Decluttering 103

Please excuse my rather unoriginal titles...... 

Korres guava shower gel - I got this from Winners with discounted price, I am glad that I get to try out the Korres shower product, but I did not find the scent to be absolutely appealing. But I did noticed that while using this shower gel, my skin feels very comfortable and hydrated after my shower. I think the "natural" ingredients or the no "harsh chemicals" must have done some work there. If they have a rose scent, I might repurchase.

Fekkai apple cider clarifying shampoo - a rather expensive clarifying shampoo. I never used to use a clarifying shampoo but somehow youtube gurus talked me into "I need a clarifying shampoo" mode. Although it is quite expensive ($28 CAD if not mistaken), it did last me a long time (I say a year) because I only use this maximum once a week. I love the scent, very refreshing. It is a bit drying and I supposed that is because it is clarifying. I think I might repurchase, but right now I went ahead and tried something new (i.e. Bumble and bumble Sunday shampoo).

Senka hydrating toner - Senka is a drugstore brand made by Shiseido and this product is available in the Asia market. I found the texture similar to the Shisedo softeners (which I love) but this one is non-fragranced, so it might be even better for rather sensitive skin. Also, needless to say, much cheaper than the Shiseido softener (I believed this one was about $10 CAD). I think this is a wonderful gel-like toner for Winter months.

Biotherm biocils eye make-up removal care - this one claims to condition your lashes and removes waterproof make-up. I did not expect the condition lashes part to be true when I bought it, but I actually was impressed by the result. I did find when I was using this, I lost less lashes while removing my eye makeup. I would love to repurchase this if I could ignore the price tag... and one thing I did not like is the packaging. I did not like the cap because it leaks a little bit. I much prefer the neutrogena packaging with the round cap.

Barielle intensive hand treatment cream - one of the Hong Kong makeup artists raved about this cream all the time, and while I found this ultra moisturizing, I did find it a bit greasy as well. I also did not care about the scent, which in a hand cream, is rather important to me. I don't mind if it is non-scented (like the Kiehl's one I like) but this Barielle one is kinda in between. It is not heavily scented, but the slight scent in it does not appeal to me. I think I would rather repurchase the Kiehl's one.

Bioderma sensibio mask - a hydrating, soothing mask. While I enjoyed the Bioderma sensibio water, I don't think this mask did much to my skin. It was just something I tried to use up.

Kiehl's white brightening botanical hydrating mask - this mask is rather old and I just have to toss it away. The reason why it has been in my stash forever is because I couldn't use it much... every time I put this on my face, it gave my painful sensation and often I just have to wash it off in 5 minutes. I kept trying to like it because some times when I can endure the sensation, I did find it give my skin a brightening boost. Anyhow, I think it is safe to say that I need to farewell this skincare from my stash. I don't believe a product has to stint your skin in order to give you good result.

Decluttering 102

Some more things that I used up =P 

Lierac body scrub - it an okay scrub. I am not a huge fan of the scent. The scrub itself, like a lot of french pharmacy brands, is much more fine that other scrubs I have used. It is more like a true exfoliant I supposed. I got this from Winners, so this is not something that I can get on a regular basis. But I am partial about repurchasing this anyways.

Opalen - my acne treatment, 0.1% adapalene gel. It is essentially the same as Differin, just a different brand name. I used this or Differin in the night time to treat my acne. I do not know why I ever stopped using adapalene as my acne treatment of choice, but I will always have one on hand from now on. This is not something you can get over the counter (not in North America at least), it has been prescribed to me by my dermatologist.

Bioderma hydrabio moisturising concentrate - bought this on a rim while it was on sale. I have tried the toner form the hydrabio line so I am confident in this line that it will not irritate my skin. Turns out, I love this hydrating serum! Absorbs quickly and my skin feels moist and supple after using it. Definitely on my repurchase list for the future.

H2O+ night oasis oxygenating energizer serum - another hydrating serum, but one that I don't really fancy. I do not like the scent and do not think it did much to my skin.

Dior hydra life skin energeizer pro-youth hydrating serum - I used my optimum (shoppers drug mart reward program) points on this product and I do like how it feels when I use it. I don't think it is like absolutely amazing but it is definitely luxurious. I am just not sure if it is worth the price tag? Probably will not repurchase anytime soon.

Skinfood nail polish - just too old, I have to toss it away.

Avene spring water spray - I kept this in my purse for refreshing in the mid day. I think it's okay, not like now other people rave about it. And now that I love the Caudalie beauty elixir so much (but probably triple the price...-.-), I don't think I will repurcahse this anytime soon, plus, I can't bring this Avene spray on the plane with me because of its packaging.

