Current Favorite Lip Combo

I love mixing lip colors to make my unique lip shade. With brighter lipsticks, I like to tone them down with a nude lip crayon. With nude lipsticks, I like to line my lips first with neutral brownish-tone crayon  to give my lips some base color so I would not look totally washed-out.

Bite high pigment pencil in Madeira

Too Faced melted liquified long wear stick in Melted Peony

These two are my small haul from Sephora. They are offering a choice of the mini version of lippy with purchase and I have been dying to try the new Too Faced liquified lipstick for the longest time.

Bite Madeira

Madeira is a creamy lip crayon which is a nude pink with some brown undertone. I prefer nude lippies with a hint of brown undertone. True nude lip products are so hard to wear on their own. I still want the neutral nude look but not look sick.

The free gift is of a decent size. Doesn't the picture on the packaging look interesting?

This has a sponge-tip applicator. A little goes a long way and this applicator is perfect to control the amount of product. 

Left: Bite Madeira

Right: Too Faced Melted Peony

The texture of Too Faced liquified stick is very unique. It is not liquid-y, it is not a gloss, it is not a lipstick, not gel-like. It is a stain, gloss and lipstick all-in-one, according to Too Faced. It is not sticky at all and it is very pigmented. You only need a tiny bit and don't go overboard with it. It is a free gift and this is the only shade offered and I am so happy with the color. I will definitely buy the full-sized one once I'm done with this which I think this deluxe-sample sized would last me quite a while.

Do you like to mix lip products and what is your favorite combo?

July Empties

Since I went home to Toronto for a good part of July, I didn't have a lot of emptied products.

Most of them are my staples and I have re-purchased most of the products used up.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is probably my favorite makeup setting spray. This is my third finished bottle. It is a pricey but I have tried other alternatives, like the ELF makeup spray but it just doesn't do the job plus I am more and more turned off by ELF's scent.

GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Treatment  is my holy grail skin care treatment. When I was in Toronto visiting, I made the mistake of bringing new skin care sample products to try and they break me out so bad. Thank goodness that I brought this treatment and after a couple of days of use, my skin began to improve significantly.

Took me a while to finish this Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. I was impressed with how this works on my dark pigmentation spots left behind from breakouts. Best way to apply this is after face is cleansed, apply the solution directly and don't apply moisturizer or serum. This way, the product is doing its work without being drowned in other products.

It Cosmetics Feel The Moment Anti-Aging Ultra Hydrating Primer Serum was included in one of the It Cosmetics product set I purchased from the Shopping Channel. This product is a multi-product in one: anti-aging, primer, moisturizer and serum. The texture is thick and it does take a while to get absorbed into the skin. It is probably more suitable for fall/winter season and I will definitely re-purchase.

I love Fresh skin care products and I received Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream in one of my gift sets from Sephora. It has a very nice scent and moisturizing. But with its price tag, I probably won't buy it in the full size.

Lioele Auto Eyebrow is such an easy tool to use on eyebrow. It has a slanted applicator and it is perfect for shaping eyebrow and doing the perfect natural arch. It is very affordable. I got mine from a Korean ebay seller for approximately $10 and this last me a long time using it daily. 

I am obsessed with my new primer: L'oreal Magic Light Infusing Primer. I like illuminating glows for the warmer months. I have oily combo skin and never thought illuminating products could work for me. Not sure about this primer would help my makeup stay longer but this gives the prettiest glow without giving my cheeks greasy feeling at all.

Last 2 are my usual candles from Bath & Body Works: London Calling & Raspberry Peach Macaron. London Calling is a mixture of citrus lemon infused with English tea. This has to be one of absolute favorite from Bath and Body Works. It is suitable for all year around and the scent is just amazing. Raspberry Peach Macaron is from their spring bakery collection. I have tried others and this one is the least sweet-scented. Others are nice but too sweet to my taste which often leads to headaches.

Have you tried any of the products I have used up this month? Did you manage to finish a few products this month?

"The One & Only" Tag

I rarely do tags but came across this one which sounds like a lot of fun.

If You Could Have Only One ____________, What Would It Be and Why?

PRIMER: This one is easy as I mentioned in my July empties post, L'Oreal Magic Illuminating Primer. I am into healthy glowy looks for the summer and this one is the one. Kind of pricey for a drugstore primer(CAD $13) and I usually would grab it while it is on sale.

BASE PRODUCT: Another easy category for me :) Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation. I started using this last fall and have loved it the first day I applied. It is a light to medium coverage foundation and gives the most beautiful natural finish. Only foundation so far that I don't have to powder throughout the day keep my skin matte all day long. 

