So, this is the second part of my cosmetics haul, which comprises mainly of all the colour products I bought.
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Hussy, Chased, and Tweak
Urban Decay Rebound Build Your Own Palette
Urban Decay Eyeshadows (clockwise from bottom left): Easy Baked, Psychedelic Sister, Gravity, and Loaded
Boscia Limited Edition Green Tea Blotting Linens (x2)
I was seriously debating between the NARS Pierre Hardy Boys Don't Cry Blush Palette, two Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes in Peaceful and Achiote, and the Illamasqua Powder Blushers. As you can see, I ended up deciding on the Illamasqua blushes, only because they're much less accessible in Toronto (as far as I know, Illamasqua's make-up collection is only available at the Eaton Centre location), they're way cheaper over there ($24 USD vs. $32 CAD!), and because I've wanted to get them for a much longer time. The NARS Pierre Hardy blush is gorgeous and was actually in my shopping basket, but in the end, I just couldn't justify $41 for a single blush when there were just so many other things I could buy. And even though I just got a customizable eyeshadow palette from Urban Decay last month, I couldn't resist getting another one because the prices in the US are quite a bit cheaper ($18 per eyeshadow instead of $22), so I ended up getting four shades that I'd been debating between last time plus an empty metal palette to put them. And, finally, I snatched up a couple of my favourite Boscia blotting sheets because I'm on my last pack now and they're $2 cheaper in the States. I gotta say, though, I totally didn't buy nearly as much make-up as I thought I would from Sephora. I'm just sayin'.
Chanel Summer 2013 L'Été Papillon de Chanel Collection Le Vernis Nail Colour in Azuré and Bel-Argus
MAC Fix+, Prep + Prep Natural Radiance, Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50, Mineralize Concealer in NW25, Studio Fix Powder+ Foundation (x2), and Blot Powder Pressed in Medium Dark
MAC Eyebrows in Brunette (x2) and Lingering (x2), Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara (x3), and Boot Black Liquid Eye Liner (x2)
While I was in Bloomingdale's, I was doing a really good job of avoiding most of the cosmetics counters until I hit Chanel and saw that the Summer 2013 collection finally came out. Nothing really interested me except for the nail polishes, and when I saw the two blue shades, I had to get them and nothing was going to get in the way of them being in my possession. I was having a nice chat with the guy at the counter, who was totally enabling me (as if I needed to be enabled) and was all, "Oh, my god, you totally need both. Think of how amazing they'll look in the sun! They're totally going to be my summer pedicure colours, I'm so excited!" And then we talked for like, ten minutes about nail polish. I was surprised to learn that the retail prices in the US are actually the same in Canada (and I found out it's the same with Dior), but at least I saved a bit on the tax. Finally, I went to the MAC Store, which was right next door to Bloomingdale's, and bought some of my staples (some of them in multiples!). Nothing too crazy or exciting, but MAC retails for quite a bit less in the US, and I thought I'd take advantage of that, plus my make-up artist discount, as well as the lower tax rate. And, yep, that's all the cosmetics I bought in New York! I didn't do too badly, now did I?
This is rather tame, Denise! Sometimes I feel like the basic staples don't even count as a haul, lol.
Hussy and Tweak are totally on my list. Wish Illamasqua would lower their price for Canada, too, the way they did for Aussies. And while the NARS blushes are gorgeous, they're just extra large for no damn reason and the gold lines will disappear over time, anyway. I wouldn't have bought them even if I had an income right now.
LOL, it is rather tame, isn't it? But I was trying to limit my spending on make-up 'cause I wanted to buy more clothing on this trip, and I did splurge on a bag, too. :P But I agree, staples shouldn't count as hauling, lol!
Yeah, totally agree on the NARS blush. I think I was tempted more so buy the design and limited edition aspect of it, but honestly, I doubt I'd use it more than like, three times? And that's a VERY HIGH COST PER USE!
