Benefit Coral My World

I have been yearning to get the Coralista blush by Benefit for a while now, but wasn't willing to pay for the full price ($28.50). So when I saw a small set of the blush with a highlighter for only $12.50 at Sephora, I jumped on the opportunity!

Though they are small, they will last a long time, especially the blush. Both are very complimentary and especially perfect to use if you're on holiday and have a slight tan. 

This is officially my new favorite blush. It's a peachy/coral shade with a hint of gold shimmer. Though it is a bit more matte when applied to the cheeks and not too harsh. It's build-able and lasts all day too, only lasts a couple hours without a primer.  

Sun Beam is the perfect bronze-gold highlighter. It's a liquid rather than a powder, which is very nice. It goes perfectly with the blush :).

Both products are stunning and this small Benefit box would definitely be a nice present to give during holidays without having to spend too much money :). 

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Bioderma Crealine H2O Solution Micellaire Review

There has been quite a lot of hype over this product, so when I saw it at Shoppers I was very eager to give it a try. It's basically a make-up-remover and cleanser. I have to admit, this works really well. It will effectively remove all (no matter how stubborn) makeup: eyeshadows, mascara, lip stick, foundation, etc. I've noticed that it does in fact remove more make-up than other make-up-removers and face wipes that I've previously tried. And I can tell because I have been having a lot less breakouts! It really does leave your face feeling squeaky clean.

It's not too drying and is great for sensitive skin. The only down side is that it doesn't last long. I've only had it for a few weeks and it's already almost half empty :(. Which wouldn't be too big a deal if it wasn't  over $22. I don't know if if it's worth paying that much if it will last only a month.

But otherwise, a very effective make-up-remover! :)

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November Glymm Box 2012

After patiently waiting, I finally received my very first Glymm box today :D. I originally wanted to sign up for Top Box, but I was put on the waiting list and thought I'd try out Glymm while I wait. A friend of mine received her Glymm box a few days earlier and described it as disappointing. I have to admit, I kind of agree.

 Box contents: 

Glymm Makeup Bag

Lys Parisien Professionnel Moisturizing Shampoo

Lys Parisien Professionnel Moisturizing Balm

Dirt Sugar Scrub

The New Black Nail Polish

The Beehive Scents in Alice Blue 

The shampoo and conditioner came in a really generous sizes for samples (60ml each) so that's quite pleasant to see. They also smell amaaazing (can't stop sniffing them at the moment..). However, I prefer using sulphate free shampoos so I'm a bit skeptical. Will definitely try them out.

 My Body Shop body scrub is about to run out, so I was quite pleased to see this product. I do enjoy a nice body scrub and this one smells delicious.

 This was probably the most disappointing thing in the bag. Though I was charmed by the fact that it's called Alice Blue (since my english name is Alice), this smells like a grandmother's perfume. Never heard of the brand, and not impressed with the scent.

There's not much to say about this nail polish except that it's a nice navy blue color. Suits my taste, will see if the formula is any good. 

Overall, I give this Glymm box a 6/10. My reason behind this is because most of the samples were bath orientated, rather than having some cosmetics or skin care products. It also lacked any well known luxury brands. My favorite things from the box are the shampoo & conditioner, body scrub, and makeup bag - always handy to have for travelling.

But I still have high hopes for their December/Christmas box :). 

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Mini Top Shop Haul

The very first Top Shop opened recently in Vancouver, and of course, I had to check it out as soon as possible. I've been missing the UK so much lately and to see one of their stores come over here was very pleasant :). Now if only Sainsbury's and Pret À Manger would follow suit ;).

Though I initially went to check out their clothes, the ridiculously high prices scared me away and I ended up in the makeup section instead ^^. I've heard many good things about Top Shop's makeup, especially the lipsticks, but I ended up picking out a highlighter (been looking for one for ages!) and a bronzer & blush compact. 

The packaging is really nice, no complaints there. The compact is very sturdy (unlike the Cover Girl ones which always break on me). 

The highlighter is my absolute favorite purchase of the month. It gives the perfect glow to the top of your cheeks and looks very natural. Extremely easy to apply and blend, and lasts all day long! The shade is called Prism. 

The bronzer and blush ended up being a big disappointment. For some reason when I swatch the colours, they look very nice, but when I actually apply them to my face it just doesn't work for me. Not complimenting at all. The bronzer ends up looking too orange and the blush too harsh. And on top of that, they last only a few hours :(. Maybe that's why it's in a compact form, since touch-ups are clearly needed. The shades are called Burning Embers. 

Overall though, I am happy with my experience at Top Shop. The service was good and there are lots of products to choose from. Hopefully, I'll be more lucky with my next purchase :). 

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NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colors

Thanks to a close friend of mine, I recently discovered NYX. After having a look at their collection, I became a fan instantly. Out of all all their products, I found their Lipsticks the most appealing. Each one was around $8.99. I ended up choosing two shades from their Lip Smacking Fun Colors line: Power and Pumpkin Pie.

NYX chose the names perfectly in my opinion. I tried out Power first and I have to admit, every time I wear that shade I feel incredibly confident. The color is not my usual type given that it's more of a purple than pink, and is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I have made a resolution to wear more daring colours and plan on sticking to it!
It glides on smoothly and is also incredibly pigmented. The only downside is that is very drying. Ah well, perfection is hard to come by :P.

The second didn't fully live up to my expectations, but it's still pleasant. Pumpkin Pie is a nice peachy shade and perfect for every day. The pigmentation isn't as amazing as Power, but on the other hand it's not as drying.

I can't wait to try out more products by NYX :)

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EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere

Now that winter is approaching, the need for a good lip balm has become even more important. I got tired of my usual lip balm that I swear by (the Lip Smackers line) and decided to try out something new. I'm very picky with lip balms since usually the ones I try never seem to really work. These include lip balms from the brands Nivea, Burts Bees, and Chapstick. But I had been hearing such glowing reviews on the EOS Lip Balm that I decided to give it a try.

And I am so glad I did. I fell in love with this product instantly. It feels smooth on my lips and I can feel the moisture being absorbed. My lips are left feeling soft and not chapped in the slightest. I chose the flavour 'Summer Fruit' and it smells and tastes delicious!

The packaging is adorable and convenient, perfect for easy application!

Overall, I'm very pleased with this product. I will definitely be buying another EOS Lip Balm to keep in my purse, maybe in a different flavour to mix things up. And the price isn't too bad: ranges from $3-$4. But usually there is a sale at Shoppers; I managed to get mine for $2.50 :)

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