Beauty Empties #14 ♡ ft. Oozoo Bear, Glow Recipe, Biore, Soap & Glory, KAO, Too Faced, ColourPop, Too Cool For School + More!

♥︎ HAPPY NEW YEARS ♥︎

a new year, a fresh start, same dreams, new challenges

Today I am sharing with you my last Beauty Empties of 2018, some of these are new found favourites and some of them are already a stable in my makeup and skincare collection. I hope that you enjoy reading this as much as me using them and I want to wish you all a happy 2019!

OOZOO BEAR Aurora Illuminating Mask (NZD$8.99 - Farmers) is described as an illuminating solution that adds hydration and radiance to tired looking skin. The packaging is so cute and inside the right ear of the bear it contains the ampoule that you fold and mix with the base ingredients. I quite like this mask, it's thin, it's soft and it fits my face just fine. After removing the mask, my face looks and feels plump, soft and brightened.

OOZOO BEAR Black Space Pore Caring Mask (NZD$8.99 - Farmers) minimise the appearance of pores, purifies the skin and controls the moisture balance. I like this one as much as the Aurora Illuminating Mask mentioned above, the sizing is perfect and it left my face feeling a bit tighter, refreshed and clear.

MEDIHEAL Teatree Care Solution Essential Mask is one of my favourites and most used sheet masks, tea tree is great for oily skin and it works wonder on acne skin. I love that this mask feels so refreshing during use and after removal. It smells nice, it fits perfectly on my face and it always cures the breakouts on my face after each use.

GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask (USD$8.00 - Glow Recipe) comes in two pieces, the mask is made of those jelly texture that claims no drip and no slip. This mask is made out of watermelon and it claims to hydrate and sooth skin. This was probably the most talked about sheet mask in 2018 and the reason I bought it was because I am obsessed with watermelon, but really, there is nothing outstanding about this mask. It doesn't have the sweet, refreshing watermelon scent I was expecting. The cooling feel only lasted a couple of minutes, I didn't feel that it was hydrating after removal and my face felt really sticky afterwards.

PURE SMILE Choosy Lip Mask has been mentioned plenty of times on my blog and it's no doubt this is one of the stable products in my skincare collection. This lip mask comes in a lot of different flavours and my most purchased is definitely honey and peach.

SKIN PHYSICS Dragon's Blood Soothing Gel Mask (NZD$14.99 - Farmers) is described as an intense moisturising gel mask that targets rough, dry, dehydrated and irritable skin. I must say, Dragon's Blood was what caught my attention in the first place! I thought that it's an actual drop of dragon's blood, not knowing that it's actually some sort of plant haha. I like the smell of this mask, it's  fresh and floral. It has a lot of serum in the packet and the mask stay on pretty well, but it dries quite fast and the mask ends up sticking to my face at the end. The sizing is pretty weird as well, I have an average sized face and the mask was too big for me.

BIORE Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser (NZD$13.99 - Farmers) is a new found favourites! It claims to draws out 2 x more dirts and impurities than a basic cleanser. With the natural charcoal, it will deep cleans and purify pores. I think this comes in two versions and the one I have tried is ideal for oily skin. I love it because it makes my face feels very clean and refreshed and it doesn't leave my face with that squeaky clean feeling.

SOAP & GLORY Soap & Clarity 3-in-1 Vitamin C Facial Wash (NZD$17.00 - Mecca) is described as a daily detox solution that deeply cleanses, purifies and removes all traces of makeup. Enriched with Vitamin C to brighten the complexion and buffs away dead skin cells with its ultra-soft jojoba beads. I bought this cleanser based on all the amazing reviews online, I like it, but I don't love it. It does an average job at cleansing and I just didn't that it makes my skin feels squeaky clean.

DAISO Puff Sponge Detergent (NZD$3.00 - Japanese store next to Event Cinema Queen Street) is an absolute must-have for cleaning makeup sponges. I also use ecostore baby soaps to clean my makeup brushes, but when I use it to clean my sponges, it takes forever.

