I just did a massive Taobao haul last week. Taobao? what's taobao. It is the China version of ebay, but rather than bidding, it is like online shops (so more towards the Gmarket concept). I need some red pockets for my wedding and some practice exercise for my JLPT exams in Dec. when it is only £2 per book compare to £16, you know where i want to buy them
I might one day write a guide on how to taobao... rather complicated especially you are from overseas. Taobao is strictly a Chinese only website and although it is only open to the China region customers, there's a way getting round that problem and buy super cheap goods.
picture heavy, here it goes
Who doesn't fall for this gorgeous Hello Kitty Handbag? It is made of shiny plastic wire and crystals...
It is one of its kind... they have purple, pink, and yellow in colour and different sizes as well. Mine is between a medium and large (60cm)
A jill stuart inspired dress in Chiffon. I really can't say no for this.. cost of £15.
A pair of camelia sandals and some redpockets for our wedding (I think is around £7 for both?)
A Black Camelia Print handbag (roughly £30)
see I love Camelia...
I also hauled from Hong Kong with the help with a friend... and I'll talk about my little business that I run behind this blog as well (it is all about hauling)
I'm making 1 final order for Kevin beautymaker and skincology order for girls in Hong Kong or EU. Basically, i'm ordering and since they have around a 5 days turnaround time, I'll need to make the order by 16th march
If you want to order please have a look at this site
Please use the above site for link and quote. I'll then divide the Taiwan to Hong Kong shipping cost among all orders (at the moment I have 5) and ask for payment towards that part in full, then once I arrive in UK on the 28th march, i'll then weight them and send you the shipping cost.
1 x Kevin Beauty maker aqua eye concealer: $255 NT
5 girls sharing delivery cost to HK: 750 NT / 5 = 150 NT
local UK delivery: £1 (first class delivery) or 1.63USD (using paypal currency rate) (this £1 is just a fiction amount, the real cost could be a lot less depending what type of delivery cost you want to choose)
if you pay by UK Bank transfer
= (255+150) / 48 + 1 = £9.43
for Paypal it is:
= (255+150) / 31 + 1.63 = 14.69
using the paypal converter you'll need to send: $15.44 USD
or
£9.43 with paypal converter: $16.72 USD
Why so complicated this formula?
unfortunately PAYPAL charges me for receiving money, so either you need to pay in advance so that I can receive the exact amount in GBP or I'll need to absorb the cost.
Don't worry if you dunno how to calculate. I'll do the calculation and quote you based on the above.
I am really doing it at cost price. The more girls we have for this haul, the cheaper the cost of delivery. I have around 5 girls interested and hopefully we can all share the cost. Remember no VAT!!
So, it seems I generated some negativity in my previous posts. To the girls who bought the bihada masks via Sasa and big-ish wholesalers, don't worry they're absolutely genuine. But since this experience I will stay away from small-ish buyers especially those from China. If you're buying Bihada, buy straight from Japan or from big companies such as Sasa. They're safe.
My haul from Shiseido Counter in Seibu, Pacific Place
I decided to pick up some lemmings, yes lemmings, I think I had the lemming over Maquillage since last year and I have succesfully panned the Face creator No.22 (thz Fuz for recommendation) so I went to pick up no. 55 and since they're doing promotion, i picked up more lemmings together.
So i picked up:
Face creator No. 55 (great for girsl with darker skintone, like mine. Very natural and contour face well)
Lippies BE 201
Lip Gloss BE 307 (again on the natural tone and they are matching lip sticks and lip gloss)
eyes creator BE 763 (which is limited edition)
and the rest are freebies. apparently I am now a O20 in Maquillage foundation because they have darkened their colour since their last release. So if you have darker skintone like mine, you can now purchase Maquillage with ease. Also with some whitening products and a new make up bag.
Shiseido Goodies no.2. If you become their member, they give you 3 coupons. One for free brow and makeup service. One for free products if you make your 2nd purchase. And 1/2 coupon for a treatment in Shiseido beauty Centre.
