Haul and Review: Ophelia's Apothecary

Have you heard about Heartsy, lovelies? It's a voucher website that features handmade goodies, from jewelery, stationery, home decor to bath and body products; I found out about it at the beginning of September, got super excited (who doesn't love an awesome deal?) and prompty purchased my first voucher ($19 for $41) to Ophelia's Apothecary, an Etsy shop with bath, body and cosmetic products - my Haus of Gloi stash was running low and I wanted to give a chance to another company.

I placed my order on Sep 2 and the shop clearly stated their turnaround time was 'at least' 14 days - I didn't mind waiting a bit longer, I still had other things to use up. On Sep 28 I received a copy and paste convo saying they were aware that they'd surpassed the stated turnaround time, but that 'all orders through the 7th (Sep) would be shipped out by the 1st (Oct)'. By this time I had to go and purchase something else to use in the shower. Finally, my order shipped out on Oct 15, with a note apologizing for the delay and thanking me for my patience. What I'm trying to say is that this is a REALLY long TAT; while I understand the shop owners had their difficulties (there were so many of them that they started to seem more like excuses) due to the move to a different state, I don't understand why they'd decided to run a Heartsy deal at such a time when obviously they would be getting slammed with orders. All right, rant over; you probably want to know whether the products were worth the wait...

I purchased a Whipped Cream Soap (4 oz) in the Vanilla Noir fragrance ($8.25), a No 9 Sea Salt and Sugar Body Buff (4 oz for $18) and a Caramel Chai Latte Lip Tint ($7.75). I'll start with my least favorite product - the salt & sugar body scrub. I've used it once so far, and won't be able to use it again for quite a while; basically, it really hurts my eczema covered hands. It's more of an oily formulation compared to other scrubs I tried and it's also rather abrasive, I guess way too abrasive for my tastes. The scent is a strong rose with a touch of glycerin; more on the grandma-ish than the sexy side.

The whipped soap is a nice, smooth, creamy consistency, it doesn't feel drying on the skin and I was quite pleased with my choice of scent, although I suspect Ophelia's Apothecary uses readymade fragrance oils instead of their own in-house blends (like most sellers on Etsy). The soap is definitely comparable to Haus of Gloi's whipped soap formulation.

My favorite from the bunch is definitely the Lip Tint - it's a silky smooth moisturizing formula that melts onto the lips, with a very fine and delicate gold shimmer running throughout. The shade 'Caramel' is a reddish brown, very natural and a perfect everyday color for the season. It hasn't left my purse since I got it and I live under the impression it just goes with everything :) The scent is subtle vanilla, maybe with a touch of spice - I wish it was a bit more like chai latte, but I still really like it.

Overall, I'm not sure whether my order with Ophelia's Apothecary was worth the looong wait; there was just one product that I'm really loving, and the price points are significantly higher than other sellers', including my beloved Haus of Gloi. Have you ever tried anything from Ophelia's Apothecary? What are your favorite indie bath & body companies?

Estée Lauder Gift With Purchase at Macy's

Hello lovelies! Just a quick note before work today: there's a great 7-piece GWP (Gift With Purchase) waiting for you at Macy's if you spend over $35 on Estée Lauder products. It's such a great deal, and I also got another full-size lipstick when I made my purchase, so hurry!


Continuing with the steals, I actually got myself a Double Wear Make-up Lesson kit, which retails for $37.50. The set contains a full-size Double Wear Light foundation (choice of 6 shades), a full-size Spotlight Skin Perfector, which is an in-between make-up and skincare product, a mini Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear concealer matching your shade of foundation, a foundation brush and a make-up lesson CD (not so great, but might be helpful to absolute beginners).


I haven't tested these products yet (I'm waiting for my tinted moisturizer to run out), but I'm very curious about how these products perform and will definitely let you know once I start using them. I think that for $37.50, it's a great buy, considering that the foundation alone retails for $35. I just love those high-end bundle deals, I wish more brands did them - well, I actually have one more coming, if you want to hear about it.


What deals have you scored recently?