KAO Megthythm Steam Eye Masks (NZD$20.00 for a box of 12 pieces - Vanessa Mid City on Queen Street) is a self-warming steam eye mask that warms up to 40°C of steam heat to help relax your mood and relieve tired eyes. Nowadays I find it hard to stay away from technologies, I am always checking social medias on my phone, playing games on the iPad and watching Netflix on the TV; all those long hours of looking at these screens can leave me with strained eyes. I love that the steam eye masks makes my eyes feels so comfortable and relax, I use it mostly before bed and I find that after each use, I get a very good sleep that night. The steam heat can last up to 20 minutes, it comes in various of scent, I have tried lemon and lavender and I find that lavender is the most dreamy and relaxing.

TOO FACED Primed & Peachy Cooling Matte Perfecting Primer (NZD$51.00 - Mecca) is a new found favourites that has made its way into my holy grail list already. It is described as a cooling, mattifying primer that blurs, smooths and brightens the complexion. It claims to wear up to 16 hours with 12 hours of shine control that delivers a lightweight and comfortable wear. I am currently on my second tube of this primer and I love its subtle smell of peaches and cream. I love that this primer works well with every single foundations that I own, it could be high-end or it could be drugstore, my makeup always last long hours without having to touch-up with powders, even in summer days, my face rarely gets oily while wearing this primer.

COLOURPOP Brow Boss Pencil (USD$5.00 - ColourPop) is an absolute favourite and must-have product in my makeup routine, I would literally go into panic-mode when I run out of brow boss and that is why I buy a bulk lot of them every time I order. I have talked about this brow pencil a lot on my blog, but just incase that you are new here and you're wondering why I am so obsessed with it?! It's the best brow pencil for those looking for something natural, it has a buildable formula, it comes with a spoolie and it last all day!

THE BODY SHOP Papaya Body Butter (NZD$38.95 - The Body Shop) is described as an intensive, creamy all-over body moisturiser that absorbs into the skin easily, helping to condition, smooth and soften the skin for up to 24 hours. I used to love these body butters, the texture is so creamy and it keeps my skin smooth and moisturised all day. I am not sure if they still sell the Papaya scent as it cannot be found in their range online, the last time I bought these body butters was probably a year ago.

URBAN DECAY De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray (NZD$25.00 - Mecca) is one of my holy grail beauty products. I used to be all about the Urban Decay All Nighter and I do still use that on and off, but I find that the De-Slick works better on my oily skin. It is described as a weightless setting spray that helps makeup stay put, control oil, deflects surface shine and keep skin matte.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Artclass by Rodin Contour (NZD$27.00 - Hikoco) is every k-beauty blogger's favourites and it claims to be Korea's most loved contouring product for defined and slimming facial contours. The contour features three natural shades that can be blended all together or used individually with a soft matte finish. It claims to have an effortless blendability, damnn right this is the best contour I have tried in 2018! Unfortunately mine broke into pieces when I accidentally dropped it while in Samoa, but I will be picking up another one soon as this is the most natural looking contour I have used.

LANCOME Absolue Sublime Golden Glow Hydrating Makeup Base was sent to me for review back in 2016 and here you can see what it looks like before used, it has the prettiest packaging. It is described as a makeup base with iridescent pigments and water-like gel texture that gives hydration to the skin. I have used it on and off and to be totally honest, I was glad that I have finally emptied this product. I like that it made my skin feels smooth and my foundation goes on evenly, but my makeup didn't last as long and I find myself having to touch-up once in awhile during the day.

TATCHA The Water Cream (NZD$31.00 - Mecca) was voted Skin Care Product of The Year 2018 by TrendMood. It is described as an oil-free moisturiser that works to tighten pores and refine uneven texture and deliver a weightless, refreshing hydration. It has a water-like texture that melts into the skin, I love the smell of this cream and the packaging is so cute, but I don't really get the hype?! I felt like it didn't do a lot to my skin and it was just another moisturiser to me. I was thinking, maybe I would have to try the 50ml bottle to see results.