I also had some SASA purchase in my first day in Hong Kong
MM mascara base (new edition) and Lash Enamel glamour volume mascara
So far so far, nothing very special but still one of my favourite. The Kiss Me mascar has already tried up so I need something new.
I think everyone knows i'm an Angelfit crazy fan. I bought this Pore zero base with SPF25 in Mannings. I love the Ettusais pore zero foundation and determined that's how I want to look. This pore zero base helped to archieve a near flawless look (no enlarge pores, no flaky skin) I am only use Angelfit liquid foundation in W07 (can't find any in this trip, very weird) and their two-way foundation in O20.
The my beauty diary Platinum White tea Whitening mask. I always love my beauty diary especially their platinum masks. It is a very close paper texture to Bihada Ichizoku. I always doubt how effective is the serum but I am preparing to buy tonnes of these to stock up (probably in taiwan)
And finally DHC rose lip balm x2 in Mannings. they're doing a special promotion, two of these cost
$12 USD. Still a bit expensive but I love anything with rose.
I bought 2 and prepare to giveaway one of these. Stay tune!!
X’mas x’mas x’mas..we love x’mas and it is time to gift.
Thanks so much to Jamilla for her X;mas card. This year, rather than putting all cards received aside (coz I never send cards... shame!) I duly displayed them. Unfortunately cats thought it is a knock the card game and every hour I am on my hands and knees to pick up the cards from the floor..
Anyway, I thought to those who are reading, you’ll notice I haven’t show any haul pictures for a long time.. so in a haul special.. I’ll show you some of my haul recently, nothing exciting and to say thank you all ladies who did swap, Secret Santa with me.
A super large disclaimer: because my cats love any kind of sticker that comes from the package, they have mess up which is which and therefore swaps are grouped into whatever cat find it first (and hide it last). Forgive me. I am Slave No.2 to cats (No.1 S title goes to S)
This is a collective haul from Uniqlo (and where i met miss_Waterlily at a japanese restaurant after this shopping) My bro works in Uniqlo and it was family week, so I went in and snap as many clothing for myself and S. I bought all essential items, Heat tech (they’re sooo goood.. soogood that it is unbelievable) a premium down jacket from +J collection a cashmere jumper from +J a few tights. cardigansn and jeans for S
This comes from Tammy from not a rich girl. She’s my secret santa and sent me some goodies. OMG! ELF blushes!!!! and face shop (never tried them before)
My high end swaps/wins Top right: a Dior blush swap with Jennifer (love you sweetheart. I’ll send you some survival package when you’re in Copenhagen) Top middle: a little present from Yumeko (that came along with the handbag organiser) Botton left: the Dior blush that I win from Jamilla’s giveaway. i should really put this under the x’mas tree but unfortunately the tree is destroyed every 5 sec.
Been approached to do a review for SKIN MD. and some samples. I’ll do a giveaway once I’m fully settled from my daily life chaos and bottom left, is something I bought from cosmetic-candy blogsale (think is the black pore cleanser)
Left: Shu Urmura UV Primer, again a swap from Jennifer right: a Japanese primer from japan. Privacy
So that’s all from me.
I’ll try to post a review on a few of these items within this week. Been busy trying to setup 2 business at the same time. and fiddling with all these website design..
oh well. once it’s done you’ll have a look :)
and Finally
Merry x’mas to all girls! hope you have a lovely x’mas
ok one off special. Just wondering if any girls who are in UK or Europe want to join a mail spree in Imomoko.
Imomoko is having a 15%off with all products on their site and I have 1 item that I want to haul (Just used up my concealer and want to try Kevin beautymaker)
but.. despite the cost of the kevin beautymaker concealer only cost 7GBP after the discount, the shipping is killing me.
So.. since the shipping is only 15.99 USD and it is for any order (no limitation as I understand) I am looking to anyone who wants to join a spree together.