I wish Illamasqua would lower their prices, too. But god knows I'd end up buying WAY MORE. As it goes, though, I'm okay with just getting Illamasqua when I'm in the US.
Sweeeeeeet haul, Denise! Major envy over here! Though, I have several shades that you picked up - Hussy & Tweak (both amazing) and Psychedelic Sister and Loaded (also awesome). I have a Q for you regarding the Blot powder - I just picked it up recently and find it's not terribly effective, but I apply it with a brush...is it totally necessary to use the sponge that it comes with? The gal at the store told me it would be more effective but I just don't wanna. ~whine~ LOL
And re: Blot Powder... I apply it with a brush as well, but I use MAC's #109 brush, which is a short, stiff, domed brush, and I find that these types of brushes are more effective than a big fluffy brush because it disperses the powder almost too much. Because I use Studio Fix Powder Foundation, I only apply Blot under my eyes (it helps with keeping my mascara from transferring onto my under eye) and in my T-zone... but I pack it on, lol. What I love about it is that it's never cakey, though, and doesn't make me look chalky. When I use Blot Powder, I end up only needing to use a blot sheet maybe twice a day at most (once at lunch and once at night, usually), but if I don't use it, I need to blot like, every hour. But if you don't find it effective, maybe the brush you're using doesn't pick up enough product, OR it's dispersing the product on your face too much?
I went into the Illamasqua store in London last week. None of these blushes were in stock :) They are pretty, for sure. I only have one, I think it is "Beg". The formula is really nice.
What do you think about the Chanel nail polishes? I got them as a gift from the fiancee but my nails are in bad shape so I haven't gotten around to painting them yet. Nice MAC haul! *high 5*
Unnnghhh, I would kill to visit an Illamasqua store!!! :( Of course, I would also be flat broke... so maybe it's a blessing in disguise... But I've always been a huge fan of Illamasqua; they really think outside the box when it comes to colours, and their formulas are incredibly pigmented. Beg looks beautiful -- it reminds me of MAC's Pinch Me. :)
I love Chanel polishes for the most part. I always find that their shades are really unique (Peridot, Graphite, Black Pearl, Nouvelle Vague, and Jade were all trend-setting shades, inspiring every nail polish company to create their own versions). What I love most about their polishes is the brush. It's the perfect application every time.
And thanks, lol. My MAC haul was kinda boring, but necessary, ya know? :P
Denise, '86 liner. Chinese-Canadian, born, raised, and still based in the Greater Toronto Area. Professional make-up artist turned office manager. Introvert with brilliant extrovert skills. BTS ARMY since 2016, OT7, Jungkook and Jimin biased. BTS and BT21 merch collector, amateur foodie, skincare fiend, mascara connoisseur, shopaholic, teetotaler, Scorpio, avid The Sims 4 player, K-drama addict, and Potterhead since 1997. Penchant for live concerts, collecting figures, dining out, building LEGO, and food photography.
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Circuits of Fever is a personal blog and a hobby only. It mainly features my interests in BTS, food, beauty, music, photography, travel, lifestyle, and culture. The name "Circuits of Fever" is a song by Thursday from their 2009 album, Common Existence. The title of this blog has no relevance to the actual purpose of or topics discussed within the blog.
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Playlist (June 2024)
Bishop Briggs - The Way I Do
Etiquette - Attention Seeker
Foxes - Feet Don't Fail Me Now
Jin - Don't Say You Love Me
Jin (feat. Yena) - Loser
Jin - Nothing Without Your Love
Jin - With the Clouds
Kero Kero Bonito - The Princess and the Clock
Lexi Jayde - Newbury Park
Lucy Dacus - Hot & Heavy
May-a - Apricots
Naomi August - Next to You
Nothing, Nowhere - Dead2me
Nothing, Nowhere - Electric Heartbreak
Nothing, Nowhere - The Heart Mechanic
Nothing, Nowhere - You
NewDad - Change My Mind
Nine One One - Who
Osei the Seventh - Cafe Deluxe
Paramore - Sanity (Demo)
Samia - Fit N Full
Santigold (feat. Trouble Andrew) - I'm a Lady
Sara Kays - Remember That Night?