DRUNK ELEPHANT B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum (NZD$36.00 Rise + Glow Set - Mecca) was recommended to me by one of my best friends, she mentioned that her husband often compliments her on how glowy and healthy her skin looks after using the Drunk Elephant Rise + Glow Set which includes two serums. Both serums contains the same amount of product and I'm not sure how and why I have emptied this one first, but after using this serum, I do find my skin looking healthier, more radiant and more plumped.

CARMEX Lip Balm (NZD$3.04 - iHerb) I know I have talked about Carmex so many times on my blog and it's been mentioned in almost all of my latest beauty empties post, I have probably posted the same descriptions, reviews and recommendations every time; but this is the BEST LIP BALM ever and it's forever my favourite! I just love the minty scent, I love the refreshing feel upon application and I love how moisturising it is.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wipes (NZD$14.95 - The Body Shop) and Soap & Glory Off Your Face Cleansing Cloths (NZD$9.00 - Mecca) are both my favourites and most used makeup removable wipes.

The Cosmetic Store Haul ♡ ft. Les Merveilleuses LADURÉE, It's Skin, Holika Holika, Too Cool For School, VDL, Etude House, Innisfree & Choosy Lip Mask

I haven't been online shopping for a very very long time due to some changes in life and seriously, I am secretly dying inside. I want to run into a makeup store, I want to give them all my money and that's when I lose control when I visited The Cosmetic Store in Auckland.

Usually I would avoid Asian cosmetics stores in Auckland because 1) I can't stand when their staff follows me everywhere and 2) I can get almost everything shown in this haul for a lot cheaper online.

The first time I visited The Cosmetic Store I was quite impressed with their customer service, no one follows me around and they only checked on me a few times to see if I needed help. Also, their prices wasn't too bad at the time and I got too excited when I spot the Les Merveilleuses Laduree petal blushes.

So, overall I bought a bunch of products that I don't need, but that was the best retail therapy I have in months! I had about two to three months to try out these products and the only advice I would give myself is to take a deep breath before I walk into the store next time. I give this advice to myself because I often get too excited and I would always end up with products that I wish I could return.

Les Merveilleuses Laduree
FACE COLOR ROSE LADUREE #04

petal blushes + pot (usually sold separately): NZD $280.00

It's Skin

POWER 10 FORMULA

NZD $24.90

Holika Holika x Gudetama

FACE 2 CHANGE PHOTO READY BB

NZD $38.90

Too Cool For School

DINOPLATS TRICERATOPS PALETTE

NZD $69.90

VDL

PANTONE COLOR CHEEK 

NZD $52.90

VDL Expert Color

LIP CUBE #01 SERENITY

NZD $39.90

Etude House

TINT MY BROWS GEL #3 GRAY BROWN

NZD $19.90

CHOOSY

Art Lip Packs

rainbow / present kiss: NZD $6.90

milk / banana / strawberry: NZD $4.90

Innisfree

IT'S REAL SQUEEZE MASK

10 for NZD $20.00

black berry / lime / pomegranate / acai berry/ strawberry / kiwi / rose / tea tree

Best Of 2014 ♡ LIPS PRODUCTS

While I was jotting down my Best of 2014 Lips Products list, I kind of panic and asked myself "did I not use any MAC lipsticks this year?" LOL! Of course I did! But I wasn't crazy about them like I used to be. MAC lippies are my ALL TIME favourite lip products and the reason why I haven't given them enough love this year is because there are way too many new brands and products to try out and I have been loving all other brands lately.

I could NEVER neglect MAC lippies, I have a collection of their lipsticks plus some others that could last me my entire life! **not bragging here** Not trying to brag about how much money I spent on each lipstick, all I am trying to say is, only a few of my absolute favourite lips products made into my Best of 2014 list, they must be so DAMN GOOD! & They definitely deserve a mention!

This year I have been loving...

