iherb haul

This is my second iherb purchase. My first purchase was some real techniques brushes. I'm trialling them now so look out for a review.

I love the packaging of iherb. Although not presentable it's environmentally concious. Something I have a slight passion for.

 

Box is 100% post consumer recycled cardboard. The 'filler' is probably recycled brown paper. I really like this compared to SaSa and BonjourHK because they use those pesky foam peanuts which is not recyclable or biodegradable. I've once ordered a single NARS blush from SaSa and I had to dig out an entire box full of peanuts to get to my blush.

 

I love how they use egg carton paper for the large bottles compared to plastic bubble wrap. Good for the environment. The carton can be easily recycled or pour some potting mix into it and grow some herbs.*End Enviroment talk*

 

Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

 

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Serum and Cream, NOW Lutein Ester (pills to support eye health)

Look out for these future reviews. I'll need some time to trial them. Lately I feel that SKII and Vitacreme B12 is not working that well for me, or my skin has become too adjusted and therefore little effect. 

If Anyone is interested in getting some organic things from iherb they have $10 of the first order of $10 or $5 off smaller orders. Shipping is cheap too =)

http://www.iherb.com

use code: RSM185

*non-sponsored post* I'm just a bit of a green geek 8)

Bonjour HK haul

L-R: MISSHA Signature Wrinkle Filler BB Cream*, SK-II Skin Signature Eye Cream*, ESTEE LAUDER Perfectionist Serum*, AURA by SWAROVSKI Perfume x 2, SHO BI Decorative Eyelash in Play Cute #2, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO incanto pour homme perfume, MAJOLICA MAJORCA Lash Gorgeous and Lash Glamour, Benefit Slant Powder Brush

*for my mum =)

Autumn Cleaning

Since it's Easter break I have some time to do a bit of cleaning. I'm throwing out all the old/expired/used up products I have. Trust me some of theses thing are over 5 years old! I'm a hoarder but I've been slowly getting better over the years. My new years resolution was to use up anything I had, then I was allowed to buy a new one. These are all the beauty related things I'm throwing out. I'll do a mini review on some of the items.

L-R: Kiehl's Acai Damage Correcting Moisturiser, Skin79 Gold BB cream, Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in 21, L'Oreal Derma Genesis Pore Minimising Moisturiser, Kiehl's Acai Damage Protecting Toning Mist

Kiehl's Moisturiser: Initial use of this product was good but as months went along it started to sting my skin so i stop using it. I ended up using it as an expensive hand cream. 

Skin 79 BB Cream: I'm on to a second bottle now. I don't like the grey cast it has but it eventually oxidises overtime to better suit your skin tone. I do get some break outs on the odd occasions. 

Missha BB Cream: This BB cream is really good as well. Not as grey as the Skin79 one. It's not as moisturising as the Skin79 one but it works well overall. I like that it has a higher spf so it's better on sunny days out. 

L'Oreal moisturiser: I quite like this moturiser. Good for dry skin. I did notice that my pores were minimised but I didn't like the smell!

Kiehl's toning mist: HATE this! I'm throwing it out and the bottle is 95% full. It stung my skin. 

L-R: (All Mascaras) Maybelline sky high curves waterproof, Benefit get bent, Maybelline Great Lash in Royal Blue, Lancome Hypnose waterproof, Lancome Fatale, Lancome Hypnose, Dolly Wink liquid eyeliner. 

I'm throwing out the Maybelline mascaras because they are over 5 years old! The Benefit mascara came free with a magazine I bought years ago, I did try it back then, it was a curling mascara but didn't really hold a curl well. 

Lancome Hypnose Waterproof: Great volumising mascara and holds a curl well. It does smudge slightly. Hard to remove =(

Lancome Fatale: A tri-comb mascara that's meant to volumise dramatically. This was very clumpy and weighed my lashed down a lot. I think it was discontinued long ago, it wasn't available for very long either. Did not really like this one much. 

Lancome Hypnose: One of my favourite high end mascaras. Hypnose volumises my lashes well and makes them more noticeable. However, it smudges and weighs down a curl. I've purchased this several times but I've used better mascaras for less than half of this one. 

Dolly Wink eyeliner: I get great control with this liquid liner, lines come out really thin but it sometimes rubs off for me because I have extremely oily eyelids. I'm currently onto a second one though in the hot pink packaging because it was only $1 extra with the Dolly Wink Mascara.

I'm also throwing these primers out, I bought them 3 years ago in Hong Kong. The Kate one performs better than the Shiseido dramatical eyes. However, with the popularity off false lashes now there is not need for primer, plus it's a more lengthy process applying these.

