Jan 30, 2015

Physicians Formula Lash Extension Kit Review

When you don't have long, full lashes, and don't like applying false lashes, there are new options available.

Physicians Formula has a new product: Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit.



The kit contains of a mascara and one for extensions. Wouldn't you want to grab this if you see what it claims it would do for your lash on the packaging?


The mascara wand is a slightly-curved wand. The formula is not waterproof but it is not too wet for my liking.


Now comes the interesting part:



The smaller bottle is an extensions applicator. As you could tell from the above 2 pictures, it is full of little black fibers which you apply after you apply the mascara. These tiny fibers add an instant extensions to your lashes to have the dramatic falsies effect.


Bare lashes, slightly-curled


One coat of mascara

One coat of mascara & one coat of extensions


One coat of mascara, one coat of extensions and one more coat of mascara on top

I was very skeptical about this kit as I don't have much luck in the mascara department. First, I have stubborn Asian lashes which only waterproof mascara would work for mine. Second, I have tried a different brand(Asian brand) of similar concept. Only difference is the fiber extensions are white. I do not have any luck with that as the little tiny fibers bother my eyes so much that I only use that kit twice.

I decided to pick this kit up since it was on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart this week(CAD $14.99) and there is a $9 mail-in rebate, making this deal too good to pass.

The mascara alone works quite good for my lashes, considering it is not waterproof. When I apply the first coat of extensions, the black fibers are everywhere. So be careful when you first twist up the product. I would tap it off a bit before first application so it wouldn't get all into eyes. I made the mistake of applying it "full force" on my first try and black fibers on my face, on top of my eyelids and some got into my eyes. 

The extensions gave my lashes some length but not significantly. The instructions said you could apply up to 3 times of each product. But I wouldn't as the mascara is starting to clump up after my second application. You have to apply the extensions right after you apply the mascara while they are still wet and the fibers would stick to them. 

Overall, I would recommend this lash extension kit to someone who do not have sensitive eyes and non contact lens wearer. As a contact lens wearer, the tiny black fibers get into the eyes very easily. On my first day of trying it out, they get into my eyes and even after I removed the product completely at the end of the day, there are still fibers in my eyes(I had to rub my eyes to get them out). The kit works ok but it is just too much work for me. If you have an extra 10 mins in the morning, it is worth the try.





January Favorites


One thing about limiting yourself to buying makeup is to shop your stash. My New Year resolution is to set a budget monthly for my beauty purchase(skin care products excluded as they are essential :) and I got to re-discover a few of my past favorites.

 Soleil Tan de Chanel
Have this universal bronzer from Chanel for a while and it is one of my favorite bronzers. Shade is just perfect. I use it a lot and it doesn't seem to put a tiny dent on it. Even though it is pricey, I think it is going to last me forever.

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien
I got this from the Sephora birthday gift. Beautiful shade and so creamy.

L'oreal Color Riche in Jennifer's Nude
This nude lipstick has got to be one of my favorite nude lipsticks. Whenever I can't think of what to wear on my lips and want something naturally nude, this is the one I grab.

Tarte Lipsurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy
When I go for nude lipstick, I like to apply this on top. It gives my lips a natural boost as it is one of those lip product which would adjust to your own lip color.

Maybelline Falsies Waterproof Mascara
Have been branching out to other mascara but this one is the one I always love. Gives my stubborn lashes the length and volume no other mascara can do.

Tarte Ambient Blush in Mood Exposure
I got so many new blushes last year that there are so many get overlooked. Mood Exposure is what I grab whenever I can't decide on which blush to wear. It goes with anything and even on days when I have minimal makeup, I just apply a little just to give my cheeks some color.

L'oreal Magic Lumi Primer
Favorite drugstore face primer. Gives your skin a natural, dewy but not oily look. 

Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream
I have been using the Olay Regenerist cream for years and it is one of the best face moisturizers you could get for your buck from the drugstore. Lately, I have switched up to this luminous tone perfecting version and loving it. It is a bit lighter in texture than the regular one but still has the same moisturizing properties.






Jan 29, 2015

January Empties


Finished a few products this month and some of them are my staples.

  1. Origins United State Balancing Toner
  2. Dermaglow Lash Enhancer
  3. Barefoot Venus Macadamia Oil Hand Cream
  4. La Roche Posay Anthelios
  5. L'occitane Amande Shower Oil
  6. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum
  7. GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment
  8. Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Eastend Snob
  9. Benefit Porefessionl
  10. Bath & Body Works Banana Nutmeg Bread Pudding 3-Wick Candle

Only went through one 3-wick candle this month as I  was visiting my family in Toronto for a good part of the month. This Banana Nutmeg Bread Pudding one is one of my favorite baked goods collection from Bath and Body Works. Really makes my house smell like fresh banana bread.

