Happy Thanksgiving + Sephora Haul

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

It's been so long since I've last posted, I've been very occupied with schoolwork, college applications and work!

I've hauled a little bit a long time ago but I haven't posted it -- it's my Sephora F&F Haul. Haha so long ago right?

I bought the Urban Decay 24/7 Super Stash eyeliner set and a Diorshine lipstick.

Urban Decay 24/7 Super Stash

So colorful!

It comes with nine pencils and all of the colors are so vibrant, creamy and pigmented.

Currently I obsessed with using the black and brown one but I also love the navy and aubergine ones too. The sizes are a bit small: each one measures about 3 inches (including the cap). But that doesn't really matter since I'm don't use makeup every single day. If I love it enough, I'll buy the full size. I was thinking of getting the MUFE 4 eyeliner set but thought there were more colors in this set... Oh well! Maybe next time :)

Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Pink Couture

Lovely packaging right? It glows...

I love this color! So natural. I was compelled to buy it after seeing Fuz's swatch on Beauty Swatch. The formula is really smooth, buttery, and moist. It makes my lips watery which I love.

Do you see that strange picture in the background? That's the new Barney's catalogue.. hehehe

My Thanksgiving Dish!

My family doesn't really like turkey so we made a roast pork loin! Last year we made a roast beef dish but this year we tried something a little different... Despite the little chars on the top, doesn't it look mouthwatering?

It is seasoned with a little sea salt, rosemary and slathered in peppercorn mustard. Then you wrap it with strips of bacon and tie it up so everything stays together. Place some apples and onions on the side and roast for 90 or so minutes while checking to see if it's roasting nicely.

Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick + Outfit

Happy Wednesday! (I'm still in Tuesday mode however).

I had the day off yesterday due to Yom Kippur Jewish holiday, my school is mainly Jewish and Korean so the majority wins and we had a day off :)

I'm going to be reviewing the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick today. It's been popular in the blog world lately because it's a new release and it's also a new favorite!

Here is the lipstick on my lips - the shade is Pink Me Up.

Close Up (Flash)

I forgot to do a swatch so I'll save that for later but one thing that I'd like to say is that this lipstick is pretty pigmented!!

Here are my thoughts in condensed form so it is easier for all of you to understand.

Pros

- Easily available in most drugstores

- Affordable price (around $7-8)

- Not too creamy, buildable pigmentation (vary from light to heavy application)

- Smell is not offending like European brands (Chanel, Dior, Bourjois, etc.)

- Can achieve watery look if desired

- Variety of colors available (4 categories: Nude, Pinks, Reds, Purples)

Cons

- Some batches of these were bad (smelled bad and tasted bad) Be careful! Sniff before buying.

- Packaging is a little annoying to remove entire plastic cap (but not that big of a deal)

What I think:

This is my first drugstore lipstick purchase in a LONG LONG time. I was hesitant to buy any lipstick from the drugstore after I experienced bad smelling, bad tasting stuff. This lipstick totally changed my perception of Maybelline lip products because it wasn't as nasty smelling as some other stuff in drugstores. I personally don't like lipsticks or any lip product that smell like roses or the "old lady smell." I am very sensitive to scents and I get nauseous if something too fragrant is on me for too long. This lipstick smells a bit like coconut or some buttery smell. It's not too bad but if you apply a lot it might be a tad strong. And as I stated above, BE CAREFUL, some batches were not good and the smell was terrible (like chemical).

I like this lipstick a lot, the color is buildable and I personally like a light hand for my lips. Usually I apply a lipbalm beforehand and then use this lipstick. Or if I want more shine, apply lipbalm, lipstick, then lipgloss.

If you have pigmented lips, I believe this lipstick can cover the color of your natural lips if applied with a heavy hand. Try it out! :)

Outfit/Clothes Update

I was fortunate to be able to order some articles of clothing from Zipia.net in a joint order with one person who I've been emailing back and forth (Thanks Davlyn!!) It came out successfully and this is one of the plaid shirts that I ordered that I love! It's very light and soft, perfect for those fall days that seem to be imitating summer.

I will post an outfit/lookbook post soon on some of the things I got from Zipia!

Outfit Info

Plaid shirt: Zipia

Tank top: Aerie by A&E

Jeans: Zara (3 yrs old skinny jeans.. love them!)

Camera: Olympus E500 DSLR hehe

Sleepy... Still in love with that shirt :) Also wearing the lippie!

Sidenote: Hating the red tint in my hair... Experimenting with purple Kool-Aid to get rid of brassy tones. Will update on how that works out!

Nails of last week:

Zoya - Flora

Laura Mercier&MAC Haul + MM Mascara Review + Spring Break

Today I went over to Bloomingdales for the Private Sale ($25 off $100 purchase). Unfortunately, the Laura Mercier counter ran out of the Gilded Garden Shimmer Bloc! But luckily there was another counter over in Saks so I was able to indulge in another purchase...

I went back to Bloomingdales after seeing the MAC counter (which still had the limited edition HK line). I saw the TLC in Popster on Fei's blog Pandablush and was tempted once again to make another buy... ^^; I ended up spending $15 on the TLC (couldn't use the coupon) and $40 in Saks for the LM shimmer bloc (which I loveee, thank you Fuz for recommending!)

I whipped out the DSLR to practice with it and took pics of the shimmer bloc and lippy.

I bought too many things these few weeks so next month I'm going to limit my spending. I made some money on Ebay so I've been investing it on cosmetics! Now I think I spent most of the earnings made recently from Ebay so I will have to stop purchasing.. haha

Laura Mercier Gilded Garden Shimmer Bloc

Isn't it beautiful...? :D

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner - Popster

It's a coral color and looks scarily bright in the jar. However, on the lips it's a subtle stain. It can be more pigmented if you apply a lot.

Review on MM Mascara - Lash Expander Frame Plus

I didn't take a 'before' picture because I applied it in the morning but I'll probably do it some other time..

Pros:

Non-clumpy

Comb applicator makes application smoother

Holds the lash curl

Doesn't weigh lashes down

Doesn't smudge or smear

Doesn't feel crusty to touch

Cons:

Too many fibers on the applicator sometimes (can be easily fixed)

I still have to use my brush thing to make sure there are no clumps

Sometimes makes my bottom & top lashes to get stuck together when blinking

Sort of difficult to remove but not bad

I love this mascara! All other mascaras weigh my lashes down and never hold the curl (even if I use primer). Lashes have been curled in pictures below. Please excuse the dark circles, I've been sleeping at 2 AM lately.. -__-;

I tried to do swatches of the Jill Stuart Blush Palette but the colors came up too sheer to take a picture of! Any advice on how to swatch? Every time I try the colors are too sheer to show up on the pic...

Next week I have off for spring vacation so I'm leaving on Sunday to Boston and Amherst, MA to visit colleges. Does anyone have suggestions for shopping (cosmetic, fashion, etc.) areas to go? I'm looking for outlet malls but not sure if they are good in MA. Please leave some suggestions on where to go if possible! Thank you~