Haul of Sorts

A couple posts back, I did mention that I picked up a few goodies in California, or, more precisely, Petaluma Outlet Stores. The CCO wasn't very impressive make-up wise compared to the one in Tulalip, but I still managed to find something I liked... and then I scored some other finds here and there as well.

Starting with skincare, I went a bit crazy for sunscreen this summer. I'm still favoring mineral, as natural and simple as possible products, so with this in mind I picked up two sunscreens to carry with me. The California Baby Sunblock Stick SPF 30+ is perfect for the areas on my body where I tend to forget to put on sunscreen, as well as for topping up. The Peter Thomas Roth Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral SPF 30 is what I use on my face to reapply during the day.

Now that we got skincare out of the way, make-up goodies! The two Pop Beauty products in the photos, Eye Cake in Bright Greens and Tan in a Pan in Butterscotch Bronze, were kindly sent to me by Delyteful Speaks as a prize in her giveaway. I'm not a great fan of green eyeshadow on me, but this I can work with! The bronzer is fantastic and comes with a beautiful powder highlighter. I also picked up another bottle of Wet'n'Wild nail polish, this time in amazing duochrome Gray's Anatomy shade - a bit like MAC Vex in a polish form! I decided to stock up on concealer too, and ordered Becca Compact Concealer in Sherbet; can't wait to start using it!

Last but not least, my little California haul: I found this amazing Stila E! Live from the Red Carpet palette at a Saks Off Fifth Avenue store and just had to have it! It gives Urban Decay Naked Palette a serious run for the money. It came with the Stila Lip Glaze in Guava, which I have to admit I'm not a big fan of - is it supposed to be so gloopy? At the CCO, I got my first ever Lancome Juicy Tubes in Rio Mango for $5. It's practically clear, rather thick and smells more of fruit candy than mango, but I still reach for it a lot.

If you're wondering about the different background, it's another California find: a vintage Oscar de La Renta silk scarf from the 80s I bought at a secondhand store in Sonoma. This color blue is my personal favorite and I think the scarf is simply beautiful; plus, it's the first designer piece in my wardrobe! I hope you enjoyed the haul and please let me know in the comments which products you would like to read a review of. Have a wonderful weekend!

WA Readers, Wet'n'Wild Dream Weavers is here!

Just a quick post today to let you know that the LE Wet'n'Wild Dream Weavers 2011 collection is finally here! Here meaning specifically Bartell Drugs stores; I got mine at Bellevue Village and there was still a decent amount left. What's more, the full line of Wet'n'Wild is 50% off this week at Bartell's, so hurry!


I actually went looking for Dream Weavers on Monday at RiteAid, which currently has Wet'n'Wild Buy One Get One 50% Off sale. Not only I didn't find it, but I also got rained on on the way... So I was furious when Mr told me afterwards his toothpaste run out and I needed to go to a drugstore again. And so yesterday I trotted off to Bartell Drugs to find not only the entire Dream Weavers collection, but also the Gilded Age trio I've been lusting after and thought impossible to get, all of it half price! Major make-up shopping success, all thanks to my husband's forgetfulness.

A quick tip: I hate those stickers they put on those palettes, because they leave a lot of glue on the packaging after you peel them off! To remove the residual glue, use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and swipe the packaging clean. Works a treat!

For swatches and other locations where Wet'n'Wild Dream Weavers collection has been spotted, visit Nouveau Cheap. Also, I usually write about my sale finds on Twitter, so follow me! My initial impression is that all the three trios are absolutely fabulous, and I'm thinking of doing a look with them... Interested?

Hauling in Warsaw: Nail Polish

The last part to my little Hauling in Warsaw series... But don't be sad, my dears, of course I picked up some things in California and I promise to show and tell :) Now, onto the nail polish goodness: many Polish cosmetics brands make fabulous and cheap polishes, and I couldn't resist getting some of the old favorites and trying out new ones. What I noticed this time is that Polish brands are really on top of their game, releasing trendy shades just as fast as American brands, and I haven't seen that before!