This is how I think we can work it out:
email me at kanonlin@gmail.com on which items you want, deadline 19th Dec
I will email you back on the shipping price depending on how many girls join. If 4 girls including myself is buying, then the shipping cost is 15.99 divided by 4
I will invoice you with paypal and you can pay me
put in order with imomoko
once it arrived in UK, i’ll send it out to you by local post. Again, I’ll only take the cost of local post and ask for paypal payment.
Any girls in Europe are welcome to join since we’re free from custom tax anyway
did I hear a scream somewhere when you saw that first pic? That's right, that's the collection of Japan Haul...
Now lets go through it together:
[Fr Left to right] Heroine make mask x2 Borghese Blue Hydrating Mask Borghese Eye masque (for overnight or 15 mins use) Dr Ci:Labo Dark BB cream (jeez coz me 44 USD, the most expensive BB cream of all time)
Dr : Labo Super Keana series (cleanser, cleansing oil) Water Angel (Mizu no Tenshi ) Q10 5 in 1 gel Heroine Make mask DHC Acerola Lotion (Mask use) Nanoce BB cream (just have to buy it to stock up) L'occitane Shea butter Cream (bought in Bicester from Wales to Home) L'occitane Lavendar Hand Cream
Heroine make Mask Kose Paper Mask Heroine Make Mascara Heroine Make Mascara Remover Foot Massage Pad (It helps me so much during my Japan trip, now, where's my pressure socks?)
Dr Ci:Labo Super Keana Whitening Lotion Borghese Cleanser MM Mascara Base Heroine Make Mask (I think this is the latest version) Black Black Head nose strip Visee Eyeshadow x2 (bought with NicNic) Marie Claire Eyeshadow [From 1st row up and left to right] MM blush (it was marked for 800 yen but they only charge me 500 yen) some Borghese samples (whitening mask, toner, lippies) Eye drops Lycee Eye drops
Finally, nutty and I met up and she was doing a generous random gift to strangers (am I right?) so I am a very lucky girl to received these. Thank you so much Nutty.. I love meeting you in person.. From roughly left to right Neutrogena Cleanser Keihl's Body shampoo Keihl's Lavender hair Shampoo (both I used in my trip to liverpool and Wales) Prada tinted moisturiser SPF15 Prada cleansing milk 4 x Paul and Joe Face colour powder Dior Foam up Cleanser Clarins SPF 40 sun block Molton Brown lip liner 2 eye shadow brush face powder
phew! What I post.. if you want me to review anything just let me know.. some of the products I have already opened..
i'm back.. do i look the same after 1.5 month outside UK?
finally, back to the lovely London and the very tolerable weather. I have been out of bloggin coz I have been really busy. Secondly, my Compact flash card failed on me so all my data for my china trip are all gone, and i've been on beauty diet since then (all for japan)
first to say, I met up with nic in Japan. Although we're both very lost (we re-enact lost in translation?) but we found each other by the name of Godiva. Who guess Godiva is a landmark in the shinjuku station?
My japan trip is rather hectic, sponsored by university, I first stayed a night in tokyo before heading off to Fukuoka for Gion Festival. I decided to go because I thought of going somewhere which I won't go once I got married. And coincidently, Fukuoka had a festival running from 1st July to 15th July every year. A friend decided to come with me from HK 2 weeks before my trip, so it is all perfect.
Fukuoka compare to Tokyo is cheap. To name an example, my favourite milk tea (the afternoon tea,午後の紅茶) is only 93 yen in Fukuoka compare to 140 in Tokyo. Ouch I say. Cosmetics of course is cheaper, I managed to buy my dhc acerola lotion for 389 instead of 598 in Tokyo. I regret not to shop more … but hey, I have a big stack.