POWDER: Ok, this one is hard as I have 2 I always grab. Well, decision decision..... Hourglass Ambient Powder in Dim Light. I have purchased so many powder before and it took me a long time to find one which gives natural finish without making my skin cakey.

CONCEALER: I have been using the Collection 2000 Concealer for a couple of years now. It is not available in Canada and I get mine from ebay sellers in U.K. It is creamy, great coverage and stay put. It is so affordable(even with the shipping to Canada, around $15). 

BLUSH: Now I'm torn. I have a few blush that I can't live without. But if I have to choose one, I would pick Becca Beach Tinted Souffle in Watermelon. I love natural flush and not only this blush is beautiful and the lasting power is impressive, it also gives my cheeks a healthy glow. When I went home for a visit for 2 weeks, that's the only blush I used the entire 2 weeks.

EYEBROW PRODUCT: This one is easy. As mentioned in my July empties, Lioele AutoBrow is my go-to. It has a slanted tip and it is easy and effortless to do my brows in the morning. Again, this one is not readily available here in Canada so I rely on ebay. It is so affordable and last a long time.

BRONZER: I only have a handful of bronzers in my collection and the one I always grab is the Solei Tan de Chanel. It is a cream bronzer and the shade is awesome for both bronzing and contouring. I have it for a while and it barely looks used so even though it is pricey, it will last me a long time.

MAKEUP BRUSH: Nars Ita Brush is my pick. I use that daily for contouring. It is an interesting looking brush and it has a dense rectangular head. It is perfect for unskilled contour-er like me. Just dip the brush in my Solei Tan de Chanel along the hollows of my cheeks, "sweep" it back and forth and that's it, easy breezy.

MASCARA: I have stubborn straight Asian lashes and only use waterproof versions. I have tried quite a few and only a couple could work on my lashes without weighing them down. L'oreal Telescopic Shocking Extension Waterproof Mascara is my pick. It keeps my lashes curled all day and does not clump. Gives my lashes length which is so awesome.

EYESHADOW: Now, it is tough. How can you pick one single eyeshadow? I would have to pick Nooner from Urban Decay Naked Palette 3. It is a pretty medium rose-brown matte shade. It can be used over the lid or I apply it on my outer corners together with a cream neutral shade.

EYELINER: Even though I have a new favorite I just purchased on my visit home a couple of weeks ago, I have to stick with my favorite, Physician's Formula Eyeboost Liner. Easy to apply and give precise definition. Doesn't smudge and still relatively easy to remove at the end of the day.

LIPGLOSS: There is one lipgloss I keep re-purchasing and that tell you how much I love it. It is the Buxom Lip Cream in White Russian. It is a soft pale pink which goes so well over most of my lipsticks. If the lipstick color is too bright for my liking, I apply a thin layer of White Russian to tone it down a bit. It is not sticky and very moisturizing.

LIPSTICK: I have been branching out this year to try lipsticks outside my comfort zone. I used to wear only mauve, pink shades. Boring, right? This year, I have tried brighter shades and surprise myself that I like them so much. The one I grab the most is IOPE Water Fit Lipstick in shade 44 Forever Pink. If you're Asian and obsessed with Korean drama series, you know how popular this lipstick has become. Forever Pink is more subtle in real life than in pictures. It is one of the most moisturizing lipstick I have ever owned. Color is just gorgeous.

I am tagging anyone of you guys who want to do this fun tag. Do leave a link in the comment below!

July Benefit Prive Box 2014

Benefit has released their new It's Real Push Up Liner and there are a lot of mixed reviews in the blogging world. 

So when it was time to make my wishlist for the July TopBox, it only took me 2 seconds to decide on the Benefit prive box which includes the new liner.

4 products are included:

they're Real Push-up Liner

they're Real Remover

they're Real Mascara

Stay Don't Stray

The only product I have tried is the they're Real mascara. They're Real Remover is another new product from Benefit. It claims to remove waterproof makeup. Stay Don't Stray is a primer for eye shadows and concealer. I have oily eye lids and definitely happy to try this primer.

 Next up is the highly-anticipated they're real push-up liner. It has a very interesting tip which is quite rubbery.

The orange tip is to be removed before first use. Just squeeze the tube a little bit to get enough product out.

It is very black and the texture is rich and looks like it is not going to come off easily. I just tested it today and it does require a bit of practice to get used to the tip and how much product to squeeze out enough to draw the perfect line. 

The angled tip of the liner is definitely helping to draw the perfect winged line which is what I have been doing lately. 

I am happy about my pick for the Benefit Prive Box for July. They are offering the same prive box for August so highly recommend this if you're curious about the push-up liner before getting the full-sized one.

