W misses Sephora.

It’s been pretty much a whole year since I last shopped at Sephora.  Well.. I’ll be honest, I did cave sometime in July and bought a couple of KVD lip liners (in my defence, one was for my sister in law as a little present after she’d given birth) and Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Apart from that, the last time I REALLY shopped for make up was in December of last year. I’ve been good.. for the most part.

So anyway!
Yesterday I went to Sephora with a mission!
One was to claim my birthday present.
The other was to spend my accumulated points!

They have Kat Von D’s Beauty Addiction Set for 500 points in their Rewards Boutique and I figured that THIS is what I should use my points for.
The set comes in a small faux leather pouch with red lining. Inside are two eyeliners; her Ink Liner in Trooper and Tattoo Liner in Mad Max Brown.
There are also two of her lip products; her Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Vampira and Studded Kiss Lipstick in Cathedral. All in mini size — perfect for on the go!

I’ve always liked her liners and liquid lipstick (and I have yet to own Vampira, yay!) but I’ve never tried her lipstick, so I’m excited! I don’t have any good reason to put on make up at the moment though so I’ll be trying these out as soon as I find an excuse.

By the way, to redeem the points you will have to make a purchase of any amount and that’s where the Soap & Glory hand sanitiser comes in (RM16).
I could’ve just bought one of Sephora’s sheet mask for RM10 but having a small child, I have more use for a hand sanitiser than a sheet mask!

This year’s birthday present from Sephora is by Tarte. They are minis of their Amazonian blush in Paaarty and Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit, both are exclusive shades for this Sephora gift set.

Can’t help but wonder if I’ll be getting a present from Sephora next year since I’d been spending so little this year! hahahha! I am most likely to be downgraded to their White Card.
Oh well.. priorities change. I now have a membership with Mothercare.. who would've thought?

The “bonus” item that I got yesterday came from a friend, who got me the Lid Lingerie eyeshadow palette by NYX for my birthday! The palette has six matte neutral shades. I’ve never tried any eyeshadow from the brand but this particular palette has great reviews, I’m looking forward to try this one out!

Basically I’m just excited over my haul!
So excited that I decided to take a pause from writing about being a mother. HAHAHAHA!
You know how it goes.. when an entry gets too long, I tend to skip over them. That continuation after I delivered Nugget is coming, I promise!

Update -- December 22nd 2017
Put on some make up before I head into the office yesterday; LOVED the Tarte blush (of course) and lip paint (my kind of nude!). Also loved the brown Tattoo Liner, no surprise there and the third shade on the top row of the eyeshadow palette blended real well on my crease.

Hello, 32.

And hi, reality. hahahaha!

Well, I've always talked about my grey hair anyway and I do embrace them. Makes me a whole lot like Rogue of X-Men. Unfortunately my job does not agree with the "old and wise" look so I always have to colour them in every few months.

Not my favourite thing to do since all those hair colouring products stink.

Gets really boring when you've done them since you're 25 -- and yes, that's how young I was when I first noticed the grey hairs.

Anyway, I've been really quiet this month, haven't I? My ideas just never made it to the blog unfortunately. Like always, ideas on this and that but time always gets the better of me.

My birthday came and went and I've got nothing to report.

As always I expected more, but at the same time there really is nothing to expect. It's always like that. I keep hoping for something magical to happen, maybe. But what magic is there when it's just one more day, one more year of your life?

Yes, yes, I am blessed and grateful for another day, but really.. I just can't seem to shake off the bad funk that I always feel around this time of year. It's sad and sickening at the same time. I am constantly in this loop that I can't get out of.

So hey!

I bought some stuff to cheer me up. hahaha! Let's call this my birthday haul. Stuff that I truly bought in the excuse of my birthday.

First I made a purchase in Sephora (naturally), and I was happy to see that they carried the holiday limited edition set from Kat Von D! As you may know (if you happen to stumble upon my Instagram, I suppose) I LOVE her Everlasting Liquid Lipstick! I already have eight of them and when I saw this set online, I knew.. I MUST have it!

Perhaps I'll write a specific post on them one day. heh! Don't hold your breath though.

Then I saw a cute lil' onesie by La Senza, and though I've always been apprehensive about bodysuits before -- how does one get out of it when they need to tinkle? -- and against my better judgement, I decided to get it anyway.

Just so you know.. onesie.. bodysuits.. whatever you decide to call it -- if you ever think of getting it, I hope you have the bladders of steel! Because let me tell you, it IS a pain to get out of one everytime you need to pee! hahahaha. But you can't deny, they are stinkin' cute on.