Where's the beauty stuff? Well.. this is very little collection, as the rest is going with a friend to Amsterdam then to London (she offered to carry my things for me because I originally wanted to mail them)
here some teaser:
MM Blush (which you buy the blush, case, and the brush individually)
and these are my haul overall in japan
Bihada mascara removerDHC Lash tonicMizu no Tenshi (Water Angel) 5 in 1 moisturiser gelVisee eyeshadow No.1Marie Claire eyeshadowclip your fringe styler
Kiki's Delivery fan
i'm joking, that's not it, most of them are on the way by air as they're very heavy
To those who are planning to visit japan on your own or with a friend, speak japanese or none, I totally recommend the Goodwill Guide service. They are a group of volunteers who speak English and give up their time to take visitors around their city. I arrange a guide to take me around Fukuoka, and I must say this is the best decision ever make.
me and mr ushida in Fukuoka
Ushida used to work in Walt Disney and was the head of the regional branch in Kyushuu, after retirement he became a Goodwill Guide. He told me there's less tourist now because Hong kong ceased to have direct flight to Fukuoka. But he's very happy to meet me and treat me as his granddaughter. He kept paying for his share, when according to Goodwill Guide guidance, you bear the cost of his lunch and travel. I kept fighting to pay for him.
He took us around Fukuoka and answered many questions. When we were on the tourist bus called the Green Bus, there was a Mainichi Newspaper Reporter on board and I was interviewed. Ushida helped with the translation but I managed to answer some questions with my poor Japanese. Here's some photos that should come up in the newspaper.
Fukuoka is small but has everything. There's this underground shopping street and is forever long, and since we're there in the discount season, we managed to bag some bargain.. I bought some clothes as after 50% discount, they're giving 20 % extra in line with the shopping street campaign, pay before 6.45 and you get 20% discount on top.
I might stop here as if not there's too many things to write, next will blog about the Festival :)
Amileamile is a crossover cosmetic brand. Amileamila apparently meant Prince and Princess in Arabic. Their makeup line is produced in Korea and their skincare line is produced in Japan. You can also get it from Momo Shop in Taiwan. Generally, I don’t risk my skin with drugstore skincare as I think it is rather unsafe to be used on skin, but I got my own reason for trying
I have my own way buying makeup, other than bulk buying when I am overseas, I also order from the internet. I only purchased from gooddealer once and I general buy from a few individual sellers. I buy my BB cream from a wholesaler in Hong Kong. She always buy some random brands for 3 months and switch to another. I bought my Elisha Coy BB cream and Lioele cosmetics from her, and she’s usually USD$4-$10 cheaper than other sellers. She only charged me the exact amount she paid for postage and refund me the rest, quite trustworthy.She emailed me to say she acquired AmileAmila for wholesale purpose and asked me if I’m interested. I told her I shall try it first before making a verdict if I shall buy more, thinking I’ll be in HK, I ordered a few skincare for the humid and hot weather.Here’s what I picked from the collection:From left to right: Shining White Toner(3800 yen) Rose Emulsion (1700 yen) Rose Cleansing Gel (1600 yen) Shining White Whitening Essence (4200 yen)
I got my reason why I am giving a very full review, here’s why:
Price: (absolutely the only reason why I buy this) See I put the original price above as comparison.. here’s the Japanese yen conversion on the actual price I bought Shining White Toner (1070 yen from 3800 yen, £7 or $11.2 USD) Rose Emulsion (1000 yen from 1700 yen, £6.6 or $10.6USD ) Rose Cleansing Gel (880 yen from 1600 yen, £5 or $8USD) Shining White Whitening Essence (1140 yen from 4200 yen, £7.5 or $12 USD)
You might be thinking, this is crazy, how you can buy it 1/3 of the original price?
Expiry date:My seller told me that the reason why Amileamila is selling so cheaply is because it is produced last year. They do not want to stock last year products so decided to sell it very cheaply.She tells me generally cosmetic company put the expiry date as 3 years from the manufactured date, so these products in fact only expire in 2011, but being a Japanese company, they are very particular and therefore they have these stock they want to get ride of.
My Verdict: Shining White series:Beautiful packaging from the start. The toner is so-so but I quite like the essence. I see my complexion brighten up after applying it, but I doubt if it’ll help brightening at all in long term. I always come across product that brighten initially but does not help to brighten the skin in actual fact. I say the Shining White series can be skipped in general.