Have been using the Origins United State Balancing Toner for a while. I try switching to other brands but every time I start using other ones, my skin doesn't agree with it and little bumps start to appear within 3 days and I quickly switch back to my staple.

Dermaglow Lash Enhancer really helps my lashes become fuller and slightly longer. If you haven't tried any lash enhancer, you would have to be patient as most enhancers really take a long time for you to see the effects. I apply this for consistently 3 months and I started to see results after my first month of use.

I got Barefoot Venus Macadamia Oil hand cream in my TopBox a few months ago. It smell amazing and it is super-moisturizing. I would definitely re-purchase this.

La Roche Posay Anthelios & Benefit Porefessional Primer are my staples. I don't think I want to switch to others since they are so awesome.

GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment is a decent hydrating mask. But it is a bit too thick in texture for my preference. You really have to leave it on for a good 5 to 6 hours to see the full results. Leave it on for a 15-20 mins doesn't do much for my skin. For the price point, I don't think I would re-purchase as I have other more affordable alternatives(see my post for a comparison of different hydrating treatments)

So happy to discover Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Eastend Snob. I wasn't a big fan of Rimmel lip product before(bad experience with Apocalips) but this lip liner changed my view. This lip liner is so versatile and it is just the perfect your lip but better shade.

Two sample sized products finished: Estee Lauder Night Repair Eye Serum & L'occitane Amande Shower Oil. I got the Estee Lauder eye serum with my beauty purchase at the Bay. I apply this at night time and it is not rich enough for me at night. L'occitane Amande Shower oil smell divine. It is not as moisturizing as I have expected as I thought shower oil usually do. 

Have you tried any of these products?


Jan 26, 2015

Rimmel Provocalips in Kiss Fatal

I have been looking for a good lipstick which is long-lasting and non-drying. I am into liquid lipsticks lately but the ones I have tried so far are quite drying which is not pretty at all in the cold winter months.

But I think I have found what I am looking for:


Rimmel Provocalips in Kiss Fatal

"Up to 16 Hours of lip liberation. Wild without a trace!
• Kiss proof, transfer proof, food proof high impact endless colour.
• No tight feeling or dry lips. Lips feel smooth and moisturized all day long.
• Easy removal with Oil based makeup remover
STEP 1: Apply colour and keep lips apart for 60 seconds until the product sets.
STEP 2: Apply topcoat to lock the colour, moisture and add shine."

This is a lip stain and shine in one. One end is the highly-pigmented lip color and the other end is a clear lip gloss to seal the color.


On the tube, the shade Kiss Fatal looks like a rich wine berry color. When it is applied on the lips, it is slightly lighter. This is not a liquid lipstick so the texture of this is not as watery. It is more like the consistency is between a liquid lipstick and a lip gloss. 

First time I applied it, I didn't let it set completely before applying the lip seal. I smacked my lips to mix the two and the inner part fades away pretty fast. 

So the second time I apply, I let it set for a minute or two before applying the lip seal. This time, works much better. It does not smear the lip color and none of the color fades.

The color sets beautifully and it is very pretty. The lasting power is AMAZING. I mean, it does not transfer at all. Once it is set, it stains your lips and would not budge. I have coffee, drink lots of water and eat meals with a bit oil and let me tell you, my lip color is exactly the same as when I applied it 3 hours ago. It is not drying on the lips and I don't have to exfoliate my lips before I apply this. It feels very comfortable on the lips and even half way through the day, if I feel the need to apply lip balm, it doesn't destroy or smear the color. 

I was skeptical about this product as it claims to be a 16 hour lip color. But now I am totally convinced. You actually need a good oil-based makeup remover to completely remove the lip color at the end of the day. Also, I wasn't a big fan of Rimmel lip product as I got their Apocalips before and the scent was so strong and unpleasant that I only wore it a couple of times before tossing it.  For this Provocalips, the lip color does not have a scent. But the lip seal does have a slight "locker-freshener" scent which does not linger on and disappears within seconds after application so I am perfectly ok with that.

Have you tried Rimmel Provocalips? I highly recommend this if you are like me, want a lip color which stays on all day without re-applying and isn't drying. I am getting a couple more shades and will update with my swatches.

Jan 24, 2015

January Beauty Purchases

January Beauty Purchases


It is almost the end of the month and I am very proud to say my beauty purchases this month has significantly decreased. I am still sticking to my New Year resolution.

4 of the products are lip products and one eyeshadow palette. I haven't received the Rimmel Provocalips yet but very excited as I am looking for a long-lasting, non-drying lipstick. The Morphe eyeshadow palette is on its way and I am very excited to try out shadows from this brand.