Bonaza enzyme mask - I love this mask! If you are from Asia, you might have heard of this brand. It is a gel mask that clarifies, moistruizes and brightens your skin. The only down side is you have to apply it for 40 minutes so I only use this when I know I have time for a night time pamper. It is wonderful for an emergency treatment as well (when your skin is not in a good shape and you need something that will boost your skin in one night so you look 10 times better when you wake up). I will repurchase when I am back to Hong Kong next time.

Shiseido pureness gentle cleansing sheets - oil-free, alcohol-free, this product is truly gentle. I do not prefer cleansing sheets over my cleansing oil, but out of the few cleansing sheets I have tried, this one is the best in terms of how it made your skin feels.

Skindinavia makeup finishing spray (original) - it really keeps my makeup last longer so I now keep a bottle of this thing in my makeup stash at all times. Because Skindinavia is not readily available here in Canada, I purchased the Urban Decay one for now, and they are from the same maker as far as I know. I do not notice any difference between how the two performed either.

Decluttering 101

In the past few months, I have accumulated LOADS of empty packaging and I simply did not have the time or energy to write up posts. It is good in a way that I am using up things, but I just can't stand those piles of empties in my living room anymore. And since some of them have been quite a while ago, I just don't feel like writing things about them if I don't have any specific thoughts on them. So here are the majority of my empties, but not all. =P

CeraVe hydrating cleanser - it's a very gentle cleanser that I used in the morning. Non-irritating and indeed very moisturizing. Great for sensitive skin. Won't be repurchasing in the near future but it's an ultra gentle one that should keep in mind. 

Clinique take the day off cleansing milk - I used this to take off my make-up. I do quite like it, and other things I have tried from the take the day off line. I feel like I still like my cleansing oil a little bit more, but it's a good one when I want to change up my routine a bit. 

Ren hydra-calm cleansing milk - first Ren product I tried and I bought this on a rim. I used this up rather quickly and it is a very hydrating cleanser. Made my skin feel very comfortable as well. A very nice one for Winter time. 

Sofina essence cleanser - one of my all-time favourites. I adore the scent! And it makes the cleansing experience more luxurious. Not going to repurchase for now before I use up other things, but I love this cleanser. 

Fancl mild cleansing oil - again, one of my all-time favourites. I always have one on hand. 

Bioderma sensibio H2O - who doesn't know about Bioderma really? I love my cleansing oil so I never bother to try Bioderma, but I purchased one for traveling and just love it. And nowadays when I am lazy, I love using Bioderma to give my skin a quick cleanse when I got home. It doesn't replace my cleansing oil by any means because Bioderma does not remove waterproof eye make-up for me. But I now keep a bottle of Bioderma in my bathroom, for the purpose I just mentioned, and also for days I am wearing minimal make-up, as well as cleaning up any residual eye make-up using a cotton swab. It's also wonderful for touching up makeup! =) 

Philosophy purity made simple - first I heard a lot of people raving about this cleanser, then many controversial comments regarding the ingredients being not so "simple" and irritating. =S I have yet to dig into the truth, but the fact is, it is a good cleanser to use, especially when combine with my clarisonic. I did not notice any irritation while using this cleanser, but I might have to do more research before I decide to purchase a 2nd bottle of it. 

Neutrogena naturals fresh cleansing + make-up remover - the smell is quite fresh, and it is not a bad cleanser by any means, but I did not fall in love with it... so in the end I used this up as a brush cleanser. 

Neutrogena oil-free eye make-up remover - I love this stuff! By far my drugstore favourite eye make-up remover. I go through eye make-up remover quite quickly because I do use waterproof makeup on a daily basis. So I really do not have the intention to try out the famous Lancome Ba-facil when the drugstore one just works as well. 

A lost post...

Found this lost post that I created last year, thought I should still make it public. ;) 

OPI "Hopelessly in love" is one of my very first nail polishes. Wearing pink on nails can never fail in my book. It is classic and elegant. Still, there are so many different shades of pink and which one is the perfect match to you is the question. I haven't reached for this polish for a very long time, I don't even know why. Maybe I just have too many polishes to go through and I am always looking for a new shade to try. I can't say this is a perfect pink for me, not just yet, but probably close... guess the search for a perfect pink will just have to continue on..~ xoxo

Best of 2012

Happy New Year everyone! Wishing us all a fruitful year ahead~ =) 

December was quite a crazy one for me I have to say. As you all know, first my laptop was dead...... one of the saddest news of the year probably... Now although I have it back, it doesn't feel the same anymore... it is still not completely fixed and further repair will be required. Anyhow, putting that aside, let's start the new year with a more positive note! 