Rose Series: Absolutely surprised!!I have tons of cleansing product in HK because of the bloody Biore Cleaninsg Gel, I have also Ponds Facial Scrub and Mary Quant Cleansing Gel (I secretly bought the Shu Uemura Cleansing oil but not using it yet). What of all of them, Amileamila cleansing gel is the best out of all. Firstly, it cleanse my makeup off, secondly it is not too dry. £5 = a cleansing gel that works. Bargain!
The emulsion surprised me more. I have been struggling with the hot and humid weather. I bought the Clarins sample I got from my haul, but the humid weather makes both the Day and Night lotion extremely sticky and oily on my skin, and it takes a very long time to be absorb. I truly feel there’s a different for skincare produced for the cold weather and hot weather.I apply the emulsion using my fingers and circular motion until my skin absorbs it. My skin took 1 day to adjust because it is still resisting to absorb after the clarins episode. After that, the emulsion is totally absorb once I apply to my skin, and my skin feels supple. The acne problem on my forehead is gone (of coz, I blame it on BB cream) and it suits this humid climate. Plus it is 100ml, so I think it’ll last me a long time.
My seller told me she loves the smell of the Rose series, and in fact, the rose series is Amileamila’s star product. I don’t have a particular liking to the smell but it is not dominating. This is my saviour in my HK trip. No blotting needed whole day.She gave me a pricelist of all the products. The makeup line is also available in 1/3 of its price, but the expiry date is in late 2010.
Their lipgloss cube is very pretty
If anyone is interested buying, please send me an email, my seller is a funny person, if you’re a first time customer, she charge you more.
If any European bloggers want to get hold of this as well, I am happy to do this as a spree thing so that no custom tax to be paid ( I’ll bring it back with me from HK)Check out the website, and see if anything interested you.
I have been a good girl. Since my uber-big haul with Jennifer, I didn’t buy a single makeup/skincare item, but I have been window shopping at Watsons and Sasa.
We all know how great these two places are, so I went in thinking I’ll always come out with something in hand.
Went to Watson and Sasa in Aberdeen which is a smaller shop compare to those in the city area. They all have branches spread all over Hong Kong but they don’t really stock makeup in all the Watsons branches. There’s also another drugstore called Mannings, but they are more focus on skincare, you can find Neutrogena and My Beauty Dairies Mask there in very good price.
This is my haul:
MM Mascara
Maybelline Angelfit Foundation W07 (This shade is only available in HK)
Maybelline Angelfit Blush Coral Orange
This is my very quick review:
Anessa Perfect Sparkle SunscreenN SPF 50+ PA+++
Price: $220 HKD
Reason for Buying: (also called how you convince yourself spend the money in mind)
It is summer, and I heard this is not oily at all, good for body and face
Verdict:
I heard from somewhere that sunscreen expires after 3 months of opening, so when I bought it in a way of impulse buying, I regretted it. I saw there are sunscreen costing at least 5 times less than this.
However, it is really good. I can apply on face without blotting even with makeup on top, and it has little sparkles on body as well. I always thought sunscreen is oily and sticky. Anessa totally changed my view.
Plus, on the logic of you can only use it for 3 months, then splashing a bottle for both face and body is very reasonable.
Maybelline Angelfit Liquid Foundation W07
Price : $119 (on top 5% discount)
Reason for buying:
I can’t use BB cream in HK, it gives me acne on my forehead, so I need a foundation, but I don’t want to use up my LM as my daily foundation, and want to try this Asia only line.
Verdict:
I am totally surprise. I was torn between shade W02 or W07 and bought W07 just in case. (W02 for NC20-25, W07 is defintiely for NC25-30) It suits me well. It gives me a glow and it has really high coverage. It is funny because I look whiter indoors with this foundation than outdoor. It gives a better perfect finish compare to LM, but I can’t then tell people I didn’t put make up on because of the glow.
Very little of this goes a long way. Here’s how much I use:
I put it on from 10am until 9pm, and ok I have been indoors with very little movement, I retouch it at 5pm (with my Ettusais two-way cake, just on the chin)and that’s all. Money well spent. Definitely re-purchase.