Looks like I've thrown away a lot of mascaras but they were all bought over a 5 year period. I've also got some un-opened ones waiting to be used and some half used ones. 

L-R: (All unopened) Canmake Gokubuto, Dolly Wink Long mascara, Ettusais BI-TA-BA volume mascara

L-R: (Half Used) Kiss Me Long and Curl mascara, Deja Vu Fibre Wig, Canmake Gokunobi. 

Canmake Gokubuto: This one is my second one, I got introduced to this when my friend from Japan sent it in a package, great overall mascara (it's a volumising mascara), washes off easily with warm water. One of my favourites.

Kiss Me Long and Curl: Gives great definition to lashes and holds a curl well but it's so hard to remove!

Deja Vu Fibre Wig: Noticeable fibres but this one does not wow me at all. Little definition, literally no lengthening and fibres get into my eyes!! (Irritating =( ) Does not live up to its hype.

Canmake Gokunobi: Similar to Fibre wig, there are noticable fibres but it doesn't really lengthen, only defines an does not hold a curl.

Enjoy your Easter everyone, let me know if you wan't any more opinions of some of the things =)

My Beauty Diary Peruvian Sunflower Mask Review

On to my second last mask of the Blooming of Beauty series of masks. This one is definitely one to try. 

• Comes in a pack of 5
• For supple and clear skin
• Revitalising and clarifying
• Moisturising, soothing and nourishing
• Suitable for all skin types

To Use:

1. Cleanse and tone face like usual
2. Remove mask from packaging and unfold
3. Place onto face and adjust accordinly
4. Smooth out the mask and massage the excess essence onto neck (I also rub the excess essence from the plastic mask that is ripped off from the cloth mask onto my arms and legs, I also squeeze the excess out of the packaging as well - just trying to get the most out of it and treating the other parts of my body =P )
5. Leave mask on or 20 - 30 minutes
6. Peel of mask, Pat and massage essence into face and neck to assist its absorption
7. Moisturise

Ingredients list of Mask

This mask felt really good on my skin, no reactions and very soothing. When I peeled off the mask the results were noticeable right away. My skin was smoother and felt and looked plumper (in a good way =p) Although not a listed characteristic from what I researched about this my skin did look brighter. I really loved using this mask. 

Pros:

Moisturising

Soothing

Clearer skin

Good price

Smell =]

Good Expiration time (3 years)

Cons:

Limited Edition

Hard to get at a store outside of asia - has to be ordered online

Best Buys of 2010 and some regretted buys

2010 is the year I got girlier, lol =p 

Following are the best purchases I made in 2010:

Skincare

Cleanser: HadaLabo Gokujyun foaming cleanser

Misc: SK-II facial treatment essence

Eye Cream: SK-II Signs Eye Cream

Moisturiser: Vitacreme B12

Make Up

Powder: Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation in 202 Ivory

Blush: Canmake Cheek Gradation in 05 Peach Stripe

Lipgloss: Canmake Nudy Glow in 06 Peach Milk

Base: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in no. 21 Bright Beige

Lancome Hypnose use to be my HG mascara - best for volumising mascara but sometimes smudges =(

It has now been replaced by Canmake Gokubuto which does not volumise as much as Hypnose. On a plus side it doesn't smudge and washes off easily

Body

Lush Dream Cream - easily melts into body and moisturises well

Hair Care

Moroccanoil - great for dry ends

Yanagiya  Prexceed Tsubaki Spray - I use this after I wash my hair for nourishment

Absolutely love Shiseido Tsubaki Head Spa Range, makes my hair very soft, moisturised and nourished. Also makes it stronger =]

Regretted Buys

SANA Soya Milk Arbutin Toner - Did not do much for me =/

Kose Cosmagic Sweet Deco Cheek - hard to apply and not worth the money

What have been your best purchases or regretted buys?

My Beauty Diary Formosa White Phalaenopsis Mask Review

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fantastic celebration. I slept through the count down -_-"  lol.
Next on my Blooming of Beauty Series by My Beauty Dairy masks reviews is the Formosa White Phalaenopsis Mask. 