Sara Kays (feat. Cavetown) - Struck by Lightning
Small Black - Despicable Dogs (Washed Out Remix)
Stalking Gia (feat. Blackbear) - Miracles
Tablo x RM - Stop the Rain
The Beaches - Takes One to Know One
The Girls - Schools for Fools
Tomorrow x Together - Surfing in the Moonlight
Troye Sivan - Lucky Strike
Voka Gentle - Peculiar Form of Sleep
Yumi Zouma - Astral Projection
This is rather tame, Denise! Sometimes I feel like the basic staples don't even count as a haul, lol.
ReplyDeleteHussy and Tweak are totally on my list. Wish Illamasqua would lower their price for Canada, too, the way they did for Aussies. And while the NARS blushes are gorgeous, they're just extra large for no damn reason and the gold lines will disappear over time, anyway. I wouldn't have bought them even if I had an income right now.
LOL, it is rather tame, isn't it? But I was trying to limit my spending on make-up 'cause I wanted to buy more clothing on this trip, and I did splurge on a bag, too. :P But I agree, staples shouldn't count as hauling, lol!
DeleteYeah, totally agree on the NARS blush. I think I was tempted more so buy the design and limited edition aspect of it, but honestly, I doubt I'd use it more than like, three times? And that's a VERY HIGH COST PER USE!
I wish Illamasqua would lower their prices, too. But god knows I'd end up buying WAY MORE. As it goes, though, I'm okay with just getting Illamasqua when I'm in the US.
Sweeeeeeet haul, Denise! Major envy over here! Though, I have several shades that you picked up - Hussy & Tweak (both amazing) and Psychedelic Sister and Loaded (also awesome). I have a Q for you regarding the Blot powder - I just picked it up recently and find it's not terribly effective, but I apply it with a brush...is it totally necessary to use the sponge that it comes with? The gal at the store told me it would be more effective but I just don't wanna. ~whine~ LOL
ReplyDeleteHaha, great minds think alike! ;)
DeleteAnd re: Blot Powder... I apply it with a brush as well, but I use MAC's #109 brush, which is a short, stiff, domed brush, and I find that these types of brushes are more effective than a big fluffy brush because it disperses the powder almost too much. Because I use Studio Fix Powder Foundation, I only apply Blot under my eyes (it helps with keeping my mascara from transferring onto my under eye) and in my T-zone... but I pack it on, lol. What I love about it is that it's never cakey, though, and doesn't make me look chalky. When I use Blot Powder, I end up only needing to use a blot sheet maybe twice a day at most (once at lunch and once at night, usually), but if I don't use it, I need to blot like, every hour. But if you don't find it effective, maybe the brush you're using doesn't pick up enough product, OR it's dispersing the product on your face too much?
I went into the Illamasqua store in London last week. None of these blushes were in stock :) They are pretty, for sure. I only have one, I think it is "Beg". The formula is really nice.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think about the Chanel nail polishes? I got them as a gift from the fiancee but my nails are in bad shape so I haven't gotten around to painting them yet. Nice MAC haul! *high 5*
Unnnghhh, I would kill to visit an Illamasqua store!!! :( Of course, I would also be flat broke... so maybe it's a blessing in disguise... But I've always been a huge fan of Illamasqua; they really think outside the box when it comes to colours, and their formulas are incredibly pigmented. Beg looks beautiful -- it reminds me of MAC's Pinch Me. :)
DeleteI love Chanel polishes for the most part. I always find that their shades are really unique (Peridot, Graphite, Black Pearl, Nouvelle Vague, and Jade were all trend-setting shades, inspiring every nail polish company to create their own versions). What I love most about their polishes is the brush. It's the perfect application every time.
And thanks, lol. My MAC haul was kinda boring, but necessary, ya know? :P