URBAN DECAY REVOLUTION LIPSTICK - NATIVE
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick is described as "a luxury lipstick that delivers intense color payoff plus creamy shine". The Revolution Lipstick reminds me of an expensive version of the Revlon Lip Butter, it is such a rich, creamy and buttery lipstick that is also highly pigmented at the same time!

There are 20 shades available in this range and I remember it was so hard to pick one color that I think it will look good on me as well as something that I like and it's wearable. I end up picking Native, it's a pretty pale pink color. Native doesn't make me look wash-out, it looks good on my NC25 skin tone and it gives me that natural glowy shiness.

Compare to the Revlon Lip Butter, the UD Revolution Lipstick is much more pigmented even for such pale shades like Native; the texture is creamy but it doesn't slides around during wear and the lipstick wore well for five hours on me.

URBAN DECAY NAKED LIP GLOSS - LIAR
I have a confession to make: I bought this lip gloss purely on the lip gloss name! LOL!

This was an impulsive buy that turns into a lately favourite of mine! I love wearing this over Urban Decay Native Revolution Lipstick and I sometimes wear it alone. When wearing it over Native, it does becomes a bit streaky cause the Revolution Lipstick is very creamy; so ever since I noticed that I have been wearing it alone and it still look as pretty.

Urban Decay Naked Lip Gloss is described as "a luxurious lip gloss and a rich balm in one". The formula is very creamy and moisturizing during wear, it isn't sticky and it wore well for 2 hours on me. There are 9 shades available from this range and it wasn't hard to choose the right color for me haha, I wanted Liar purely because of the PLL, lol I guess you can say I am a bit obsessed even thou this has nothing to do with the Pretty Little Liars! Not only am I in-love with the name of the lip gloss, I also really like the color; Liar is described as a "soft mauve-pink".

MAC CORAL BLISS LIPSTICK
MAC Coral Bliss is one of my favourites during mid-year, it was when I was a bit crazy about the whole coral-y orange-y shades. During that time I also purchased Sushi Kiss, Sweet & Sour and Razzledazzler; but Coral Bliss has won my heart. ♥

Coral Bliss is described as a "frosted light coral" with a cremesheen finish. The lipstick pigmentation is buildable and it has that summer vibe.

MAC HOOP LIPSTICK
MAC bought back three retro lipsticks chosen by their Facebook fans for a limited time sometimes this year and MAC Hoop was one of the three. I didn't know anything about this whole voted by fans thing until all the lipsticks were sold out *cries*; I remember searching EVERYWHERE for MAC Hoop as it was the only shade that appeal to me the most, I didn't want to pay double the price for a lipstick, you guys know how crazy some people would do for $$? **sad** I was searching to the point where I almost gave up, THEN... My favourite seller on TradeMe listed a Hoop lipstick & lip glass; and I got both. ^^

MAC Hoop is described as a "mid-tone rosy pink" with a matte finish. The formula is not drying, nor moisturizing during wear; it didn't drag my lips during application, it actually applies smoothly even on days that I forgot to exfoliate.

The color is beautiful, it's a rosy, almost hot-pink color that is not over the top and it is suitable for every-day-wear.

MAC SWEET GRENADINE SHEEN SUPREME LIPSTICK
MAC Sweet Grenadine is one of the first Sheen Supreme Lipsticks I own and I love the high pigment color and the formula so much that I started to crazy on the Sheen Supreme range, by right I have collected a few.

MAC Sweet Grenadine Lipstick is described as a "bright orange", this is not as bright in person, it's more like a tone down orange coral-y that is suitable for every day wear even in an office environment. The formula is creamy and it has a lot of glossiness.

MAC PROENZA SCHOULER LIPSTICK - WOODROSE
MAC Woodrose Lipstick was my least favourite when I first purchased it, first of all, A Lustre finish is my least favourite formula and second, this lipstick is WAY too sheer for my liking. Then after awhile convincing myself this is not just a pretty name, I actually end up enjoying this every time I wear it.