I have been seeing lots of "Best of 2012 Tags" going on Youtube, so I thought it might be interesting to do one for myself, in memories of 2012. :) 


BEAUTY:
1. Face product: 
- Clinique airbrush concealer/highlighter (02 medium)
- Bourjois healthy mix serum foundation (53 beige) 
- MAC mineralized skin finish (medium plus) 

2. Cheek product: 
- Benefit box powder blush in Hervana 
- Tarte amazonian clay blush in Tipsy 

3. Eye product: 
- Maybelline colour tattoo in Bad to the bronze 
- Estée Lauder Sumptuous bold volume lifting mascara 
- Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on pencil in Bourbon 
- Prestige automatic eyeliner in Espresso

4. Lip Product: 
- Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream lip protectant
- Buxom lip glosses/creams 

5. Skincare Product: 
- Korres wild rose vitamin C sleeping facial
- Differin (acne treatment) 
- Neugrogena oil-free eye makeup remover

6. Nail Polish: 
- Butter London Hardwear top coat 
- Nicole by OPI drying drops 

7. Hair product: 
- ID care heat silk lotion 
- Shiseido moist hair pack shampoo and conditioner 

8. Body product/Perfume: 
- Elie Saab perfume 
- Tommy Girl deodorant

FASHION
9. Clothing piece: 
- American Eagle coral pants 
- White t-shirt from Winners 

A coincident that I am wearing the pants, the t-shirt, as well as the watch together on a Summer day. (and I have a picture taken lol!)  

10. Accessory: 
- Tommy Hilfiger watch 
- Forever21 studs 
- H&M scarf 

That scarf, even better, I got it on sale for $7! 

11. Pair of shoes: 
- BCBG sandals 
- Bamboo black boots 

RANDOM
12. Favorite TV Show/Movie 
- Gossip Girl (don't judge me lol, as much as the show has gone downhill and how much I hated season 5, I just can't get over my obsession of Chair. Chuck and Blair will forever pull my heart strings. And after 6 years, this show ended in December 2012, in its 6th season. Definitely worth a honourable mention. The producers are right, Gossip Girl is not just a drama, it is like a magazine, with latest trends, fashions and music.) 

13. Favorite book
- Don't go to the cosmetics counter without me (9th ed.) by Paula Begoun (to be very honest, I haven't done too much readings in 2012, but this is definitely one of my favourite books. After debating for the longest time, I caved and bought it, and I do not regret. It truly is like a "beauty bible", but at the same time, I don't just believe in everything she said or advocates. Especially I skipped the entire "Paula's choice review" section. I don't need her to tell me how amazing her products are... they might be great, but I would rather listen to other people singing their praises.) 

14. Food 
- Avocado (with all the healthy fatty acids, I totally fell in love with avocados in 2012! I can even eat it alone, with a little bit of Japanese soy sauce. Mixing it with quinoa made the complete protein complete-er. Recent favourite? Mixing it with my salad greens and buttermilk ranch, awww, perfection!) 

15. Beverage
- Homemade Starbucks caramel iced coffee, with half & half creams ;) 

16. Favorite song 
- "We are young" by Fun (featuring Janelle Monae) 


(Yes.. to be completely honest again, it is because of Chuck and Blair. -.- I really don't follow music trends myself and Gossip Girl probably has educated me the most about music for the past years. Listening to the songs completely brought me back to the scenes of Chuck and Blair. So I have to include this song, when season 5 ended, and Blair told Chuck she is all in this time. :) ) 

Out of order......

Sigh...... 

I don't even know where to begin, but I guess things do happen, especially with technology. So here I announced the most upsetting news... My laptop died on me suddenly.

Yes, with no signs or symptoms, just suddenly with no reasons. Don't let me start counting how inconvenient it is right now that I don't have my "data" and a functional laptop....

My "little" inner shopaholic is kinda thinking I might need to get a new laptop (MAC maybe this time?). But, the rational side of me know it is not the time yet! So please, please someone fix my laptop for me ;(

Angora cardi

I apologize for my shaky hands and the blurry pictures, but all you need to see is the gorgeous colour of this new addition to my wardrobe. The sparkly rhinestone buttons are perfect decorations to add to this soft and comfy cardigan from EXPRESS (I have never owned anything from EXPRESS before). And I lied in the title, this cardigan does not contain any angora hair, instead, 5% cashmere to give it some extra warmth. Through time, I discovered that my favourite clothing material is probably rayon (hence the 40% rayon in this cardigan). I gravitate towards rayon because it gives the garments a very soft and comfortable touch. Yes, I am weird that I read labels because I can't really wear wool. My skin is quite sensitive to wool and it will give me rashes (not to mention the itchiness). One complain I have with rayon is that you have to wash the garment in cold water or else the "softness" will be destroyed and most of the time the garment will shrink (I learned it the hard way......). So nowadays I just wash all my clothes in cold water.

Interestingly enough, another new addition to my essie collection is "angora cardi". I bought this completely based on Hannah's (Hannah's channel ) recommendation. The formula is great and I LOVE the colour so much! It is just perfect for Fall/Winter!! My friends aren't too crazy about this colour but I don't care, haha. =P