In the photo we have: 1 Inglot Nail Enamel, 2 Vipera Jumpy Nail Polishes, 2 Wibo polishes from 2 different lines and 1 Essence polish (it's a German grand, btw) which was accompanied by a teal glitter top coat, but I only grabbed the base color.


I've already used 4 of them and only didn't like Wibo Express Growth polish no. 328 (apricot) in terms of application: it was thick, bubbly and streaky, but I used it in a very hot weather and think it deserves another chance.


Just look at that shimmery gorgeousness! These mini Vipera polishes in no.145 (purple with blue duochrome) and no.120 (emerald green) were around 4 PLN each ($1.5) and their only fault is that ridiculous name. I feel like half the time Polish cosmetic companies use English names just because they like the sound of it, without knowing what they actually mean. Anyway, I've only tried the emerald green flecks so far, looked great in 2 coats and lasted pretty well too.


Onto the metallic goodness... I got Inglot no.962 (metallic grey with a hint of purple) still having in mind that Les Perles de Chanel collection from spring this year; I've got Revlon Black With Envy to dupe the Black Pearl, and I remember there being another lighter grey pearl in the eyeshadow palette that I thought would look great on the nails in the fall/winter season. The Wibo Extreme Nails no.99 is a winner in terms of ease of application (flat brush) and longevity; I had it on my nails for 10 days (sic!) and while it wore out at the tips, it still looked pretty decent. It's a rather interesting shade, with tiny flecks of silver glimmer and bigger ones of copper shimmer.

Let me know if you want to see any of those up-close on my nails. What polishes have you been hauling lately - bright summer shades or darker fall ones?

Hauling in Warsaw: Make-up

While in Warsaw, obviously I couldn't stop myself from picking up a few products... My excuse was that 1) Inglot is so much cheaper in Poland, 2) I needed some motivation to study. So here goes!

I mostly got make-up from brands which are not easily available to me in the US, like Inglot, Bourjois and Catrice. I also got a Chanel Rouge Coco... just because I really wanted one, and it was duty free.

Isn't it pretty?

I bought six more Inglot eyeshadows, 4 matte from their new range and 2 shimmery ones (AMC Shine). I used to steer clear of their matte finish, thinking it was the worst in terms of quality; but the ones from this new range of shades are super soft, buttery smooth and well pigmented. I got the square shaped pans this time, intending to put them in a Z Palette. I'll write a separate post with swatches on these new acquisitions so that you'll be able to see them in action.

I also decided to try Inglot cream blush, this here is shade no. 88. It might have sweated a bit in transit, but it's a lovely rosy brown with a satin finish. It's a cream to powder formula, my favorite for the oily skin. The Bourjois Bronzing Powder no. 52 is the result of reading too much Suka & Spice, and yes, it is amazing (both the blog and the bronzer).

Last but not least, lipsticks! Are you wondering where that third lippie came from? I got the Rouge Coco in Sari Doré (no. 76) in the SeaTac duty-free, Catrice Ultimate Color lipstick in Call the Ambulance (no. 120) at a Warsaw subway station drugstore, and the Rouge Coco Shine in Monte Carlo (no. 62)... in the woods. I found it laying on the trail in the Olympic Peninsula this past weekend, and decided to take it. It's barely used, so I guess it should be fine after sanitizing, no?

That's it for the make-up, I wasn't actually that bad. There's still the third part of my hauling in Warsaw coming, which consists of some pretty pretty nail polish. What do you usually bring home from your travels?

Hauling in Warsaw: Skincare & Fragrance

Finally, I got round to posting the promised skincare and fragrance haul! I have to admit that I'm not 100% happy with this post because I'm badly missing my beloved DSLR. A point-and-shoot is quite all right for quick snapshots on the trip, but for me, no longer cuts it for beauty product close-ups. Well, we'll have to live with that somehow and just focus on the products rather than the pictures.