MAC Woodrose is described as a "light pink beige" with a Lustre finish, it's pigmentation isn't as satisfying for me, but I love that it's moisturizing during wear, it's consistency is creamy and it applies smoothly.

CAROUSEL COSMETICS LIPSTICK - THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID
I love my bright colors, but that doesn't mean I always go for bright colors; like I love the brights, but at the same I am uncomfortable wearing bright shades to work. A lot of the times I feel like it is either not appropriate for the office or it's not in my personality.

Anyway, my point is, I have only worn this Carousel lipstick for a few times since I purchased it sometimes this year and it probably should not be in my best of 2014 list, but I decided it deserves a mention cause it is the first ever lip products from a New Zealand brand that I feel like it has outdone itself!

That's What She Said! is one of the six lipsticks shade available from the brand, from the tube, it looks like a pretty girly Barbie pink shade; but once applied on the lips, it appears more of a dark fuschia shade. Not only is the color really appealing, the pigmentation is like... SO FREAKING PIGMENTED!!! The longevity is also SUPER AMAZING!!! **not shouting here* It's really just... *speechless*, you have to experience it yourself to know what I am talking about. ;)

CHI CHI VIVA LA DIVA LIPSTICK - GAME ON
I have been a Chi Chi fan since my teenage years, it is one of the drugstore brands that is easy to purchase from our local mall. Thinking back, I have used Chi Chi for more than 10 years now and my love for the brand is still going strong! Chi Chi Cosmetics always has cute and adorable packaging, their products are also very good quality, they gives you that high-end feel for a drug-store price.

Actually, I am not sure if I should class this as a drug-store? Compare to YSL, Chanel and all that expensive brand, Chi Chi is definitely cheap in price, but compare to Maybelline and Revlon, it's about the same price.

I have been living under a rock, most of the time this year, so I am really slow on catching new products etc... I have only just started trying out the Viva La Diva range and so far I am loving their formula!

My favourite and most used shade of Chi Chi Viva La Diva Lipstick is Game On, it is a soft rosy pink with a matte finish. The matte texture is soft and creamy, and it glides on my lips smoothly, application was easy, it didn't pull or tug. The lipstick has a fresh floral scent and it wore well for six hours on me before it fades into a stain.

KAT VON D STUDDED KISS LIPSTICK - LOVECRAFT
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick is described as "an innovative lipstick that coat with bold color, 10 hour wear and luxe comfort". I have been loving this lipstick during the whole Kylie Jenner big lips craze. I wore Lovecraft almost every single day, even thou the formula is very drying, I still love it so much. There's just something the KVD makeup range.

Lovecraft is a cult favourite, and it is described as a mauve pink nude with a matte finish. The formula is very VERY drying, even on days that I have smear a whole pot of Carmex lip balm on my lips; the lipstick wore well for a hours and hours and during wear it feels drying, not moisturizing but it doesn't make my lips looks chapped and ugly.

CHANEL GLOSSIMER - WILD ROSE
I purchased the Chanel Le Brilliant Glossimer Duo back in June this year when it was available on Nordstrom, in it came with two Chanel Glossimer, a lip pencil and a makeup purse. So glad I got the set as I have never tried the Chanel Glossimer before. Experiencing with new products is such a nice feeling!

After months of using the Chanel Glossimer in Wild Rose, I am glad to say it has become one of my top favourite lip gloss! Wild Rose is a beautiful medium mauve rosey shade, when swatched on my hand it looks super pigmented but once it goes on my lips, it looks kind of sheer. I love that the color is build-able and the formula isn't sticky. It feels like once the gloss is on, it just clings onto your lips, very secure and it doesn't go anywhere like smear around my lips etc...

I love that there's tiny shimmery sparkles in Wild Rose, the sparkles doesn't look as obvious in person, but when look closely, you can see it's shimmery and pretty. I am seriously impressed with the long-wearing time for the Glossimer, I don't expect much from a lip gloss as I know they all tend to disappear within an hour wearing time, but Wild Rose wore well for 4 hours on me.

