I was finishing my Clinique Happy Heart then and was deliberating if I should repurchase or should I get Ralph Lauren Romance instead. I was telling my colleague about my dilemma and she told me to check out the Mothers' Day gift sets at the Clinique counters.
So I went to a Clinique counter and came home with a Happy Hearts and Kisses gift set
! And best of all, that departmental store I went to was having 10% rebate on cosmetics and perfumes!
Happy Heart is definitely my favourite scent, I think I like it slightly more than Flower by Kenzo. When I wear Happy Heart, for no reason my mood just become better and brighter.
IPSA Collective Hauls
Another collective haul again! This time, its from IPSA!
I've never bought anything from IPSA before and I've always wanted to try something from this brand. Since I received some vouchers from Tangs (the only available IPSA counter in Singapore is at Tangs Orchard), its a chance for me to try some stuffs out!
So what did I buy??
- Facial Cottons
- Preparing Clear Lotion EX 1
- Super Sun Block SPF 50 PA+++
- Pure Eye Zone Concealer
- Oil Blotting Papers
I have only used this facial blotter twice, so can't really comment much yet.
Description: Delicate fine fibers made of 100% natural linen resiliently fit over the skin. The oil blotting paper perfectly fits even against the uneven surface of the nose wings and absorbs the sebum deep inside pores. Instantly erases shine while keeping the moisture in the skin.
IPSA's facial blotter is the paper type of material, not the plasticy kind like Clean And Clear blotters. Although this blotter is slightly on the thin side, it doesn't tear easily and I only need to use one sheet to soak up all the oil from my face.
I bought the Pure Eye Zone Concealer in shade 01 which is the lighter shade. There are only 2 shades available.
Description: A concealer that covers dullness, uneven tones and dark circles under the eyes as keeping moisture around the eyes. A soft film perfectly adheres to the skin to retain the initial beautiful finish over time without becoming uneven.
I saw this product being used in the Taiwanese beauty show 女人我最大 and the results looked amazing. However, when I tried using it, the results were not as fantastic.. My panda eyes and my eye bags are still visible. If I try to layer on more of this concealer, my eye area looks patchy and dry.
It works best for me when I apply a layer of Canmake Color Stick in 07 Apricot first and then layer the Pure Eye Zone Concealer on top. By using this method, I only need to use a little of both products and my panda eyes are covered moderately well. Don't think I will repurchase, I believe there are better concealers out there waiting for me to try out.
I also bought the Super Sun Block, which has SPF 50 PA+++. I tried it at the back of my hand at the counter and this sunblock is very light and watery and absorbs fast, no tacky feeling!
Description: Prevents the penetration of strong UV rays (UV-A, UV-B) with the Multi-proof veil for beautiful skin that powerfully resists against perspiration & sebum. Provides moisture to prevent dryness caused by UV rays. Perfectly adheres to skin and prolong makeup wear with the excellent resistance against perspiration, water and sebum. Leaves no white residue or stickiness on skin after absorption. Can be removed with a regular facial cleanser. SPF50 PA+++.
I was looking for a toner to use at night as my Etude House Trouble Eraser Toner was finishing soon. I asked the SA to recommend me a toner for combination skin type and she recommended me Preparing Clear Lotion EX 1.
Description: A lotion for stratum corneum care that provides an excellent exfoliation effect to thoroughly remove excess sebum in pores as well as dead corneocytes on the skin surface. Makes the skin "ready" for skincare by enhancing the penetration of skincare that follows and helping maximize the effects of the skincare. Makes oily skin smoother, softer and clearer.
The texture of this toner is a little thick, like a watery lotion. Immediately after using, my skin do feel a little sticky, however it absorbs very quickly and leaves my skin feeling fresh and bouncy. When I sniff straight from the bottle or from the cotton pad, I can smell alcohol, but the it is not very strong and I can't even smell it when I apply the toner all over my face.
This toner is not a must have for me and I expect something more from a pricey toner (don't remember the exact cost, but should be more than $40), so I do not think I will repurchase it again.
The GWPs I received with $150 purchase.
- Pouch
- Preparing Clear Lotion I
- The Time Reset Cream CS1
- Cleansing Smooth Foam
- Cleansing Oil
On a separate shopping trip, in order to use up my vouchers which are expiring soon, I went to buy more of the Facial Cottons and Oil Blotting Papers.
I have to say that I really like the IPSA Facial Cottons but at $8 per pack they are the most expensive facial cottons I ever used! Good thing that I have vouchers!
Description: Fine quality cotton pads made of 100 % natural cotton. Excellently absorb and release effective ingredients to the skin. The easy-to-use size (6 x 7cm) maintains its shape without becoming fluffy. Split the cotton pad into 2 or 3 sheets for optimum use with the facial mask.
These facial cottons are the softest I have ever used and they don't leave any lint on my face. And best of all, I think I use lesser toner with this facial cotton as compared to facial cottons of other brands.
Labels: Base Make Up, IPSA, Skin Care, Sun Block, Tools
7:03:00 pm.
Gmarket Haul
Not a surprise that I bought something from Gmarket again right? This is just a small haul that I ordered in February this year (yes!! February!! I know I am slow with posting my hauls), as I am trying to curb my expenditures at the moment.
So what did I buy?!
One of my favourite item from this haul is this navy blue bag (this haul has a lot of items that are my favourites!!)
This bag cost 26,900 Won excluding shipping. I really really like this bag and I have been using this for work since February this year. After using it daily for 4 months, this bag is already slightly worn :(
It measurements are 38.5cm x 28cm x 11cm. The material is very soft and hug-able and the best part is that the bag is light, which is unlike the past few bags that I bought online which are really very heavy even when empty.