I suffered a bad case of seriously dehydrated skin after I landed in Warsaw. I'd already had some issues with dry flakes before the trip, and the flight just added to the overall bad condition of my skin, including my face, lips and the whole body, hands and feet too. I've managed to get most of my body parts under control since thanks to various products, including Avon Foot Works Intensive Callus Cream, given to me by my mum (funnily enough, I also gave her a foot cream, but this time by Ahava). Thanks to the high contents of glycolic acid and glycerin, it really does soften dry, rough patches on my feet.

I also decided I needed a new self-tanner as I was running low on my trusted Dove gradual tanner with SPF 15. I picked up this Yves Rocher Self-Tanner Moisturizing Face & Body Lotion after reading a positive review on Brunette's Heart, a Polish beauty blog. So far, I've only used it on my face either at night or during stay-at-home days; the texture on the skin is a bit sticky and shiny, but it does moisturize quite well and the tan looks very natural, not streaky, not patchy, not too orange.

Then, I found a L'Occitane coupon in my favorite Polish women's magazine, Zwierciadło, and couldn't pass up the offer. In fact, I'd never had anything from the brand before, but heard quite a lot of good things. I picked up the 100% Pure Shea Butter in a cute little tin and plan to use it mostly on my chapped lips. I also got the purse-sized Dry Skin Hand Cream with 20% shea butter content as a gift with purchase.


The most substantial thing I bought at L'Occitane was Rose 4 Reines Eau de Toilette (20ml). As the name suggests, it's a rose perfume composed of 4 different kinds of roses, the Grasse rose, the Bulgarian rose, the Moroccan rose and the Turkish rose. I wasn't a huge fan of florals before, but this is a lovely feminine scent with a powdery finish and a surprisingly good lasting power; but more on that in a separate post which I plan to write on my perfume collection.

I also couldn't stop myself from getting Zara Black Peony Eau de Toilette (100ml), known as a good dupe for Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb at a fraction of the price, discovered thanks to Pyxiee. I've wanted Flowerbomb for the longest time, but couldn't justify the pricetag, and this came to my rescue. From what I remember, it does smell a bit different then the more expensive version, lasts for a shorter time on the skin and has quite a ridiculous packaging, but I still like it a lot (and that fabric flower can be removed from the cap).

And there you have it, a very rambly skincare and fragrance haul post. Stay tuned for the make-up haul!

Haus of Gloi Haul & Interview!

I have a very special treat for you today, my dears; I've promised some lovely surprises in my last post and here you have it! Not only will I tempt you with some delicious Haus of Gloi goodies, I've also asked its lovely owners, Britton and Matt, a couple of questions, and they agreed to share behind-the-scenes details... and photos!


I placed my first order towards the end of February; it was shipped within a day and then arrived maybe 3 days later (bonus of living in the neighboring state!). Every product was wrapped separately (and beautifully) in tissue paper and the box was stuffed with old newspaper to protect the goodies. Here's what I got:


1. Vice Soft Bubbling Scrub, $8 for 6 oz (full size)
I won't repeat the scent descriptions you can easily find online, but rather attempt to describe what the smells are evocative of to me. In this case, it must be hazelnut gelato! It simply has this sweet nutty scent at first, which then develops into something more caffeinated on the skin. The texture of the scrub is soft but the grains hold together, making it easy to scoop a bit out of the jar. It emulsifies on contact with water and accompanied by rigorous rubbing, leaves behind smooth, hydrated, subtly scented skin.


2. Twice is Nice Soft Bubbling Scrub, $3.50 for 2 oz. (sample size)
In the same formula, I also got Twice is Nice, being tempted by its foodie description. Again, to put it simply, this reminds me of a coconut macaroon. It does smell very buttery and I'm pleased to report than I can definitely smell all three scent notes: cookies, coconut and a touch of almonds. The sample size is very generous; I think I used it about three times already and I just made a little dent in the top of the jar.


3. Picaroon Sugar Exfoliant, $2 for 1 oz. (sample size)
I've also wanted to try the other scrub formula and picked this in the Picaroon scent because it basically sounded like a delicious cocktail. To most, it smells very much like men's cologne; to me, it smells like a margarita; very lemony, salty and definitely liquor-ish. The scrub itself is much more like your typical body exfoliant; it just scrubs away with small grains of sugar. I find that in this formulation, the scent is much stronger than in my Soft Bubbling Scrubs and lingers on the skin much longer. I much prefer it in the mornings than before bed, it can be a bit too energizing, if you know what I mean...