Maybelline Angelfit Blush – Coral Orange
Reason for purchase:
This is to replace my Bobbi Brown Coral Blush which I threw away as it is more than 8 years old. I tested it and it stayed on the back of my hand more than 6 hrs and therefore I decided to take it home.
Price: $69 HKD
Verdict:
Jezz… I never ever use a blush that is this pigmented. It took me ages to blend to a natural glow and it stays on.. errr 10 hours without retouching. How can this happen? Is it because it is a cheap blush? (that’s why it is hard to blend) or it is just super-pigmented to be good? I don’t know
I like the colour a lot.. only if I dun need to spend 3 mins blending it out….
seems I keep running mini-series, oh well.. my friend just send me the photos from her wedding day. Thought it is quite interesting..
I booked a make-up artist for the dayand had my makeup session at home. I thought her home will be very congested/crowded so it is better to do it in leisure. It took 1.5 hr for hair and makeup, and surprising, the makeup kept for the whole day. There’s a few secret I observed
1. Apply foundation powder carefully and make sure it applied and covered every inch of your skin. 2. I have extremely sensitive eyes, and the false eyelashes didn’t stick. However, by using MM mascara, we manage to re-create the same effect 3. There’s no need to reapply/re-do makeup during the day. My MU Artist said you only need to blot with tissues. Starbucks napkin is the best for blotting. 4. No concealer is needed if you apply your foundation well. She used Shu Uemura liquid foundation on me and there’s no need for concealer at all
I have done all the necessary shopping in Hong Kong, • engagement ring: made. • Wedding dress: paid, • Parents: told • Wedding ring: quoted • Honeymoon: planned • Wedding banquet: decided
I probably covered everything I need to cover in Hong Kong and relieved.
Ooo.. very finally: I went to Watsons in Causeway Bay today, spotted all the Japanese drugstore brand, they’re doing promotion on Granesebon and K-Palette with 15% off, the price is around £1 cheaper than Japan and thinking of snapping up the foundation from Granesebon… ( shame I can’t snap up the blush coz they only stock 3 colours of the blush in stead of 8)
Also just compare price, Lavschuca seems to be a lot cheaper in Hong Kong, the eyeshadow quad is around $90 only, which is £7.5. I think I’ll snap up a few..
For some reason, the MM counter in Watsons is filled with sales.. I wanted to play with the mascara and quad but feel pressurised all the time. I’ll probably pick up their mascara before my Japan trip and buy a Lavschuca quad instead (better value anyway)
Sorry not updating as much as I want to. I have been rather busy as I am trying to sort various things out in Hk, still suffering from jet leg meaning I find any excuse to stay home in the afternoon to sleep.
Another reason is to shop for the girl’s best friend –Diamond ring. We have formally asked the parents and so, in a typical Evie’s style, the first thing in mind was to shop for the signature ring.
If there’s any bride-to-be, and you are thinking of doing this shopping in Hong Kong. I hope my experience will serve as a reference.
Both of us have absolutely no knowledge on diamond, nor jewellery buying. We decided to go to the big reputable shops in Causeway Bay, and our first stop is in Times Square basement where around 5 jewellery shop based there. We learn a few basic knowledge, ready-made ring versus buying the diamond without frame. I finally narrow it down to – heart, pear and square shape to look it. Round diamonds are far too common so I decided for the sake of finding a ring in a short space of time, this can be skipped. Every shop we went to offered drinks.. and all diamond are categorised clearly on their 4C’s, which is very helpful. However with our budget, we can only stretch for ½ carat to maximum 0.71 carat. Thinking Hong Kong is a civilised society with no haggling, we were dismay and went home.
you pay for the price, an advert from one of the big reputable jeweler
I then did further research and found out, even buying from big reputable shop on the high street, you can at least haggle the price down for 20% as a minimum, and sometimes offer up to 40% as well. One thing is if you found anything and you really want a good bargain. Go to the shop first thing in the morning. It is a Chinese auspicious belief it brings good luck you make the business first thing in the morning (or shop opening), so they generally offer further discount if you are the first business of the day.