Do you set a budget every month for your beauty purchase? Or you just buy as you please?

Nyx makeup
12 CAD - londondrugs.com

Jan 20, 2015

Target is closing time to stock up

As most of my fellow Canadians know, Target is closing all its stores in Canada. I am so sad about the news. I know they are not doing well but never thought only after a short 2 year period in Canada, they would close all the stores.

With that said, I decided to pay a visit to Target while I was in Ottawa yesterday to pick up a few items.  


Sonia Kashuk Hair Brush
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer in Medium
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm
NYX Matte Lipstick in Tea Rose


I love Sonia Kashuk hair brushes and this is a backup. I already have this and a pocket size. But thought after Target closes down, it would be hard to get this brand in Canada.

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer palette is a very nice and creamy concealer which I have been using for a few months. Perfect for covering blemishes and it does a great job and doesn't dry up around the blemishes to make them extra unpleasant.

The Sonia Kashuk hair brush is said to be a dupe for the fairly expensive Mason Pearson one. I have not tried the brand but the look and bristles look quite similar.


Have been wanting to try NYX matte lip cream for a while and I checked out my Rexall stores which carry NYX and sadly they don't have this yet. Decided to pick up 02 Stockholm which is a nude neutral with a hint of orange in it.

There is this shade Cannes which I want to get but I have been looking for it everywhere in Target in Toronto but no luck. Doubt if they are going to restock. It is a very pretty neutral pink nude shade.



Since I couldn't get the nude pink shade I want in their matte lip cream, picked this matte lipstick in tea rose instead.


Left: Tea Rose
Right: Stockholm

Do you plan to stock up on hard-to-get beauty items at Target? 



Jan 14, 2015

My $1.00 Sephora Order


Yes, you have read the blog title right. I have placed a $1.00 online order with Sephora. Main reason for my order is to get my free birthday gift. My birthday was last month and Sephora came out with this Nars birthday gift in 2015 which I am dying to get. 

Let's talk about the most exciting item: Nars birthday gift for VIB Rouge.  It contains 2 lip pencils and a lip liner.


For regular VIB, you would get the two lip pencils.


The two lip shades are totally my shades and so pretty. I have never tried their eye liner and I am incredibly impressed by how smooth and pigmented it is. Also seems to last long as I used my eye makeup remover to remove the swatches afterwards and I had to scrub the eyeliner trace hard to remove it completely.


Tarte Lipsurgence Skintuitive lip gloss in energy

I redeemed 100 perks for this lip gloss. I saw this in a duo set and almost bought it as it is only $14 which includes this along with a lip tint. But decided to try this out first to see if I like it before getting it.


This is quite sticky and very pale in shade. The concept is to apply this on your lips and it would self-adjust to your own lip color for enhancement. Guess similar to Dior dior addict glow.


Got 2 samples: Tarte blush and MUFE high definition blush.

You are probably wondering what I actually ORDERED, drum roll please:


It is this MUFE artist palette duo case. I really don't need anything but in order to claim my birthday gift, I need to put something in my cart and came across this $1.00 case. Not that I own any MUFE eyeshadows but I thought this is a very nice heavy duty duo case. Who knows, I may start getting their shadows as I have heard them raved about.




Jan 12, 2015

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita

I have been wearing nude lipstick for a while and time to switch it up a bit.


Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita

This is one of Kat Von D most hyped liquid lipstick shade. It is described as dusty rose but nowhere even close that it is remotely dusty rose.


I have seen swtaches of the "original" lolita shade which is in fact a true mauve rose shade. I read it in the Sephora beauty talk forum that there is a discrepancy in their new batch of lolita and it appears more brown than mauve. 


As you can see from the original box, Lolita is shown as a dusty rose shade.


The shade is a brownish rose, more leaning towards brown. I decided to pick this up(online order) since I swatched it a couple of times in stores and really like the shade. I went to 3 stores but they were all sold out so I ordered mine from Sephora website.


This is incredibly pigmented and smooth. It applies so well on lips and dries to a matte finish. 


I used to wear only brownish shade lip products for the longest time. So nice to get back to the shade and I am loving it.



Since this one dries to a matte finish, it could be a bit drying on the lips. Make sure you moisturize before you apply this. The staying power is amazing. Just one swipe and it is not going anywhere. I am always a lip gloss gal and when I smack my lips and feel my lips are dry, I just have to apply a bit of gloss on top. I am pairing this with Benefit Hoola lip gloss which works quite well.

I am really impressed by Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and will definitely try out other shades.





Jan 7, 2015

NYX Dark Circle Concealer


I am a concealer junkie(see post for my concealers' comparison). I have tried so many concealers and there are ones better for covering blemishes and redness and others for under eye area.