Inexpensive Ways to Organize Your Makeup

When your makeup collection is growing, it just make sense to get them organized so you can find your products easily. How many times have you given up on finding up a blush you once loved but can't find it at the bottom of your drawer?

There are so many products in the market to organize your makeup. Most popular among bloggers and youtubers are the Muji acrylic drawer organizers. Unfortunately, we don't have Muji stores in Canada and unless we want to pay extra shipping fee, we cannot get them here.

At my second home(my parents' house), I have a growing collection of makeup and I don't want to spend a lot of money on organizers. 

I found this 3-drawer stationery organizer at my Solutions Store(similar to the Container Store in U.S.). There are many options in the store you could find to store your makeup. There are acrylic organizers at the jewelry/cosmetic storage section but there is none that have wide drawers which could hold blushes or powder foundations. 

3 very spacious drawers which I find very useful in housing my beauty products.

I store my blushes, bronzers and powder in the top drawer. I like the fact that I could see everything in one place, much easier to find things.

Second drawer I store some of my lipsticks and lip glosses. Part of this stay at my parents and whenever I come home for visits, I bring a few extras.

Bottom drawer is for my palettes.

There are so many great products at the stationery section which are far more affordable than the cosmetic/jewelry section. Of course, this is not made of acrylic and just plastic but still quite durable and functional. This drawer organizer is only $16.95.

Desk Organizer $14.99

This organizer would be good for storing palettes.

I store my makeup brushes in a pen holder from the dollar store(as seen in the first picture). It does the job for small amount of brushes. So there are endless ways to get your makeup organized and you don't have to spend lots of money.

How do you store your makeup?

More from J. Crew Fitting Room

With the J. Crew 50% additional off sale items in store, I just can't help myself by going back a few more times. I didn't grab anything more from the sale section other than a pair of jeans but tried on a few new arrivals.

Popover in sunglass print in size S

Saw this in Ina's blog and love it on her. I love J. Crew popover and this one is no exception. I just like the cut of it and buttons half-way through. Unlike full-buttoned shirts, popovers can be worn more casually not tucked-in. Will definitely keep my eye out for this one when it is on sale.

Jeweled  sweatshirt in stripe in size S

I love stripes and of course had to try on this striped sweatshirt. It is tighter fit than their normal sweatshirt. I am not sure if I want to size up or not. It is definitely a slightly-thicker fabric and not stretchable. The jeweled neckline is cute though.

Silk blouse in size S

This one is on sale. Although the fabric is extremely nice, I didn't like how boxy it is. It feels and looks like a pajama top to me. 

Possibly the Best Eyeliner

I have been loyal to my Physician's Formula Booster Eyeliner for many years. I love the fact that it is drug store and it is very black. The tip of the liner is precise and stays put for a long time. I have been tempting to do the winged eye look but with the Physician's Formula one, the tip is quite soft and flexible so it is quite hard to control the winged look.

I got the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner with the recommendation from youtube guru EssieButton. I got it from Sephora last week and have been practicing my winged eye line. So far I find it much easier to achieve the desired winged line with the brush tip of this eyeliner than my Physician's Formula one. 

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Ink Black (CAD $22)

The brush tip is stiff and the felt-tip can still give very precise definition. 

With just one stroke, it may not appear too black.

With 2 strokes, you can layer it and go over it back and forth to achieve the desired blackness.

I am not very steady with my hands and I am new to doing winged eye lines and I find this Kat Von D Tattoo Liner the perfect liner to do so, especially if you are a beginner of winged lines like me. 

Do you do winged eye lines? What eye liner do you recommend?

Skin Rescue

I don't know why I always bring new sample-sized products when I travel. It makes sense that the sample-sized products are smaller and easier to pack but they are not my usual skin care products and I have more breakouts than ever.

Went to Sephora for the third day in a row to pick up some of my usual skin care products in an attempt to control my breakouts.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, to me, is a deluxe skin care product. At CAD $45 a piece, it is luxury to me. But I have tried so many brands of cleansers and I always go back to that. It is such a gentle cleanser but strong enough to thoroughly remove makeup residue on my face. 

I have the Boscia Cleansing Oil at home. I have tried the Josie Maran Cleansing Oil before so decided to pick this up. I brought a sample size of Shu uemura cleansing oil with me on this trip and after 5 days of use, my breakouts started. Not sure if it is solely because of this oil or the new GlamGlow PowerMud Dual Cleanse Treatment that I used, my skin hasn't been in this bad condition in a long time. Sometimes, you just have to play detective to try to pinpoint which product causes breakouts. But I know going back to my "safe" products,  my breakouts will be under control. 

What are your skin rescue products?