• Comes in a pack of 5
• Whitening and Evens Skin Tone
• Suitable for all skin types

To Use:

1. Cleanse and tone face like usual
2. Remove mask from packaging and unfold
3. Place onto face and adjust accordinly
4. Smooth out the mask and massage the excess essence onto neck (I also rub the excess essence from the plastic mask that is ripped off from the cloth mask onto my arms and legs, I also squeeze the excess out of the packaging as well - just trying to get the most out of it and treating the other parts of my body =P )
5. Leave mask on or 20 - 30 minutes
6. Peel of mask, Pat and massage essence into face and neck to assist its absorption
7. Moisturise

Ingredients list of Mask

The mask made my skin feel a bit itchy but it was not unbearable. It soothed my skin. After I took the mask off I my skin looked clearer and a bit brighter. When I woke up in the morning my kin was very clear, smooth and skin tone was noticeably even. This flavour is definitely my favourite so far =]

Pros:

Moisturising

Soothing

Evened out skin tone after one use

Good price

Smell =]

Good Expiration time (3 years)

Cons:

Limited Edition

Hard to get at a store outside of asia - has to be ordered online

HadaLabo Gokujyun Cleanser Experience

I know so many people have reviewed and tried this but it does live up to its hype.

HadaLabo Gokujyun contains hyaluronic acid to aid in the retention of moisture in the skin to keep it remaining supple. The face wash/cleanser claims the following:

• Hydrates as it cleanses, helps restores skin's natural moisture leaving it silky smooth
• Gently cleanses leaving skins comfortably hydrated an refreshed
• Skin pH balanced and low irritation
• Free of fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol and colourant

This product definitely ticks all of the points for me. After I used it my skin did not feel dry, over washed, or tight. My skin felt really smooth, soft and bouncy =]

My skin did not react with the product. It says fragrance free but it did smell like rice to me which isn't too bad since I like the smell of rice.

The one I received was made in Japan. Not too sure if country of manufacture makes a difference ???

It's a creme cleanser which lathers really well into the skin

Pros:

Kept my skin moisturised

No reaction

Smells good

No tight feeling

Soft, smooth skin =]

Affordable

Cons: 

none so far =]

Should I try the other things in the line up of products?

Bonjour Haul

It looks like I'm always hauling...trust me I hardly go physical shopping. I LOVE online shopping ^_^

My package came in the mail from BonjourHK. It's like SaSa in Hong Kong but most of their prices online are cheaper =] but the major downside to shopping with BonjourHK is that free shipping only applies if you spend over $200 US!! So usually I wait for the products I need to accumulate so I can get free shipping. I hate shipping costs =(

I got all this. I needed new SK-II facial treatment essence and I was running out but didn't want to pay local price...I think for the 215mL in Australia it is over $200AUD!! But on Bonjour it was $US103. The Australian dollar is currently strong and almost matches the US so buying online and buying in bulk is cheaper =] SaSa was a bit more expensive but now it's on sale for $US96!! FML...oh well they don't stock the limited edition My Beauty Diary masks or Shu Uemura lash curlers.

Clockwise from left: HadaLabo Tamagohada cleanser, HadaLabo Gokujyun cleanser, Shu Uemura Lash Curlers, SK-II facial treatment essence and Kose Cosmagic Blusher in 02 Peach Pink

New My beauty Diary Masks!! =]

Top Row: Platinum + Pearl Lift Stretch Mask, French White Lily Mask, Vienna Black Tulip Mask, Formosa White Phalaennopis Mask

Bottom Row: Gold + Marine Collagen Mask, Peruvian Sunflower Mask, Japanese Hydrangea Mask

The flower My Beauty Diary Masks are Limited Edition released to celebrate the Taipei International Flora Expo. 

Will have more info and reviews on future posts ^_~

Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam Cleanser Review

I finished my old cleanser (Pond's Cleanser) about 2 weeks ago. A while ago my friend from Japan sent me   some stuff but I didn't want to use them straight away because I don't like having too many products half used which makes them less fresh. So today I'm reviewing the cleanser I got from her. She also sent me the cleansing oil from the same line but I've already got a cleansing oil that's only been a quarter used so far (kracie olive cleansing oil - so good, gets rid off stubborn mascara). Anyways onto the review ^_^

Can't read Japanese =( but from the image I think it means that it breaks down into tiny bubbles that goes deep down into pores making them extra clean =]

Nice thick creamy texture. Skin feels clean yet moisturised after. My old cleanser made my face squeaky clean but it was a bit over drying 

Directions: Squeeze a pea size amount onto fingers and work into a lather on face

Rinse well

Pros: Thick texture - easy to work with

Lathers well

Face feels moisturised after use

Cons: Hard to get, I've seen it on Bonjour but they are sold out

On another note...It's by boyfriend's birthday =]

I got him Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for Men and some boxers =P This is one of my most favourite men's fragrance, nice citrus based scent. I usually use citrus kinds of fragrance myself or fruity floral. Also the female version of this scent is very very nice as well.