a 3 piece cluster heart ring, err without the frame please
I was split between the pear shape and a clustered heart, consist of 2 half-ciruclat diamond and 1 pricness cut diamond. And went to the internet for research. I found for my budget I can get the same thing in UK without the need to travel to Hong Kong. This is the biggest indication I’m being ripped off. I called my friend P, who’s father is in the diamond business for help. Her dad immediately return my calls and asked about my requirement, also giving me a lesson on what not to buy. He said I should not buy ‘pear’ shape as it is considered unlucky. Pear in Chinese has the same pronouciation as ‘separation’, so I asked if he can find me anything and he’ll return my call next.
exactly where my grandma's jeweler is, in the middle of a market
I then called the older generation, AKA grandmother for help. She offered to take me to her market jeweller, who only opens his little market stall (made of wooden board) in the morning. We missed our 1st appointment because it rained too heavily. Then we went again. Unfortunately, he said due to the bad economy, there’s very little demand and very little supply in the market. He told me the heart cluster ring only worth 10% as the resale value. But he has something in mind and he’ll come back to me in a week’s time.
Sheung Wan, hidden gem for jewelry buying
we then went to sheung wan as I remembered there’s a few jewellery shop around. This is a hidden gem, there’s around 10 shops offering cheaper diamond rings. The difference is that they are either second hand, or without certificate.
We walked in to a few shops and one of shops has 3 heart shape one-piece diamond ring over 1 carat on sale. We asked and enquire and it is within our budget. We went away knowing if anything happens, there’s something out there.
My friend’s dad called back, he said he found us 2 diamond within our budget and requirement, one in square and one in oval shape. My friend’s uncle will help with framing the diamond to our requirement. So I arrange to see the diamond on the same day as I see my grandma’s jeweler. Lesson learnt: Same money can get you:
Big reputable jewellery : 0.5 carat A friend’s recommendation: 0.9 with certificate Second hand jewellery:over 1 carat
Yet to confirm which one I'll choose I will let you all know very soon
May I first start to say a big big thank you to Jennifer (and she started beauty blogging after apparently inspired by me, and you can see her haul with me as well). A wonderful person who I know through swapping, and took me around in HK for shopping. (Jennifer: we yet to do the sasa/bonjour shopping)
Just want to talk about why I bought what I bought, mainly onto the brands and maybe it is something you want to check out if you are coming in HK/Taiwan/Japan.. These should all be available.
Discount:
If you can read chinese, there's a forum called Beuatyexchange in Hong Kong. it loads quite slowly beaware). But you can find the latest promotions there.
If you are in HK, Sogo is promoting their 'Thankful week', meaning all counters offer special packages, DiorSnow.. Sofina Aube set etc all in discount price. I think the Beautyexchange forum also has the discount catalogue available. Most of the products are 10% or more (including skincare)
The other way to get discount is to collect VIP / point cards. Every single shop in Hong Kong has their own discount and point scheme allowing consumers to collect points and exchange gifts. My mom managed to buy enough beauty products she is a permanent VIP with Sasa, meaning she gets 10% discount on every single Sasa product she buys.
For the blogasphere, Meiling is really good in telling you and test drive the promotions in Hong Kong (sorry In chinese only). She also organised a website for HK beauty bloggers to join and offer event with Beauty companies on reviewing their products (of course, you get to try their products free as well)
The Brands
IPSA:
What is it famous for?
Metabolizer series
Base makeup (foundations, powder)
I first used this brand around 5 years ago, and I’m very happy with its products. I once bought some random skincare from Sasa and my skin became very dry and I could’t put concealer on my eye area. I managed to revive my skin with metabolizer and the time-rest series
However, very very expensive. I just think it is cheaper than SKII as I use the time-reset essence for eye area only, and the metabolizer is 125ml should last ½ year for me.
