Quickie: Priceline Haul & Review

Given that I am pretty time poor as of late and probably will be in the next two months or so, I thought to include a “Quickie” segment into le blog which pretty much encompasses a quick of anything such as quick haul, quick review, quick introduction to new products, quick launch coverage – just anything short and sweet really. This is just to ensure that this little space of mine doesn’t go unattended for too long. *blows dust off my page*

Just thought I’d put it out there, I am very proud of my self control as my Priceline haul can actually make it under the “quickie” department – I mean, how often do you walk into Priceline and come out with almost nothing? Walk into Priceline to get the essential items, stumble upon newly released items on the way to the check out and these items somehow ended in your shopping bag because you “require” them for the blog, under the name of “research”. Sounds familiar? I rest my case. :P

Two of the three products I bought were repurchased items and one was for “research purposes”. ;)

·         Nude By Nature Natural Mineral Cover in Medium (RRP$39.95): This was a repurchased item. I was first introduced to Nude By Nature products when I was given a few samples from the Miss Australia Universe Event last year . It was love at first sight touch. This product is perfect for days where I am going for the au naturale look or during summer days where the heat is too overwhelming that liquid products will melt the instance I leave the house. In fact, I have been using this for almost every day ever since my skin decides to go PMS on me with the random outbreak of hives and rashes on my forehead and left cheek. It is light on the skin yet it provides pretty decent coverage on my “problem” areas to prevent me from looking like a lobster. It only seems right to buy a full size product when my sample size ran out.

·         Loreal Gentle Make Up Remover for Eyes and Lips (RRP $12.95): Another repurchased item in the shopping bag. This is my favourite make up remover of all times and I have gone through countless bottles ever since I started wearing make up. It removes waterproof make up with a swipe (or two for some of the better mascaras). Easy peasy! Best part is, it doesn’t strip the moisture off your face in the process.

·         Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Audacious Asphalt (RRP $11.95) : This little gem here has shot to fame the moment it was released and it is a favourite in the beauty bloggers community. I mean, being a beauty blogger and all, I have to do my research and find out what the hype is all about, right? For a fraction of the price of the MAC paint pots, I would say they are very well worth every penny as they are super pigmented and extremely long-lasting. My make up held up well after a whole day at work (approximately 10 hours) PLUS two extra hours of intensive gym session (which includes excessive sweat excretion). Nuff said. I am definitely keen to try out the other colours from this range but unfortunately, they are quite limited in the land down under.

Have you hauled recently or have you been good with your plastic card? ;)

Have you tried any of the above products? Yay or nay?

XOXO,

A

PHOTOLOG: More foodp0rn, sneak peek of more FOTDs and OOTDs

 What's happenin' cupcakes?

Hope you had a lovely weekend! 

It flew pass way too quickly before I was able to finish spelling M-O-N-D-A-Y. And the counting down to Friday starts right about now... Le sigh. 

Moonday usually means instagram/ recap post and I shall start this week's recap post with some food porn and proceed to more FOTD, OOTD and NOTD shots. 

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1. Chicken laksa with extra chilli - THE purrrfect food after 3 CC dry, 4 wines, 5 shots later. 

2. Roast duck noodle soup - my addiction in this cold weather. 

3. Bar Luca's steak and shoestring chips -  hands down BEST pub steak in town. 

4. Din Tai Fung Braised Beef Noodle Soup + Spicy Vegetable Wontons - another winter addiction.

5. Cappuccino on a cold & gloomy Sunday arvo.

6. Max Brenner Waffles - my Sunday guilty pleasure 

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7. Brand new maroon platforms from ZU that costs only $30

8. Sipping wine #LikeABoss at my Friday night's favourite spot - Ivy Pool Bar 

9. Top & Skirt from Paper Scissors/ Faux Fur Coat from Temt / Accessories from EQUIP/ Platforms from ZU

10. What's up doc? @IvyPoolBar

11. Lancome Rouge In Love Lippie (Review and swatched HERE) going strong after 5 hours, breakfast, morning tea and tonnes of water and tea later. 

12. Surprise delivery at the office - the very much anticipated Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons

  

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13. Friday night FOTD featuring Lancome Rouge In Love with and my new found rose statement necklace from Equip :)

14. FOTD for a Saturday night out - haven't curled my hair in yonkers. Products used: Modiva Curling Iron (reviewed HERE) and Original Mineral Original Queenie.