My final purchase was a flashy one. Been wanting to get a new perfume for months now. Been wanting a Dyptique perfume since probably last year even! I guess they're probably just as expensive as Jo Malone but I somehow feel like Jo Malone is a tad more achievable. hahahaha! (They're just as expensive, really.)

I went into the store in Pavilion not really knowing what to get but the sales associates were really helpful. Having Encem there was great too because it's just easier to decide on a scent with him around. After all, he's going to be smelling it of off me so we might as well get a scent that the both of us could love.

Loving my purchases so far. Not enough to get me out of my funk, but I'm pretty happy with my buys.

Year-end is fast approaching and I do intend to have a couple more entries before we enter the new year. So let's hope that happens and not become yet another idea that didn't materialise.

Hope you're having a good December, I'll speak to you again soon.

Sephora Black Card Members Sale; October 2016

Dear God, I spent a LOT!

Doesn't look like much, but if my shopping bag were stolen yesterday, I would run after the thief! Or cry. Probably run after the thief first then cry because I am so out of shape!
To think that I had wanted some other things but they were all out of stock in store..

Now if you're not familiar with Malaysian Sephora, they normally have their member's sale every May and October with 20% discount on everything. So if you have something 'spensive you'd like to try, it's the BEST time to get it!

I got four things from the Sephora brand itself;
First, is a box of the Express Eye Makeup Remover Wipes. I've never tried this before, but I love the portability of their Instant Nail Polish Remover Wipes so I decided to chuck it in my basket.
When it comes to makeup removing wipes, I trust in the Simple brand, but the packaging is quite large and would take up some space in my toiletries bag.

So I plan on putting some sachets of these Sephora wipes in my "emergency toiletries bag". For times when Encem tells me that we're going to see his mom in Puncak Alam where the drive takes forty minutes to an hour. And we'd stay there for hours, and he'd be too tired or sleepy (from the awesome meals) to drive back home.
Which reminds me, I should put together that emergency toiletries bag soon.

I also got a loofah (or as they call it, Bath Flower! pfft), because as it turns out I like the one from Sephora! It gets the job done and has held its shape. I've had mine for months now (which is why I should replace it) and it is still well intact.

Then there's the Glass Nail File which I bought because Cristine from Simply Nailogical said that clipping your nails is bad. hahahha.

Last from the Sephora Collection is the Mini 4-step Buffer that I bought because Encem uses them. Simply. I do think of him sometimes when I shop, see! hahaha

Now on to the more fun part;
I got the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder on a whim. As mentioned in the previous post, I am not a powder-girl but this setting powder has so many good reviews and I've always wanted to try baking. I don't know.. Felt kinda bad for getting it when it wasn't on my wishlist/shopping list (as the rest of the things I purchased were) but thinking it was on sale (RM189 n.p.) and I'd never get it otherwise.. purchase -- happened.

I mean, I could bake with my Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder that Mami got me a couple of birthdays ago but you never see any of those YouTubers talk about it! huhuu.
Anyway, no excuses really. I told you I got the powder on a whim.

Another sort-of-whim, sort-of-not purchase is the Too Faced Hangover Primer. I also don't normally prime my face because I have yet to find one that I can say I love. I've tried Benefit The POREfessional, Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Nars Pro-prime Light Optimizing Primer and I have no particular thoughts on them. They all made my makeup stay longer (I think?) but I always feel that it's a hassle to put on. Truly, just another extra step to do before I put on my makeup. And, I can always feel them on, which I don't particularly enjoy.
Apparently the Hangover Primer is suppose to hydrate the skin as well, so we'll see how I get on with it. I did try it on once I got home yesterday and it is lightweight, so that's a good sign.

I repurchased the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer. I do love it. My under-eyes loves it. I mean, I am quite sad that it's taken the number one spot, replacing my old time fave Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer but it's what my skin loves at the moment.

Then I (re)purchased WEN by Chaz Dean Healthy Hair Kit. I've used one up a couple of months ago and loved it. But spending RM 136 on a 480ml shampoo is.. terrible, really. (Pretty sure it didn't cost that much when I first bought it, though.)
This set is RM 198 n.p. (yikesss!!) but you get the full size cleansing conditioner, a hair masque and a treatment mist. The product is basically a lazy-girl's shampoo; a cleansing conditioner. One that mostly hydrates your hair but leaves it feeling squeaky clean.
I would normally use this when my hair feels disgusting, but I still have work the next day so it's a waste of time to do the whole hair care shebang when I know it's just going to get disgusting again. heh. It's great for days like that.