I have been using Graftobian corrector palette for almost 2 years now. I use mainly two shades to mix the right shade of salmon to cover my dark under eye area before applying other concealers.

As much as I love Graftobian, as it is the creamiest and easiest to blend for under eye area, the product is not easily accessible. So I have been looking around and saw NYX dark circle concealer at Target at $7.99.





There are 5 shades available and I got DCC02 Light.



Top: Graftobian Corrector Palette
Bottom: NYX Dark Circle Concealer



Left: Soft Orange(Graftobian)
Middle: NYX DCC02 Light
Right: Pink Hi-Lite(Graftobian)

I would say NYX light is between the two shades I use from the Graftobian Corrector Palette. The texture is very comparable. Only the NYX is not as creamy as the Graftobian one. Since I usually mix the Soft Orange and Pink Hi-Lite shades together all the time, NYX 002 looks like it is dead on when I mix the shades together.

First impression of NYX dark circle concealer: since I am so used to using a creamy corrector from Graftobian and apply with a concealer to help blend easier, I find best to apply the NYX one is to use fingertips. Just dab it on and use a sponge/beauty blender to help blend it in. I have only used it a few times and it hasn't creased on me. I have the habit of always setting my under eye concealer with a powder so maybe that helps a lot. The shade is a bit too light for my purpose. I think a shade darker and more salmon would suit better. But the Target I went to were out of the shade. 

Have you tried NYX dark circle concealer? What is your favorite under eye concealer?



Jan 4, 2015

Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Mini


Have been eyeing on a new purse for a while. There are so many sales after Boxing Day. Hard not to be tempted and buy one.

I love simple-looking, classic bags. I also like to carry a lot of essentials in my bag so a decent size is a must.


I finally decided on the Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Mini in Luggage. Even though it is a mini, it is more of a medium sized bag to me.

It is very functional with a shoulder strap which I find extremely handy as you can wear the bag as a crossbody bag or when your hands are full. Inside has a zipped up pocket for keys and separate compartments for cell phone and lipsticks etc. Also has two zipped up compartments which is ideal to slide in receipts, to-do lists, coupons etc. 

What do you look for in a purse? Look or functionality first?







Jan 1, 2015

New Year Resolutions anyone?

Happy New Year! Wishing all of you a very happy and healthy 2015!

I used to make New Year resolutions. Like do more exercise, eat healthier etc but always slack off after the first couple of weeks. Now, I just do more general resolutions. I would do things moderately. I love sweets and I would allow myself to have some, but only in moderation. I don't go on diets anymore as I would try so hard at the beginning and at the end of it, would jump off the wagon and over-eat to compensate for what I have missed.

However, one resolution I am trying to do this year is to "LIMIT" my makeup purchases. I am sure this happens to some of you. When you see a new product released, and after reading some reviews, you convince yourself that you NEED that in your life. But very often, that product would end up at the bottom of your makeup vanity, barely touched. Money and precious space wasted. So I will have to put a limit on myself, like limit to buying certain number of products or when I buy a new product, I will have to use one up first. What are your thoughts?

Anyway, I have a couple of random purchases since I came home to Toronto for a visit after Christmas.


Josie Maran Model Citizen Argan Cleansing Oil

Josie Maran Argan Cleaning Oil is in my regular skin care routine. When I saw this on sale at Sephora website, decided to give this a try. The regular one is a steep $40 and this one was on sale for $29 and I got it with the 20% off so making this more affordable. The only difference between this and the regular one is this contains African red rooibans, making the scent a little sweeter. Otherwise, the consistency of the oil is exactly the same.


Bath and Body Works Pink Chiffon Bubble Bath
Origins Ginzing Eye Cream
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Dark Brown

I have tried bubble bath from Bath and Body Works before and really enjoy it. Even though it is not as moisturizing as other brands, it produces tons of bubbles which last and this Pink Chiffon scent is quite nice.

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream is my regular morning eye cream and I am almost out so need to pick one up.

Anastasia Brow Wiz is my latest brow product. I got the shade Ebony last month and found it a bit too dark so I did my first ever Sephora exchange and got dark brown which is a shade lighter.



My brother and sister-in-law just returned from Las Vegas from their Christmas vacation and brought back some goodies for me. Lollipops from See's Candies :) So yummy. I used to eat See's candies(cafe latte flavor) when I was growing up and they are so hard to find here in Canada. I asked for a small package but they couldn't find it so they got me a big box of lollipops which has a variety of vanilla, chocolate and cafe latte flavored ones. Also got a nice makeup bag from Le Sportsac and a glow-in-the dark M &M's tee.