4. Come Hither Pumpkin Butter, LE for Valentine's Day 2011, $4.50 for 3 oz. (sample size)
I also wanted to try the famous Pumpkin body butter and picked it in a limited edition Come Hither scent. Unfortunately, it's my least favorite scent from the bunch; I just realized I'm not a great fan of roses. It's very floral and quite sweet, but to me a bit too old lady. My husband likes it though (on me, that is!). As for the product's formula, it's gorgeous: rich and silky and very moisturizing. The scent lasts on the skin for a good while too.


5. Troika Perfume Oil, $2.50 for 5ml (sample size)
Another foodsy scent (what can I say, I'm really into those lately) I liked the sound of. On the first impression, it is very coconutty, but in a fresher way than Twice is Nice. After a while, it develops into a softer, more feminine scent (I'm guessing it's the 'clean white' note). In terms of longevity, literally a drop of oil lasts for a good couple of hours on me. I've had my sample vial for 3 weeks now and I'm only half way through!


6. Madcap Garden Perfume oil sample, gift with purchase
This came attached to a lovely handwritten note from Britton and Matt, such a nice touch! Anyway, I was a bit skeptical at first since I'm not a big fan of peppermint. But you know what? It doesn't smell very minty to me at all. Initially, I can smell the freshness of mint, but after just a couple of minutes it starts smelling a bit like liquorice. And then it develops into this sweet, complex scent with just a touch of honey, very interesting and unique. I'd say it's definitely a repurchase (in that more distant future after I try every single scent they make).

Now, the best part. If you're as interested in the process of creating perfumes and other pieces of insiders' scoop, I'm sure you'll enjoy the interview as much as I do!

1. Could you describe the process of creating a new scent, from the inspiration to the finished product?
Well, inspiration can come from pretty much anywhere. For example, I've recently delved into ancient Greek history and mythology, so I've been dipping into that whole era fragrance wise. I'm thinking of dates, figs, olives, resins and honey. Once I have key notes in mind I work them together, add and subtract, and once I feel that it fits the idea that I had in my head from the get go, its done. Sometimes I have to rework a blend several times before I get it where I want, sometimes I get the right mojo flowing and it's perfect the first time around. Those are always the best!

The making of a whipped soap...

2. Are you inspired by seasonal trends in fashion/make-up when creating new collections?
Hmm, I don't know! I love looking at makeup trends, so I guess if I see something evoking a sort of mood, ethereal, dark, etc. it may have an effect on the overall mood of the blends.

3. Could you give us a little hint of what to expect in the upcoming Summer release?
For summer we're looking at the return of Beguiled and Insalata Nocturna, those were the two most popular from the release last summer. I may have to soap Zazz though! So delicious and fresh in soap form. I will be bringing a few new scents to the release though - I'm thinking Oregon themed and berries, berries, berries!

4. Matt, what inspires you the most when creating a label design for a particular scent?
I try to approach making labels for HoG the same way I did designs for clients in my freelancer day - sort of a visual version of what Britton does with scents. Starting from the idea/theme that Britton has for the scent, I try to free associate images that are evocative of it. Usually at some point the solution will sort of "pop into my head". In all honesty, 75% of design is throwing ideas at the wall until something sticks.

5. What is your favorite beauty tip? Drink your water, use AHAs and slather yourself in jojoba oil!

Litchi soap and Honeysuckle & Lemon Curd soap... and whipped soaps again.

6. What's the best part about having your own company?
Well, it is very rewarding and satisfying being able to do something you love for a living. I feel eternally blessed being able to do this! I do enjoy being able to whip up interesting concoctions, like making a mask or facial scrub. Creating a new fragrance right off the top of my head is always wonderful - best to strike while the iron is hot! Blends like that are usually turned into Reverie items.