A new purchase is the Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel. Believe it or not, it has been on my wishlist ever since it first came out! But for the life of me, I cannot justify the price for a friggin' brow gel. Still had doubts about getting it. But yesterday I just took it off the shelf and chuck it into my basket.
The thing about having a wishlist, while the thing you wanted is still on that list, it just keeps on haunting you. Even when you KNOW that you're not supposed to get it. You KNOW it can't be that magical to have such steep price. Still, it haunts you.
The heart wants what it wants. hahaha

I've also repurchased a full size Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light. Now, that's a commitment. And yes, I've just bought a loose setting powder. Whatever.
Dim Light was sold out everywhere and all the other shades were too shimmery for what I intend to do with it. Plus Dim Light can sometimes make my foundation seem a bit warmer since it has a peachy-beige tone to it. I'm hoping the pinky tone of Mood Light will keep things neutral on me.

The final thing that I bought on this sale (also the one I am most excited about.. also the most 'spensive. huhuu) is the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick. It has great reviews from my favourite YouTubers so naturally, I had to try it out.
I don't know why I like to hover around Hourglass honestly. They're damn expensive!!

Anyway, I tried it yesterday and liked it so far. I mean, I can't say much when I've only used it for a couple of hours. It does have a huge selection of shades, and it is high coverage. Quite creamy, blends easily and I didn't use much at all. Really looking forward to using it again and have a true test of its staying power.
It's my first time ever owning a stick foundation by the way, so I'm excited!

So that's what I got during the Sephora Black Card Members Sale this time around. I don't think I've ever spent this much on makeup.. thanks, Hourglass!
If you're looking to get anything from Sephora, the sale is still on until tomorrow, Sunday October the 9th, in stores and online!

*Some of the products mentioned are linked to the product page on Sephora.COM as the products are only available in the physical stores.
**Not all Sephora stores are stocked equally, Hourglass products are only stocked in Starhill and KLCC, Laura Mercier is not stocked in Starhill and Pyramid.. you may want to call them up and check if the store you'd like to visit has the brand that you're looking for.
***Random story: I visited three Sephora stores yesterday, started off in Starhill, had lunch in Pavilion, walked towards KLCC then checked the one in Avenue K before I headed home on the LRT.

Quarterly Faves [Beauty]

If you hadn't known, I watch a LOT of beauty-related videos on YouTube. I don't know why, really. Something to do..? To get some inspiration..? An excuse to shop -- because somebody recommended something..?

Yes.. Yes.. YES!

Hahahahha!

Anyway, those "beauty gurus" on there always posts their "monthly favourites" and though they're one of my favourite things to watch, I honestly can't fathom how they could have different favourites each month when my favourites normally lasts all year! (And more!)

So anyway, I've had awesome discoveries this past few months and I just had to share them. An excuse to talk about something light, really!

First, the Sephora Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush #57 (retails at RM89). It's almost Godsend! I don't know about you lot, but I can never seem to blend my concealer seamlessly with my fingers. My fingers tend to pick up the concealer instead of distributing the product onto the intended areas. The bristles on this brush are soft and dense yet long enough to move along your skin and blend the concealer perfectly!

I just can't be without it and so I LOVE the fact that it comes with a cover so you can travel with it, no problem!

Second in the list is Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Khaki. (Retails at RM89) Oh wow.. This is the stuff that I grab when I have less than twenty minutes to get my face ready! (I keep sleeping through my alarm lately. bleh!)

Just swipe a thick line across the lash line, blend it with my finger and voila! Eyes done! And it'll stay all day long without creasing -- at all! This shade in particular is described as "chocolate brown with bronze pearl" and it does have that pearlescent finish.

I also love NARS Velvet Eyeshadow Stick in Nunavut (retailed at RM99) which is a matte dark purple shade if I wanted a darker "look" but the line is limited edition so I'm not too sure of its availability by the time this post goes up. (They were still available in late February when I went to get the matte black shade Flibuste.) 

Seriously though, I think I'm addicted to these crayon eyeshadows. They are very creamy and so easy to blend out! I also love that they're twist-ups instead of pencils that you need to sharpen. Makes me really curious of By Terry's Ombre Blackstar now, to be honest! (On the wishlist!)

Bio-Oil! (Retails at RM54.95 at Watsons for the 125ml) Hahahha! It could be considered as something for beauty, right? I've been struggling to calm the rashes on my legs from extreme dryness. Tried a bunch of creams, Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Up (RM62) refused to work on me anymore, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (RM128) -- which smelled straight up like Eurax -- did nothing, even Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil  (RM184) just made my legs slick -- but still itchy!

So far, only Bio-oil has stopped my urge to scratch my legs like a mad-woman -- if I remember to apply twice a day, as suggested. Not sure if it reduces my existing scar as the rashes are pretty much raging still.

Extreme dryness.. It's a problem, folks!