This bags has 4 compartments (all with zips), 2 compartments in the front, which I use to keep my my ez link card (a stored value card used in Singapore for traveling on public transports) and the other for my name cards, 1 compartment is inside the bag which I keep my tissues and other small items and the last compartment at the back of the bag.
It also comes with a longer sling which I don't use, I prefer to use the shorter one.
I also bought 2 other bags, which cost only 9,900 Won each!
I also bought another tube of the IPKN My Baby Doll Foundation, this time in #23 as the previous tube was too light for me.
The skin care GWP I received, which is the same set of GWPs which I received the other time as well.
I also bought 2 cute ribbon hair ties, I have yet to use them yet as I am afraid that I will dirty them.
Another of my favourite is the BEYOND Pure & Clean Shower Gel. I bought 2 shower gels from the brand BEYOND, but so far I only tried the Pure & Clean Shower Gel and it became my HG shower gel.
Pure & Clean Shower Gel short review:
Pros: It is dermatologist tested and there is no chemical preservatives and colorants. Leaves my skin soft and clean but not drying. I love the scent which smells like plants and herbs. Comes in pump bottle.
Cons: Does not create much bubbles/foam, so I have to use more product. Pricey at 12,000 Won for a 250ml of shower gel. The product leaks out at side of the pump.
Am I going to repurchase? Definitely! The pros out weight the cons! And this time, I am going to get the body lotion too!
The GWPs I received from this seller.
I also bought some miscellaneous items like heel liners for my shoes to prevent painful blisters at the back of the heels...
I also bought 2 shawls.....
and sanitary pads.... :p
As a matter of fact, I bought 3 big packs of Kotex sanitary pads, 2 packs are for day use and 1 pack for the night. At 41cm, the night sanitary pads are the longest I've ever used!!
In this haul, I also tank tops and presents for my friends!
Labels: Bag, Base Make Up, Body Care, Gmarket, Hair Accessory, Haul, Tools
5:25:00 pm.
Clarins Collective Haul
Over the past few months, I have rekindled my love for Clarins and ended up spending quite a far bit on some of their products.
As mentioned in the title, it is a collective haul, so I didn't buy all these stuff all at one go, bought these at three goes. Hehe~
The first haul includes: -
- Extra-Firming Body Cream
- Defining Body Lift Twin Pack
- Defining Eye Lift
- Pure and Radiant Mask
Defining Body Lift is a light gel-lotion which is supposedly able to help to streamline hips and thighs and reduces the appearance of cellulite, ensuring smoother, more toned skin with 'high definition' results. (Yes, I have cellulite >.< )
After application, the skin feels very smooth, soft and almost velvety. As much as I like this product, I don't use it daily as I keep forgetting about it. I really should make it a habit to use it daily.
I was slightly disappointed with this purchase because I told the SA that I wanted to buy Body Shaping Cream but she gave me Extra-Firming Body Cream instead. I didn't notice until much later (which is recently). I can't return the product as I have transferred some product into a pump bottle. :( So I suppose I will have to finish using this tub of cream first and get my Body Shaping Cream the next time.
But luckily, the Extra-Firming Body Cream is easily absorbed and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. However, my intention was to tone and shape my tummy's contours, which is not exactly the benefit of this cream.
Lesson learnt: Check the names of the items you are buying before paying.
Ok, enough of my ranting.. Let's move on.
I was recommended to get the Pure and Radiant Mask by the Beauty Therapist when I went for a facial at Clarins Institute. She suggested me to use it 2 to 3 times a week, after cleansing the face, leave it on for 10 minutes before washing off.
It is supposed to comfort and purify, refine the skin's texture and leave it matte and ultra-soft. Non-drying, it rinses off easily and is suitable for even the most delicate skin.
If I follow her instructions and leave it on for 10 minutes, my skin feels clean, soft and smooth. However, if I leave on any longer, my skin will feel very tight. I usually apply the mask on my face and neck after cleansing, before showering and I will wash it off in the shower after washing my hair.
The Defining Eye Lift is a repurchase, I like it as it helps to "deflate" my puffy eyelids and thus makes my double eyelids more defined.
The GWPs I received with this purchase.
- Advanced Extra-Firming Neck Cream
- Joli Rouge #07 Raspberry
- UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF 40 PA+++ (tinted)
- Pearl-to-Cream Brightening Cleanser
- Younger Longer Balm
- Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel
Samples received..
Another purchase which I bought during 15% discount! ^-^
- White Plus Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion SPF 20 PA++
- White Plus HP Repairing Whitening Night Cream
Both are my HG currently. Smells really nice and after application, my skin feels soft and have a slight glow. My scars have also lightened slightly. Even though both the moisturisers are cream type, they are light enough for my combination skin and doesn't break me out *cross fingers*.
Ingredients of the day emulsion
Ingredients of the night cream
My latest purchase, bought last month when Institute Clarins @ Wheelock was having 20% discount.
- Eye Contour Gel
- Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum
- Bust Beauty Lotion
Eye Contour Gel is my HG, this is my Nth tube, I started using this when I was 18 or 19.. I find it very good at reducing my puffiness and soothes my eyelids. I have drug allergy that causes my eyes to swell, so far only this gel helps to soothe my poor eyelids and my swollen eyelids will reduce slightly. However, it does nothing for my dark circles.
I use daily in the morning after Defining Eye Lift, it is a light-weight gel that absorbs fast and my eye makeup goes on smoothly without balling up.
I have not tried the other 2 products yet, but I was very impressed when I tested the Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum at the back of my hands at counter as I find that the lines actually diminished and the skin at the back of my hands looked so much smoother!
The samples I received.
Labels: Body Care, Clarins, Skin Care
7:08:00 am.