15. Amazing tiramisu from Surry Hills.

16. Harajuku inspired FOTD featuring Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism Palette and Atomic Lipstick

17. Behind the scene shoot with Fashion Hayley at Chinese Garden, Darling Harbour

18. Dressing up Harajuku style, first time in 23 years. 

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19.  A close up of the outfit. A more detailed post to come when I receive the photos!

20. As much Harajuku style is kawaii, I think I am still a tights and sweater girl. 

21. Blogging duty - taking photos and swatches of one of my favourite products, Revlon Lip Butters! Look out for that ladies. 

22. Weekend manicure - Sports Girl Eclair + ULTA Confeiti

23. Tossing between Bright Coral Viscose Biker Jacket and Leather Biker Jacket from ZARA.

(forgive the stoned face on the left as I was surviving on a 5 hour sleep)

24. Cocktail Saturday night with the bestie MsWendyAndCo @Blackbird Cafe

What did you lovelies got up to over the weekend?

Let me know if you would like a detailed post of one of the above FOTD/ OOTD/ NOTD. 

XOXO,

A

10-MINUTES FOTD CHALLENGE & Sunday Quickies

What up?

Hope you guys had a great weekend! 

I had a pretty relaxing weekend (read: I have done jack shit =.=") and god bless the glorious weekend weather after a terrible storm that hit the Sydney shore last Thursday. :D

Cosmopolitan; Havaianas; Sheridan Beach Towel; Coogee

Being an avid beach lover, how can I miss getting a good ol' Vitamin D-soaking sesh and playtime with the waves? 

I think I am close to being a chocolate bar now but am absolutely loving my tan! If only it stays this awesome for the next 6 months! #AGirlCanDream

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So, after a scrumptious yumcha session with the uni crew at some ungodly hour on Sunday (9:30am on a Sunday is classified as ungodly in my dictionary.), I managed to squeeze in a mini haul before hitting the b-e-a-c-h. 

Sunday Mini Haulage

- Charity bracelet - "peace" and "believe"from RUBI - BIG ideas note book from TYPO to motivate myself to write down any ideas/ inspirations that come to mind and/or sight - 3 pair of heels from RUBI -

Before giving me the "WTF, is she crazy" look, these pretty heels were selling for $10 per pair and their heels are of perfect height for work. Its hard to go past them, really. Moreover, I do *kinda* need working heels as 99.9% of my heels collections have an average height of 4 inches. Not quite work appropriate, me thinks.

RRP AUD5 with any purchase in store (TYPO)

Tell me how gorgeous this PINK Eiffel tower iPhone casing is!!! :P

Super love <3 

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As the title suggests, I challenged myself to finish a full make up (including eyes, lips and face; excluding any skin care applications) within 10 minutes. I have been snoozing my alarm more often than ever in the past couple of weeks and I have no other choice but to take my own sweet time to be creative with my FOTD. =/ I think there's a 5 minutes challenge that was going around a while ago but we gotta be realistic sometimes - 5 minutes is mission impossible LOL

10 minutes Make Up Challenge

Here's a quick breakdown of the products used:

EYES

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Bloom Eye Crayon in Taupe*

Sisley Phyoto Ombre´ E´clat in Stardust* 

Canmake Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Maybelline Hello Kitty Volume Express Mascara in Black

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Hazelnut

LIPS

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink

(A long lost love! I am currently into cooler-toned pink lippie with purple undertone again and I have been wearing this for the past week!)

FACE

SkinFood Aloe Vera BB Cream in #2

Maybelline Instant Age-Rewind Skin Correcter in Nude

Marjolica Marjoca Puff de Cheeks in OR302

Sports Girl Oh My Goddess Bronzer

Jane Iredale In Touch Highlighter in Complete*

VOILA! 

Simple and quick make up = a younger and more innocent Adeline. :)

Love the final results of this <10minutes FOTD.

It will probably be my "on-the-go" look with probably different lip colour every week, or even day!

 Sisley Phyoto Ombre´ E´clat in Stardust is an absolute gem and works perfectly as an over the lid colour! (Review and swatches coming this week!)