7. What are your goals for the future?
Brick and Mortar! I would really love to open a storefront. We're hoping to do this in a couples of years. I am also wanting to expand our perfume offerings. The current space we're in limits us when creating a full line of products in once scent, but perfume is something that doesn't have the same kind of space restrictions. My mind is bubbling over with ideas, and I think that would be the best way to share them!

I'm sure keeping my fingers crossed for Britton and Matt and wish them all the best! Meanwhile, the Spring collection is already available on the Haus of Gloi website and I already have my beady eye on Lassi and Milkmaid...

What is your favorite Haus of Gloi scent and product line?

High-end Haul

I decided to treat myself to some high-end pieces this month and after many happy moments spent online perusing swatches and reviews, I settled on ordering a few bits and bobs from All Cosmetics Wholesale (which is a Washingtonian company... who knew?).


I got:
Michael Todd Crème Glacé lipgloss in 'Natural'
Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in 'Slippin n' Dippin'
Stila Convertible Color in 'Lillium' (travel size)
Stila Cheek Color in 'Hint'
Sigma E05 Fine Eyeliner brush
POP Beauty Glitter Stix in 'Sage' (gift with purchase)


I wanted some soft, neutral shades I knew I was going to use and had so far been missing in my collection, as well as a long wearing cream eyeshadow for spring and summer I could just pat all over the lid for a quick look. Also, I wanted to try brands that had been new to me: Michael Todd and Stila. I just love the name of the gloss; it's a literal French translation of the word 'ice cream' and not surprisingly, the product smells exactly like vanilla strawberry ice cream. Delicious! I'm also happy with my Stila purchases.


However, I don't know if I will ever be ordering from this company again. While the products are discounted, I think their quality is not the same as in a regular store. I'm not sure if you'll be able to see in the photo above, but my Benefit cream eyeshadow seems a bit dried out and had already started to pull from the edges of the jar when I first opened it.


The Sigma brush arrived with some blems on the handle, which I don't mind that much, and a lot of splayed hairs, which I do mind a lot. I've washed it, reshaped it and left to dry in a brush guard, but some hairs are still sticking out. There was no information on the website that these products might be faulty in any way. It just spoils the fun of buying more luxurious make-up if it turns out to be damaged somehow.

Let me know if you'd like me to review any of these products and I can promise that you'll be seeing them in make-up looks to come. What have you treated yourself to lately?

Swap with Cami Loves Kiwi!

In fact, under this unassuming post title you'll find something a bit more naughty... Make-up porn! This is just a taste of how I felt receiving a delicious package full of shiny new make-up goodies: vibrant colors, beautiful textures, sweet smells, light-reflecting sparkles, accompanied by a cute little note adorned with a dinosaur, all courtesy of Cami from Cami Loves Kiwi (if you're not subscribed to her YouTube channel, you must!). I've already played with all of the products and love them all. Seriously. I couldn't even pick my favorite, I'm so excited.


But enough blabbering. Enjoy.

Accessorize Merged Blusher in 'Pretty Pink'

Accessorize Merged Blusher in 'Diva'

Sleek Make-up Molten Metal Duo in 'Pewter' and 'Gold Leaf'

Barry M Dazzle Dust in 'Mushroom'

Sleek Make-up Pout Polishes in 'Pink Cadillac' and 'Scandal'

No7 Natural Blush in 'Soft Damson'

Accessorize Baked Duo in 'High Maintenance'

Sleek Make-up Blusher in 'Pomegranate'

You'll certainly see these products in the upcoming posts, but let me know in the comments if you have any special requests for reviews or swatches. Have a great weekend and again... a heartfelt thank you, Cami! x

Modest e.l.f. Haul

Tempted by the recent Oxford Jasmine's video featuring her collection of e.l.f. products, I decided to place my first order with the company to try some goodies I'd been eyeing for the longest time (especially their Studio line brushes and mineral lipsticks).


First off, I have a little rant regarding my order: before placing it, I scoured the interwebs trying to find a coupon to save on shipping, which was more or less 40% of the total price of my order. Alas, none of them worked, so I resigned to paying full price ($6.95 FYI). Who knew that about 2 hours after the order has gone through, e.l.f. would send me a coupon code for 25 cents shipping? That really pissed me off.