NYX SOFT MATTE LIP CREAM - MILAN
Those that follows me on my social medias, I have constantly talked about how much I dislike using a beauty product that is made in China blah blah blah... It's true and I probably will never change my thought on this until someone can convince me they are safe.

Stupid as it is I have been using the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream for a LONG LONG TIME to find out they are made in China =.= OHMYGOSH IT DIDN'T EVEN SAY it's made in China, or may be it did but it's in another language... *sigh* I'm so heartbroken because I love the soft matte lip cream range and I don't know what to do?! Grrr....

Maybe I am making a HUGE deal out of this, but I love the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, don't think I can ever give them up. Milan is so far my favourite and most worn, it's mauvey rosey shade. LOL see the pattern here?! Everything is a mauve-rose shade this year! The formula is creamy and soft, it applies smoothly and evenly, dries matte and the staying power is good.

CANMAKE CANDY WRAP LIP - 03 PEACH SHOWER
I have been loving all Canmake products this year, the Candy Wrap Lip lip gloss is one of my top favourite! This lip gloss is super moisturizing during wear, it applies smoothly and it isn't sticky. I get at least 3 hours wear from this, it looks natural and it gives a lot of glossiness.

TOO FACED LIQUEFIED LONG WEAR LIPSTICK - MELTED PEONY
Too Faced Liquid Lipstick is described as a lipstick that has "a shine of a gloss, lasting power of a stain, pigment-packed color, bold, long-wearing color". I have the shade Melted Peony, it's a dusty rose shade, I get so many compliment when I wear it, people just love the color!

I love that the Too Faced Melted liquid lipstick is very long lasting, it applies nicely and evenly with the spongey tip, the color is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. The only negative thing I would say about this is that when I have chapped lips, the liquid lipstick would go on looking very flaky and uneven.

HOURGLASS OPAQUE ROUGE LIQUID LIPSTICK - CANVAS
Hourglass Liquid Lipstick is described as "a richly pigmented, silky smooth, matte lip color that delivers 14 hours of continuous wear without smudging or drying". I have had plenty of great experience with Canvas, it's a pretty soft rose beige shade. I am not gonna lie, just like any matte liquid lipsticks, the Hourglass one is as drying as the others you see on the market, it's better than KVD liquid lipstick, man that formula is crazy drying; Hourglass has better formula especially when you have apply lip balms before hand. The liquid lipstick goes on smoothly and the short applicator wand is easy to work around with. The liquid lipstick is very pigmented and it wore well for approximately 5 hours on me. Maybe the darker shade could last longer as it claims for 14 hours wear.

How many tubes of lip balms does a girl need at once? I would say plenty, as much as possible! I tend to keep them in my handbag and the next time I look for the same lip balm, I couldn't find it anywhere. So I had to buy a new one, I often end up with a bunch of lip balms and lip care products that are only used once or twice. >.< Such bad habit heheh but I know I am not the only one!

This year in the lip care range, I have been loving the LUSH Lip Scrub in Mint Julips, I have also tried the Santa one that is only available during the Christmas period, but it's nothing compare to Mint Julips. I love that LUSH Lip Scrubs offers the hard scrub without damaging your lips, Mint Julips taste sweet just like sugar and it smells minty which is very refreshing. Pure Smile Choosy Lip Scrub is not bad as well, it's a bit more gentle compare to the LUSH Lip Scrub, it's almost like a lip balm with little bit a scrub in it for gentle exfoliate.

As for lip balms, I have been loving a few. Firstly, the PIXI Sheer Butter Lip Balm is very moisturizing; secondly, the Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm smells so fresh and minty! I received it from the last GoodieBox I got and at the time I was like... ajsd;faksldj; WTF I spent $20 on a box and got a lip balm hahahha I end up really liking it cause of the lip balm scent. ^^ Then, lastly, Hurraw Lip Balms! Not only are they moisturizing, they come in plenty of different flavors, smells so great and the moisture is long lasting!

So, tell me! What lips products have you all been loving?