I challenge everyone of you to do the 10 minutes FOTD challenge. :P

How long does it take you to apply your daily make up?

Does it take you less or more than 10 minutes? 

Don't forget to leave your link below if you took up the challenge! Would love to check it out!

Disclaimer: Products marked with * are press samples. 

XOXO,

A 

SNIPPETS: What Up, Mini haul, Sneak Peak, Surprise Packages :)

I am sure those of you who works full time can relate - the only reason you love Thursday because it brings you a step closer to Friday; we all love Fridays simply because you get to have a sneaky cider or a glass of SavBlanc over lunch and the drinking that entails after the clock hits 5 and of course the start of the weekend. 

As mentioned in my previous post, I am finally back on the blogging bandwagon - albeit there are some sorting to do with my photos and drafts clutters. I can't really go on another "break" while organizing my files, can I? Hence, this is another photo-clogged post. :) 

We bid the nearly non-existent summer goodbye yesterday and welcomed autumn (or fall as the Americans & Canadians call it :D) yesterday. I would love to call it a glorious farewell, unfortunately it was nothing but an overcasted 30 degrees weather which spells out humidity, along with the lines of disgusting and gross. 

@Narrabeen Beach on one of the VERY FEW good days. 

I am going to miss the beach, the TAN and the waves. :( It's going to be duvet, bed, DvDs and lots of brunches in the coming months. 

NOTD - Bloom Cosmetics The Cassette Society II

Painted my nails grey to suit the deary cold and wet weather. :) 

To be honest, I actually quite enjoy the rain IF it was a Sunday and I have the luxury of sleeping in and make love to my duvet. =P

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On a random note, surprise packages at the office never fail to make my day. And lucky Adeline struck two on the EVE. :)

Surprise Package #1 :)

Jane Iredale's Step Into Autumn Warm Pack - My Steppes Warm Compact which complements your day and night look with Ice-Mocha and Crabapple Pure Gloss and PurePressed Blush in Whisper and So-Bronze-3. 

Surprise Package #2

Australis Mascara of All Sorts - Three new mascaras - Voluptulash, Multi Mega Lash and Lash Lengths Extensions Mascara coming soon! :)

Sweet Sensation - Mascara + Sweets

A huge thank you to Maxted Thomas and the Australis team for sending these goodies over. <3 

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So, I have been pretty good with my spending ever since I got back from Asia, especially in the beauty department. However, I decided to go on a mini retail therapy to reward myself for passing the third module of my CA program. :)

Ankle Booties from GLUE

 I call this necessity as I NEEDED a pair of booties in this wet weather and its way too early to whip out my leather boots. 

It looks amazing with shorts (especially denim) and surprisingly comfy as they are pretty hard - can't wait to mix and match with pieces from my wardrobe this autumn! 

3 for $10 from Equip 

Just because... they were on sale and I needed some accessories to spice up my boring outfit these days. :)

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This is totally random and out of the blue but suits the rain SO PERFECTLY!

(Have I turn English with the constant mentioning and association of weather with almost everything?)

SPICY BEEF RAMEN 

I could so demolish a bowl of this... right now! 

(as time of drafting this post, which is precisely Friday, 2 March 2012 12:41am)

Not a good idea blogging about scrumptious food in the wee hours. 

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Before hitting the sack, a sneak peak of upcoming posts in March 2012 :D

NP Set "Live a Colourful Life" Collection

NP Set brushes

Sisley Mystic Harmony Autumn Collection 

FOTD for the night out with the bloggers. :)

Simple, everyday FOTD  - hair was fresh from rebonding :)

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A few of my readers actually commented that they enjoy reading "random snippets-pictures filled" type of posts. I will probably do like a weekly update post, featuring random photos of my life. 

What says you? ;)

Have a spanking good weekend, lovelies!! :D

XOXO,

A 

ASIA HAUL 2012 #1 - SINGAPORE DUTY FREE ft Chanel, Shiseido, Victoria Secret & Revlon

It's the EVE again, thank god! So glad it's nearly the weekend, work has been barely bearable this week. In order to "celebrate" that we are closer to the weekend, I shall share the first loot of my Asia Haul - stuff that I purchased from Singapore Duty Free. 

