SOCIAL MEDIA

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Beauty Empties #15 ♡ ColourPop, ABH, Chanel, Drunk Elephant, Origin, Kiehl's, Narciso Rodriguez, The Good Vitamin Co. + More!

It's been a long time since I last posted my beauty empties and during this time I have finished up a lot of products, including makeup, skincare and my favorite perfume.


First up is my absolute favorite brow products of all time, the COLOURPOP BROW BOSS PENCIL, which has been mentioned in almost all of my beauty empties posts. This is an amazing product if you like natural brows that last all day.


ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS BROW WIZ is like an expensive version of the ColourPop Precision Brow Pencil, which I also use sometimes, but it can be a bit heavy. I like that it glides on smoothly and application is so easy.


CHANEL STYLO SOURCILS WATERPROOF DEFINING LONGWEAR EYEBROW PENCIL (omg, such a long name!!!) was recommended to me when I last visited the Chanel boutique at Britomart. I like the slanted tip as it is very easy to shape and line the brows. I love that it gives a natural looking coverage and it is long wearing as well. The lady also recommended a brow gel (Chanel Le Gel Sourcils Longwear Eyebrow Gel) to go with this brow pencil and I absolutely love the combination! Both are expensive, but totally worth it.


After years of trying different cleansers from different brands and pricing ranges, I have come to realized that supermarket branded products are actually better than the expensive ones we buy in these beauty stores. I have been using the DRUNK ELEPHANT BESTE NO. 9 JELLY CLEANSER for months and I am so glad that I finally emptied the tube! This cleanser says to be perfect for sensitive skin and the gentle formula claims to rinses away without an ounce of residue, leaving skin clean and soft. Okay, I am not mad because this actually does what it says, but I just feel like it's not worth the price spent, because any cleanser can leave skin clean and soft, right?!


GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW JELLY SHEET MASK is also a product that I am not a big fan of, haha. This is my second time using this sheet mask and upon application I thought "it's quite refreshing and it's actually not that bad this time", but it ends up in disappointment again. I had difficulty trying to keep the mask on as it kept sliding down. It's a watermelon sheet mask but it doesn't smell watermelon. My face felt dry and sticky after the removable of the mask and the serum just don't seem to absorb into my skin at all. 


MECCA COSMETICA MULTI-PURPOSE PLUMPING BALM is amazing! I use it as a primer and it can be used as a daily moisturizer as well. The formula is hydrating and it leaves my skin looking plump and healthy, not oily at all. I also really like the packaging, it comes in a tube with a pump which is easy to dispense the product. My makeup looks flawless and wears all day (12 hours) whenever I use this product.


I have already re-purchased the WET N WILD COVER ALL FACE PRIMER many many times and I will continued to recommend this primer to anyone with oily skin! This one is really affordable and it does the job better than others that you spent $$$ on. It minimize pores, brightens complexion and even skin tone. Makeup applies smoothly and it is really good at controlling oily face.


ORIGINS ORIGINAL SKIN MATTE MOISTURISER WITH WILLOWHERB is literally the BEST moisturizer that I have tried, in recent year. I am currently on my second tub and I would definitely recommends to anyone with oily skin. This is a total life saver, it is very good at oil control, it keeps makeup looking fresh throughout the day and I wear this on days without makeup as well, it just keeps my face completely shine free without looking dull.


I have finally finished my KIEHL'S ULTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM and I actually like this product, but I am not sure if I will re-purchase, only because Kiehl's is expensive in NZ. This gel cream was recommended to me when I was looking for a lightweight moisturizer suitable for oily skin. I like that the gel texture feels quite cooling and refreshing upon application and that the cream keeps my face hydrated throughout the night. 


I am also glad that I have finally emptied the KIEHL'S CREAMY EYE TREATMENT WITH AVOCADO as I have had this for a very long time. This was actually purchased a few years ago after reading all the rave reviews online. I like the creamy texture and the non-greasy formula is easy to spread. I see that my concealers doesn't crease much under my eye area after using this eye cream for awhile. It's quite moisturizing and I really like it. 


I got a travel sized KAT VON D LOCK-IT SETTING POWDER to try and I thought that it's an amazing product. This powder is finely milled, it goes nice on the skin, I use it to bake and it leaves my makeup looking flawless, but I find that if I touch-up during the day, it turns my face cakey. 


COLOURPOP NO FILTER LOOSE SETTING POWDER is another powder products that I have been loving lately. I use the translucent and although the powder is not finely milled like the KVD, when I use this to bake, it also makes my skin looks flawless. It has a lightweight texture that keeps my makeup in place all day, and I was able to touch-up during the day without turning my face cakey.


MAC X CHRIS CHANGE PREP + PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING PRESSED POWDER used to be my favorite until it forms a hard top layer on the powder and from my research, I found that it's cause by oil transfer from skin to tool then onto the powder. The top layer can be scrapped off but it's just a hassle having to scrap it every time before use. Otherwise this is a really good powder for setting an oily face. 


I get compliments every time I wear the NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FOR HER FLEUR MUSC PERFUME and it has definitely become 'my scent'. I absolutely love this perfume, I love everything from the sweet smell of roses to the pink packaging and this one wears all day on me, the smell lingers on my clothes for a few days as well. Just no word to describe how much I love this! 


Last but not least, I want to share with you a non makeup and skincare related product, but a vitamin that I have been taking lately which works a wonders. Me being a non believer of vitamins pills or chewy thought that you can get enough vitamin by eating lots of fruits and veges, so I was really skeptical about this product when I was shopping for one. 