J. Crew Sale Picks & New Arrivals

J. Crew is having 50% additional off sale price in store and 40% off online. Perfect time to pick up summer items.

Amazing Linen Tee in xs

Maxi Skirt in stripe in s (here)

I love J. Crew linen tee and their linen tee is usually over-sized. I picked up the tee for $18.50.

The maxi skirt is very comfy. It is the right length on me (I'm 5' 5.5) but the waist is too big. I would suggest sizing it down.

Flared surf skirt in s (here)

Very interesting skirt. Fabric is quite thick and this is in the heather grey. Not my kind of skirt as it shows every bump and not very forgiving at all. 

Linen Tee in triple stripe in s (here)

This is not on sale. I passed on this one as the front pocket looks kind of funny with the stripes.

Chiffon Sleeve Tee in s (here)

Another item not in the sale section. But I really like this one. The sleeves are very flattening.

Not sure about exactly what this pair of pants are but they are the stretch cotton in perfect fit

This is a size 4 and in navy. It was originally priced at $98 and down to $36.99 and with the 50% off, it is only $18.50. Cannot pass up on this one as who doesn't need another pair of navy dress pants to go to work?

Drapery tee in surf stripe in s (here)

Very soft cotton and I like the print. It is cheaper in store and picked this up for $18.50.

This is my OOTD. All J. Crew. Wear this stripe pencil skirt a lot and it is so easy to style.

Are you picking up anything from the J. Crew sale?

Miscellaneous Haul

Grabbed a couple of things when I was shopping in Toronto while visiting family. I live in a small town and we don't have a Sephora or any major retail store so any time I am in the city, I have to pick up a few essentials and some more.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Leave-In Conditioner is my current favorite hair product. I received a deluxe sample size in my January Ipsy bag and I started to use it last month and fell in love with it. It makes my hair so soft and manageable in the hot humid weather. Also, it smell amazing. I decided to pick up a full-size one. I got this at one of the hair salons at the mall. I was going to try the It's a 10 leave-in conditioner which so many You-tubers rave about. But after reading some reviews, some people said it leaves a film on hair. Plus, it is super-pricey so I am glad I picked the much more affordable alternative.

Origins United Toner & Dior Creme de Rose have been repeat purchases. I was not crazy about price tag on the Dior Creme de Rose. But after using it for the past 6 months, I simply cannot find an alternative.

Urban Decay De-Slick is my first bottle. I have used their All-Nighter for a while and was going to repurchase but my Shoppers Drug Mart was out of that so I picked up the De-slick which is for oil control so I thought it would be even better for the summer. Urban Decay Flush Palette in Streak is totally an impulse purchase. There are 3 variations to pick from and I like Streak the best. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

What is on my Face Today

Bioderma Sebium Mat is a summer must-have for me. It is a mattifying fluid I apply before putting on my makeup. 

I don't like to wear foundation on a daily basis but still need coverage to look presentable. It Cosmetics CC+ Cream has been my go-to. It has medium coverage and SPF which is perfect for summer. 

My favorite powder is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette. I have been using this non-stop since it was released last October. Amazing how a little goes a long way and the palette still look fairly new. 

To add a little sun-kissed color, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Color Powder in No. 2 is a dream to apply. 

Becca Beach Tint Souffle in Lychee/Opal and my other Watermeon/Moonstone are my two exclusive blushes for the hot summer months. 

Love the Urban Decay Basic Palette. I prefer light eye makeup and this is perfect to create natural looks. Em Cosmetics Lash Gallery Waterproof Mascara gives lengthening lashes and until the end of the tube, the formula doesn't clump up.

Revlon Moisture Stain in LA Complex is my new go-to lippy. It is the lightest pink from the collection. I grabbed that after seeing that at Lena's post. Such gorgeous pink shade and it doesn't dry out my lips, unlike other lip stains in my collection.

What is on your face today?

July Wishlist

Heading home next week to Toronto to visit my family and of course I will be sneaking in some major shopping when I'm in the city. 

Watching beauty gurus' June favorites on Youtube made me want to try a lot of new products. I'm a big fan of GlamGlow products and they have come up with a new treatment and I want to try it out. Also the Nars dual intensity eyeshadow looks awesome and I can't decide which one I really want. As it is quite pricey for a single shadow, I want to swatch them in store to make sure.

What is on your current wishlist?

July Wishlist by shoppingobsession featuring a travel toiletry bag

GlamGlow paraben free skin care
sephora.com

Tarte travel toiletry bag
sephora.com

Gift sets kit
sephora.com

Dual–Intensity Eyeshadow - NARS | Sephora
sephora.com

STYLO YEUX Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner | Hudson's Bay
thebay.com

Bite Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil
sephora.com