Honestly, I should just go and see a dermatologist already.. but.. ick! Damn.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed. (Retails at RM117) Well, I got the "tester" size sometime last year (or was it late 2013?) for RM30. Described as "nude" but it straight up looked mauvy-pink on me! Apart from being matte, I love that the shade is pretty muted so it works well with whatever colour I have on the rest of my face. Plus it lasted well more than 12 hours with very minimal fading on me.
I use it so much that I hit pan on it! That's right.. I hit pan on a blush!! Though it's a teenie baby size of a blush at 1.5g, still.. whoaa..

I must say that I am pretty excited about the idea of using something up.

This next one was a calculated splurge. A "splurge" because I don't need another perfume. "Calculated" because I've been wanting it since.. August, I would say.
It's Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum. (RM300 for 50ml, RM430 for 100ml) Smells really sweet, fruity. Reminds me of mangosteen for whatever reason although it isn't listed as one of the notes! haha!
Smells a bit heady if I sprayed on too much but then again it was my first eau de parfum that I own, oddly enough! For whatever reason, I've only been keen on eau the toilette before Si!

Anyway, I really liked the way it smell. Thought of finishing up one of my existing perfumes first before getting it but I saw it being sold cheaper while I was walking along the counters in Perth airport. So I just.. grabbed it! (#crewlife perks!)

I've also been loving NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Patong Beach. (Retails at RM85) Described as "pink rose", it is your-lips-but-better material! It may not be the best texture on my lips (as all lip liners are) but with my Nuxe Rêve de Miel underneath, the liner glides on like a dream. Actually, even without a lip balm I would still wear this because I LOVE the colour!

Also worth mentioning, the Audacious lipstick in Anna, (retails at RM95) described as "smokey rose". I'd wear this on an offday, damn it! That's how much I love it. Yet another YLBB product. I once wore it for work and the grooming people stopped me because my "lipstick seemed too pale" apparently. hahaha! Can't wrap my head around a seemingly mauvy shade to be "pale"..

Basically I'm all over these two if I feel like wearing make-up on an off day. Something that I can put on without looking "too much".

Earlier this year I decided to actually note down the nail colours that I use. Mostly because I have way too many of those.. and it should be near impossible to choose a favourite when I pretty much change the colours every single time I paint my nails. Surprisingly though, there is one colour that I've painted my nails with TWICE in the course of this three months.

It's Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Up The Ante. (AU$16.95 from Priceline) It's a bright pinky-purple shade that somehow says "happy". hahaha! I do love the formula of the nail polish and it has a wide brush -- yayy! I also love the top coat from the line. I'm keen to get more shades from the line (I can honestly say that there are three more that I'd like to get!) but as aforementioned, I have a LOT of nail polish.. So I'll be waiting for some good discounts to come along! heehee
Sorry if this range isn't in Malaysia yet.. or is it? I haven't been looking around the makeup aisle of Watsons or Guardian for fear of getting things that I don't need. heh!

A surprise favourite was the Bath & Body Works Body Scrub in Wild Madagascar Vanilla. (Retails at RM65) I'm not sure if BBW's body scrubs are created "equal" but mine actually lathers up, which makes showering a total breeze! I've used body scrubs before, Soap & Glory Flake Away (RM55..?) definitely did not lather up. I love that the one I have here has a mild scrubby texture so it does not aggravate my skin and because it lathers up, I don't need to wash myself again with a foamy soap. Oh and the smell..! I really can't say no to vanilla scents.

And my top TOP favourite; Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in the shade Soft Brown. (Retails at £12.21) I feel bad for neglecting my Tarte Brow Mousse but damn this Brow Wiz is SO easy to use! A twist-up pencil on one end, a spoolie on the other. The point is very fine so you can't possibly over-draw, unless maybe you do your makeup in a badly lit room!
Sure, £12 (roughly RM70) for an eyebrow pencil is a lot, but I've had mine since November and I still have a good amount of it. And I rarely EVER leave home without my eyebrows on!

I got mine from BeautyBay.com -- they ship internationally and offers free shipping with purchase over US$15. (Takes about 2 weeks for the shipment to arrive.) The Brow Wiz is US$18--something, but you'll be charged in GBP on your bank statement.

Quite a long entry, this one. Hope you don't mind this sort of entries every once in a while. Perhaps it'll inspire you to try out something new from Sephora. They should be having their 20% off sometime in April/May! Gotta keep a lookout on that! (Make a wishlist/shopping list -- I am!)

*Prices stated are from Sephora, unless mentioned otherwise.

**An exception for NARS' products as they are only available from their stores in Pavilion, KL and Parkson Gurney Plaza, Penang.