As you know, I have been getting my nails done with gel or acrylic for years and years now and my own nails is really damaged. I find it very hard to grow my nails as they're just chipping all the time and tearing by the nail bed. My hair has been falling pretty badly as well and there were time my middle parted line was going bald... That's when I thought I had to do something!

I went to the chemist and I was recommended THE GOOD VITAMIN CO. GOOD BIOTIN FOR SKIN HAIR NAILS. I have already emptied one bottle and now I am on my second bottle and I thought this really works! On days that I am not wearing makeup at all, I get complimented on how glowy my skin looks lately. I see an obvious growth on my nails as I am wearing fake press-on nails at the moment and I see the little gap just by taking this vitamin for two weeks. My hair seems fuller these days, there is less fall outs and overall it seem to work really well!

Monday, November 16, 2015

Mecca Cosmetica Haul ♡ ft. Hourglass, NARS & Stila

Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Hourglass, NARS & Stila

I was very excited when Mecca Cosmetica announced the new arrival of Holiday 2015 Gift Sets.  I have been eyeing up and drooling over the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ever since it became available on Sephora, but due to the busy time of the year, non of my Sephora orders ever make it to shipmentsand plus, American dollars is so expensive right now, I often have to think three times before placing an order.

Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Hourglass, NARS & Stila

♥ WHAT I PURCHASED...
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edits
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edits

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edits is a Limited Edition handmade powders, blushes, bronzers and highlighters; all-in-one palette that gives you everything you need to finish, brighten, contour and highlight your skin. The palette features the Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light (a rose pearl powder that gives a refined glow to the complexion), Luminous Flush Blush (a champagne rose), Mood Exposure Blush (a soft plum), Luminous Bronze Light (a medium tan shade fused with luminous light for a softer look), Dim Light (a neutral peach beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlighters in complexion) and Diffused Light (a soft, warm, pale yellow powder that conceals redness).

Prices Comparison:
Mecca Cosmetica - $128.00 NZD
Sephora - $80.00 USD / $122.38 NZD

There is only $5.62 NZD difference between Mecca and Sephora. Mecca price includes free shipping while Sephora does not, if adding the postage fee on top of the above price, I could imagine at least $30.00 NZD gap between the two, where Sephora would end up more expensive.

As for the palette itself, I love it! Despite all the negative reviews online about its pricing and its sizes. Each individual powder is truly small compares to the original ones; I personally thinks it's great for people like me who owns quite a few blushes and for someone who loves trying new products but does not want to commit to a full size. I also love that it's bronzer, blush and luminous powder all in one, the palette is handy and it is travel friendly.

Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. NARS Steven Klein Despair Cheek Palette
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. NARS Steven Klein Despair Cheek Palette
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. NARS Steven Klein Despair Cheek Palette

NARS Steven Klein Despair Cheek Palette is a Limited Edition blush palette that features four blushes - Nico (a light beige with satin shimmer), Savage (a medium coral), Esoteric (a medium orange with gold shimmer) and Ferocious (a medium dark plum with pearly sheen); also included in the palette is a mini Ita kabuki brush.

Price Comparison:
Mecca Cosmetica - $104.00 NZD
Nordstrom - $65.00 USD / $99.49 NZD

Similar to Hourglass, NARS prices is only $4.51 NZD difference between Mecca and Nordstrom and again, Nordstrom price does not include shipping, while Mecca is free shipping due to their all-time free shipping offers if spends up to $75.00 NZD.

When I first opened the NARS Despair Palette, one of its blush pan has came off as shown in the above picture; it was easily fixed and it did not affect or ruin the blushes, so I didn't think it was necessary to inform Mecca.

Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. NARS Steven Klein Despair Cheek Palette
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Stila Eternally Yours Liquid Lipstick Set
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Stila Eternally Yours Liquid Lipstick Set
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Stila Eternally Yours Liquid Lipstick Set

Stila Eternally Yours Liquid Lipstick Set is an exclusive set that features six award winning Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks, the set includes two new shades. These liquid lipsticks are described as full coverage, creamy matte that promise to wear for up to six hours. Stila claims these are weightless and very comfortable to wear and the rich color does not bleed nor transfer.

Price Comparison:
Mecca Cosmetica - $62.00 NZD
Sephora - $39.00 USD / $59.69 NZD

I have always been too scared to buy the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks, because last time I was disappointed when I realized their lipgloss sets were made in China. This time I am glad to see that these liquid lipsticks are made in Italy and I love every single shades included.

Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Stila Eternally Yours Liquid Lipstick Set

My first impression of the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks is that the formula is so smooth and creamy, they are fast drying and each lip color dries to a complete matte. The darker shades stains and all six colors weren't easy to remove, even when cleaning with waterproof makeup remover. 


Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Hourglass, NARS & Stila
Mecca Cosmetica Haul ft. Hourglass, NARS & Stila

Overall, another great shopping experience with Mecca Cosmetica. image Mecca never fails to impressed with their customer service and products qualities.

I placed my order on Wednesday 11 November 2015 late in the afternoon and I received an email to inform me that my parcel is on its way the following day, Thursday 12 November 2015; and on the same day, around 4pm I received my parcel! All wrapped carefully in bubble wraps and this time it arrives in a pink-ish coral Mecca Cosmetica gift box which I collect and reuse for other purpose.

Mecca Cosmetica Ratings:
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Mecca Cosmetica has been my favourite online store for so long, they also have physical stores in Newmarket, Ponsonby, Wellington and Christchurch. I have never been to any of their physical stores as they are a bit too far from me, but their online or phone services has always been amazingly helpful. I would be inform quickly for a refund if an item I ordered was out of stock and I would often call in and ask for samples and their staff are always happy to help match my shades.

K Approved & 100% recommended