Another thing that pissed me off was that it took 13 days for my order to arrive. It was packed and shipped 6 days after placing the order and then took another 7 to deliver. I ordered a palette from Hong Kong about the same time and it arrived earlier. I mean, e.l.f., really? 13 days?!

These difficulties aside, I'm quite happy with my goodies as only one item turned out to be crappy. Here's what I got and my initial thoughts:

1. e.l.f. Flat Top Powder Brush ($3)
Number one on my wishlist. I agree with everything that's been said so far about this brush. It is pretty amazing. I haven't washed it yet, so I can't say anything about that, but it being made of taklon should guarantee great results with both powder and cream formulas. It's also dense and stiff enough to help blend cream and liquid foundations in nicely. Get yourself one of those if you don't have it already!


2. e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in Rosy Raisin ($5)
Again, I've heard so many good things about e.l.f. Mineral Lipsticks that I just had to try one. First of all, I really like the design of a cardboard box it came in: simple and elegant and much more luxurious feeling than the usual e.l.f. plastic packaging. The formula of the lipstick is a bit harder and more waxy than most of the lipsticks I own, which also means the pigmentation is more on the sheer side, but buildable. I don't think it's a bad thing though: the lipstick gives a very natural, soft effect, wears for quite a long time and doesn't dry my lips out. The shade I chose, Rosy Raisin, is the perfect neutral lip color for me - a brownish pink with no shimmer. I imagine it becoming a staple in my collection.

3. e.l.f. Liquid Eyeshadow in Sultry Satin ($1)
Unfortunately, there's nothing sultry about this product. While the champagne shade looks promising in the packaging, in transfers on the lid as a patchy, chunky glittery mess with no pigmentation. The only good thing I can say about this is that it dries quickly and stays put. I'll be passing this one to the younger members of the family.


4. e.l.f. Hypershine Gloss in Flirt ($1)
I quite like this sheer peachy pink. A bit sticky and not the most long-lasting, but I like the brush-on applicator and vanilla-candy scent. I'd be definitely more inclined to repurchase the e.l.f. lip gloss rather than its Clinique equivalent (Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour) retailing for $17.50.


5. e.l.f. Custom Eyeshadow in Moondust ($1)
Smooth and pigmented brownish taupe. For your enjoyment, I've swatched it beside MAC Satin Taupe and Inglot no. 402 Pearl eyeshadows - it's a touch more brown than the MAC shadow and a bit darker than the Inglot one. But still, pretty close, and the cheapest of the bunch too.

Given my experience, my advice for online shopping at e.l.f. would be to 1) definitely wait for some decent coupon codes, 2) shop very cautiously and not be fooled by low prices. And that's the moral to this haul, lovely blogettes :) Happy Thanksgiving weekend! x

Lacquered Up Haul

Let's pass over the fact that I may have gone a tiny bit overboard this time and just soak in the sheer gorgeousness of these nail polishes...


Some of these colors were picked by my mom and sisters-in-law, but they left them on my vanity when packing, so I'm guessing they're all mine now, no?

On my nails we have two coats of China Glaze Secret Peri-Wink-Le, and the result of using a top coat gone bad (Sally Hansen Mega Shine); it literally drags the polish off the nail bed, creasing at the edges. What the...?! Fortunately, I since got myself a brand new bottle of Seche Vite, so that won't be happening again any time soon.

L-R China Glaze Secret Peri-Wink-Le, China Glaze Frostbite, Sinful Colors Aqua

L-R Sinful Colors Vacation Time, Sinful Colors Hot & Sour

L-R Wet'n'Wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Metallica, Wet'n'Wild Craze Nail Color in Shield

L-R CQ Purple Passion, Petites Passion Orange, Sally Girl EH9329?

I will be posting swatches of these over the next couple of weeks. I'm thinking about painting my nails Hot & Sour next; it's been ages since I last painted my nails red... Which ones would you like to see swatched and reviewed on the blog, ladies? xxx