What's your favourite men's fragrance?

BeautyMate Bright Up Nano Eye Mask Review & upcoming mini giveaway =]

I finally finished my Law assignment =D I stayed up for 24 hours doing this monster. After this I'm gonna treat myself to a face mask because my skin has become fatigued. Red Bull has made my skin oily and porous =( Currently I'm using My Beauty Diary yoghurt mask ... it smells so good =]

Room is soooo messy

On to the review...
A while ago when I was doing one of my hauls I got some eye masks and plenty of My Beauty Diary masks in the haul. This is the first time I've tried this mask so I'm going to do a little review on this =]
I got this for about $6-7 dollars so it's not too expensive. Each box contains 7 eye patches.

BeautyMate Bright Up Nano Eye Mask

On the pack of the box: Japanese Nano Technology - The newly imported nano technology, combined with close-fitting mask cutting, can effectively release essence nutrients into skin cells to bring you a unique sin care experience.
Research has shown that Vitamin B3 can interfere the transmission of melanin up to the dermal cells, thus help to minimise dark circles and signs of tiredness. Yeast extract also helps to prevent the formation of dark circles and improve skin texture. Algae extract can enhance blood circulation and stimulate metabolism, keep your eyes healthy and energetic, bright and fresh.


Claims: Enhances blood circulaiton, whitening, moisturising

This is my under eye area before application, some dark shadows and lines.

There is plenty of essence on the eye sheet. On application it felt quite soothing but after a bit my skin felt some irritation. Maybe that' just me =/

After the application for 20 minutes. Notice how my eyes are a bit brighter. None of the photos has been retouched =]

Pros: Lots of essence 

moisturising

brightening

tightening

not too expensive

Cons: Hard to get, check out BonjourHK. that's where I got mine from

stung a bit

Also tomorrow is my birthday =] Having Korean BBQ...YUM!!

Also be sure to check back soon as I'm gonna do a mini birthday giveaway =] 

♥♥

Another SaSa Haul. lol

I should really stop looking at the SaSa site. Been drooling over the vast catalogue of products. But when I was browsing they had re-stocked Jill Stuart mix blushes (been lusting after these for a while and SaSa has them for around $43.00) But when my package arrived they did not pack it   ='(  instead they packed me the Smooth Silk foundation in Ivory 202. I don't want to open it just incase it's not my shade. I have really light skin with warm and cool undertones =S

SANA Soya Milk Nameraka Nonpo Make Up Base

I think this is a primer. I've never used primer before so this would be my first one. Just starting out so don't want to spend too much and I usually trust Japanese brands for their quality. Around $9 =]

SANA Soya Milk Arbutin Toner

Needed a new toner so I'm just trying this out. It contains arbutin which is a whitening/brightening ingredient. It's going to be spring in Australia which means more sun and I tan easily. So I'm using some whitening products to maintain the colour of my skin.

Naris Up Wink Up Lasting Gel Liner

This is my first gel eyeliner. I'm just using this one first because it has a good price to it ($9.50) before I consider buying MAC or Bobbi Brown.

Koji Eye Talk

This is a double eyelid glue. I already have double eyelids but they aren't as visible as caucasian eyelids. However I'm gonna use this as eyelash glue =] Much cheaper than conventional eyelash glue because there is more product and it was only $6.50. It also has a brush tip applicator which makes applying the glue on the band fuss free and mess free =]

This is my gift with purchase. It's a headphone wire manager. It's soooo cute and practical =]

take care everyone and will do a review soon on my hauled products ♡

My Beauty Diary Pearl Powder Mask Experience

I love using most of the My Beauty Diary face masks. They're affordable for their quality. I got mine for $9.70 a box from a large beauty site comparable to SaSa. 


I was using the Pearl Powder Mask last night. This is the second time I've used this one but this time the experience wasn't that great. My face burnt for the first 5 minutes =( ouch. However it did do some of its claims which are softening, whitening and nourishing. It's good for dull or damaged skin.

Pros: Whitens/Brightens

Slightly softer skin (not too sure because I always use SK-II facial treatment essence which keeps my skin soft and plump)

Cons: Burning sensation in the beginning. 

So many varied pricing online

Did anyone else get the burning sensation with this mask? I know for the Apple Polyphenol one some girls have had the burning feeling when using that mask, which I did too =(