(No, I didn't buy half the Duty Free shop. :P I am actually pretty proud of my self-control. :D)

Before going ahead with the loot, may I reiterate how ridiculously priced beauty products are in Australia. A Revlon lipstick here is almost the price of a Chanel lipstick from Singapore Duty Free! Preposterous, I know. I believe, this is probably a good reason for me to stick to my no-hauling-in-Australia-ban. :P

Anyhoo, without any ado, it's time to share the love  as well as the pain of my poor purse. 

Singapore Duty Free haul - told cha I was being good. :P

It's about time I popped my Chanel cherry - my first Chanel purchase. :)

Chanel Illusion D' Ombre in Illusoire (SGD 38.50)

Look at how pretty it looks. In fact it's too pretty to be used! I haven't touched this baby besides a few "photoshoots". Should probably take Illusoire out for a "test drive" soon after all the praises it received in the blogosphere. 

Chanel Rouge Coco in Rose Comete (SGD$ 33.50)

The classic Chanel design.

Simple but chic and classy! Me love!

With Flash

Without flash

Rose Comete is a frosty baby pink colour. It is a rather unique colour, not something I would use on a daily basis though. Swatches to come sooner than you say ABC. :P

Next up, 

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Parfait in PK 307 (SGD$ 33)

Being the twitter stalker I am LOL, I knew I had to give the Rouge Parfait range a try when I stumbled upon Cheri and Dana's conversation on the awesomeness of this range. 

With Flash

Without Flash

Compared to Chanel Rose Comete, Shisedo's Rouge Parfait in PK307 is way more wearable and will be probably be on high rotation once I am back to natural pink "lip phase" again. 

As mentioned earlier, swatches to come faster than you saying ABC. Not lying there peeps! 

With Flash

Without Flash

Next up, my Revlon loot. :)

The lipsticks were a quarter of the Australian price (I KNOW RIGHT!) and the eyeshadow palettes were at least half the price here (See what I mean by ridiculous price?)

Revlon Custom Eye Palettes in Party Pop and Naturally Glamorous (SGD$ 12.95)

These palettes come with 5 gorgeous colours - albeit not with the best pigmentations, they are really smooth and glide on easily on your lids. Naturally Glamorous is great for starters (as a start up kit) as well as an awesome palette for your make up bag (as a touch up kit) as it has all the colours you need - from highlights to v-brow colour. I came across Party Pop when it was used on  me at the Revlon Luscious Pumping Mascara Event a while ago. Great spring/ summer palette but I have yet to try it out! Whist Party Pop and Naturally Glamorous are palettes that I adore, with great colours, I don't think I would fork out the full Australian price for it. 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Softsilver Rose (SGD 7.95)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wild Orchid (SGD 7.95)

When I saw the Super Lustrous range was only SGD 7.95, I could not resist. Heck, its cheaper than a bowl of salad or my favourite sandwich here! I was hoping to pick up Siren, which was also used at the    Revlon Luscious Pumping Mascara Event but unfortunately, they didn't have it at the Duty Free. So, I picked up another pearly bright fuchsia lipstick named Wild Orchid and also a pearly coral-pink lipstick named Softsilver Red.

Swatches as below:

With Flash

Without Flash

Due to the lack of brands in Australia (need I emphasize more on this point again?), a Duty Free trip isn't complete without a Victoria Secret purchase! Agree, no?

VS Beauty Rush Fragrance Mist in Sweet Tease and VS Fragrance Mist in Gorgeous 

(SGD 22.95 and SGD 14.95)

I love love love these 2 fragrance mists - they are perfect for a little pick me up after a long day. Yes, smelling absolutely yummy is a form of pick me up too! :) My sisters reckon Sweet Tease is way too sweet and it's a tad revolting (imagine "yucks" coming from them everytime I spray) lol but I love it cos I love sweet scent - think: DKNY Delicious, SJP New York City... you get the jizz. :)

That's all I got from Duty Free. Truth to be told, there will probably be a couple more stuff in my shopping bag if I wasn't short of time. Another good way to reduce spending in a Duty Free - pick the connecting flight with the shortest transit time. :)

Hope you enjoy this Duty Free Haul Post - more Asia Haul post to come! 

HAPPY THURSDAY, LOVELIES! :)

Have you been travelling lately?

Did you break your bank account with Duty Free Shopping?

Don't forget to share your hauls :P

XOXO,

A