also developed the nickname Ashlex late in high school because the English teacher of all people didn't know how to spell my name..
O for Overnight Hospital Stays - Only been overnight once and that was last year, the day before New Year's Eve. Do not want to talk about it... it was terrible.
P for Pet Peeves - Some people have road rage, I have sidewalk rage. I can't stand a slow walker or pedestrian. Listen Miss. I Think I'm Hot Stuff, if you're going to wear heels or wedges to the mall, you better be walking not shuffling.
Q for Quote from a Film - Oddly enough, no quote has stuck to me and I do watch a lot of movies.
R for Right or Left handed - Right.
S for Siblings - An older brother and sister. Also have a sister-in-law and hopefully soon, a brother-in-law.
T for Time You Wake Up - It varies. My school schedule is odd but on my days off it's usually around noon.
U for Underwear - Um... yes?
V for Vegetable You Hate - None, I love my veggies!
W - What Makes You Run Late - Twitter, the ultimate distraction when you're supposed to be getting ready. Also my friend Blondie. She makes everyone run late!
X for X-rays You've Had - Besides the regular dental x-rays I take yearly, I've also taken x-rays for my thumb... It all happened when I was 17 and I had a 7:45AM class. I was so tired I slammed the car door shut on my thumb. Don't worry, no bones were broken and my thumb is intact. There was minor chipping however and it was enough to warrant a week long, dumb looking thumb guard.
Y for Yummy Food You Make - The high school I graduated from had a culinary program and I almost pursued the art until my parent's talked me out of it. Worst idea ever. Now the only thing I can make without fail is a mean turkey BLT. Does this even count??
Z for Zoo Animal - Pandas or Koalas. I have a thing for bears that look cute but are potentially face-ripping monsters.
Now it's your turn to tell me 26 facts about you!
Now and then, Sephora will have guest make up artists or skincare consultants from specific brands to talk to and examine customers needs. Late in July I stumbled upon a very sweet Murad specialist and was swayed by her ravings. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate falling for recommendations by skincare consultants? The products they recommend me usually perform like crap. Case and point: the Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum.
I'll give the Soothing Serum this, it really is safe to use on sensitive skin. When I was fighting the nastiest cold of 2011, I couldn't use many creams or gels around my nose as they'd burn the very raw and irritated area. The serum was safe to use though - no stinging, no burning, nothing.
Where it all goes downhill is the lack of redness relief. Murad claims that their serum will decrease irritation and redness but my redness never went away! No matter what the circumstances were, the serum just didn't work. While I know I have broken capillaries that runs deep under my skin which can never be treated, even the spontaneous blotching couldn't be calmed.
Lastly, this serum should be dubbed "liquid moisturizer" or "lotion" instead as I expect serums to do more than moisturize. The texture is similar to the HadaLabo SHA Lotion but it is slightly thicker and sticky. While it isn't as hydrating as HadaLabo it does do a good job on it's own. I wouldn't wear this under foundation, tinted moisturizers or BB creams though because they'll turn into "eraser bits". I strictly use this as night time moisturizer because of this issue.
As a serum/liquid moisturizer, this stuff is expensive. Imagine paying $49.50 for a 1.0 fl. oz. bottle that lasts a mere 2 months and doesn't live up to the claims.
Bottom Line:
I do not recommend the Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum. It's overpriced for what it does(n't) do and while it certainly didn't hurt my skin , it didn't "soothe" what I needed it to either.
IngredientsWater (Aqua), Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycolipids, Hyaluronic Acid, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Algae Extract, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Yeast Extract (Faex), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Parietaria Officinalis Extract, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 6 (CI 15985)
Disclosure
Make-Up Kismet is a personal blog written and edited by myself. This blog was created to share my experiences with whom ever reads it.
All reviews posted are written by me and are my honest opinions. All products reviewed are purchased by me for personal and/or review purposes unless stated otherwise. Each person is different, as are our experiences. With that said, I cannot be held responsible for any unsatisfying reaction to a product I review or recommend.
Photos on this blog are either from Google, other Bloggers or, my own. I try to depict all products as accurately as possible. I may edit photos for this purpose.