Damage done:
Time reset essence: 30ml for $600 (£52)
Metabolizer EX (for whitening and anti-aging): 125ml for $530 (£46.5)
Free gifts:
(stingy SA for me that day, only gave me time reset eye mask, essence, and 5ml x 2 Metabolizer)
Ettusais:
What it is famous for?
Oil control, Acen problem
I first bought the ettusais products in Japan 2 years ago. The day-defense powder for oil control. I thought the name is ‘French’ (dunno why) and I like the powder a lot. I don’t like the idea of blotting in the day so the day defense powder sounds like a good idea.
I re-purchase the day defense powder this time, and want to try their skin care products. Apparently. The acne skin version up is their star product, it helps the prep the skin for serums and moisturizer to enhance the effectiveness.
I bought their eye zone essence as I’m addicted to any eye products that help to reduce my fine lines. I will use it after my IPSA essence has finished up
Damage:
well over $1000
Free gifts:
too many.. basically I think I received a sample of everything they can give...
Kose Facial Mask, Evian Water Spray, Laneige Power Essential EX
You might think this is a weird combination, but I used this formula before to have facial mask when I was really skint. I think I was making my own facial mask for over 2 years before the craze of using toner with facial mask But to preserve the toner further, I wet the paper mask with water, I recommend using those water spray that says it is for facial purpose. Once you wet the paper mask, then pour in the toner or in this case Power Essential into the mask and wet it further.
I remember when I first bought the Power Essential, it comes with 4 paper mask in a bottle anyway.
I will definitely buy more paper mask, I’m just waiting to see how much it cost in Japan compare to HK
Damage:
Kose Paper Mask: $29 (£2.5)
Laneige Power Essential: $89 (£7.8)
Evian Water Spray : $44 (£3.8)
For $162 / £14 you know have 14 paper masks. Nearly as good or better than My Beauty Dairies.
I’ll probably stop here for now. As there’s another 3 brands to talk about, and I’m way over my word limit for good blogging.
On the other hand, I am having internet access from mobile broadband courtesy to 3 from UK. Their 3 like home scheme allow me to use my data allowance for free in Hong Kong. Shame they’re cancelling the scheme and shame to say I’m leaving them after this trip.
Finally, this is the flower bouquet I received from my friend yesterday. It was her happy-ever after wedding yesterday and I came to Hong Kong to be her bridemaid. Hehe… everything in traditional Hong Kong style make me realised how lucky I am to be having my way (no interference from parents) for my big day.
I certainly miss the peace and quiet life I have in UK as my days in HK started with rain, swine flu and shoppings. I nearly spent all my shopping budget in one day because I rather shop now than random buy during this trip.
So.. do you want to see what I got?
Lucido Strawberry hairspray, lucido hair styling gel and lucido hair spray for heat curling hair
Shiseido Anessa Pearly Sunscreen SPF 50
Haul from the famous Loon Sing Pharmacy Kose Paper Mask 14 x 2 Evian water spray
IPSA Metabolizer EX 4 Laneige Power Essential EX
Ettusais Day Defense Powder (new version)more samples from Ettusais
IPSA Samples + Ettusais Samples
Fashion and Beauty Magazines
Ettusais Haul, too many will talk next time IPSA Time Reset Essence Biore Cleansing Oil (to anyone reading, pls avoid buying this item even it smeel really gd)
What are missing from these pic,
My Beauty Dairy Mask Q10 My Beauty Dairy Mask Platinum Borghese blue mask mud Borghese Whitening Eye Masque
There is a theme towards this haul: SKINCARE!!
I decided that lunasol is still out of the reach, so I am definitely getting the drugstore brand eye shadow (I might return to Lunasol after my Japan trip), lucky I brought everything with me so it is not a problem with make up during the day.
Also, the weather is sooo hot and humid that any makeup you put on will melt very quickly. I decided that it is not worth to put on eye shadow (to start with.. they just melt) and put on very basic makeup. Just for coverage and sun protection. That’s why the focus is on the skincare.
there is a lot more to this on part 2, as I will discuss why I buy those brands.. it might be of someone’s interest, also the way to buy in Hong Kong.
