so continuing on my haul.. I recently asked a friend to help out to get two pieces of clothing from a local Hong kong brand called th.
they managed to get the copyright of Creamy Mami, a famous cartoon from my era hehe
so this is what i got...
Creamy Mami t-shirt
On the label, it also has the stickers :) and oh my god... it is even cuter with the prints
also got this little dress
the ribbon makes it sooo cute... I couldn't resist the tempation not getting this
So my business...
I actually run an online business outside the blogasphere. I help people to CP stuff back to Hong Kong and been working for over 1 year now. Some of my customers found this blog so I may just speak here.
I mainly CP anything (from t-shirts, vivienne westwood shoes, to even facial machines, and a greenhouse) to anywhere in the world, but I focus on helping Hong Kong customers. And this is my company website:
I am also looking to expand the business by offering CP from Hong Kong and other places around the world. And primarily, Japan, Korea, USA, China and Malaysia. If anyone is looking for some business experience and opportunity, please let me know.
I need someone who are good at internet shopping, have a bank account and good at fashion for this job. (Some space at home to store items is a bonus) This can be either dealing with customers from where you are, or helping to stock whatever the customer need. I now have someone from Hong Kong so if you are any of the above region, feel free to contact me direct at eve@loveeveltd.com
Although the website is primarily in Chinese, don't worry, most of our customers speak English so language is not a problem.
The business is definitely expanding and hence I'm delegating this business out more.
We all been hauling like mad from Hong Kong sites such as Adambeauty and Gooddealer, who stocks just basically everything from East Asia. I always wonder, is there a local Hong Kong brand. Jennifer might shout at me on this, because she actually took me to see this brand last year when I met up with her, but I thought nothing much as first, I don't know it is a HK Brand, secondly, my head was still trying to understand why Korean brand is so cheap.
Anyway, introducing this Hong Kong local brand, the company who produces it is called Choi Fung. which started around just under 10 years ago and focus on supplying to larger quantites to facial salon etc. Their most famous product is actually Sugar cane shower, for 1L it is only (take a deep breath girls), $2 USD. no kidding, 2 USD for 1L
I want to focus on their skincare products as I picked up some to try on.
First, the Hydrating gel
What is this?
H20 Hydrating Gel
Volume:
150ml (yes, that 3 times our usual moisturising gel size)
Cost:
$150 (roughly $19 USD)
My verdict:
stock it up! according to site, it just contains everything. Kiwi extract, apple extract, Cactus extract, collagen, Hydraulic Acid, Vitamin B5
This is as comparable as H2O+ hydrating gel, which is cost $34 USD for just 50ml. THe texture is the same, absolutely the same. There's no scent to it.
Since there's so much in this 150ml, you're more than welcome to use it just like laneige sleeping mask, splash it on your face and use it as facial mask.
You can also use is as a makeup base to moisturise your face. Multi-purpose baby
I couldn't fault anything about this moisturizer. I nearly bought Dr Ci:Labo Aqua collegen gel, but the price and the 'dupe'-ness of this to h2o+ completely blows me away
the samples I got from buying in Choi Fung
Another product to review, but I'll keep it short as I had put it back to shelf. This is a cleansing oil that takes off makeup just like any other cleansing oil. i think I've been spoilt by Shu and Fancl for too long. After washing off the cleansing oil, a oily film remains on my skin and need to be washed away by another cleanser (in this case, I used Dove soap). The only good point is that it takes away my MM mascara, I soak the cleansing oil with cotton and take off my mascara without problem. Price wise: 200ml for $23, which is around $3USD
How to buy?
THis is the tricky part. They do not have any shop front on ground level meaning you need to know exactly where it is. We called these shops 'upstair shops'. You need to take the escalator in a certain building and walk into their outlet. so please check their website for their address in HK.
If you live in HK, you can take their free delivery offer as well
I am considering doing a group order from this company if anyone is interested. Just drop me a comment and I'll get back to you
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!!
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)
I have been baby-sitting all the time in Bejing, and what do you do with kids? Make sure you have a game console, and they will then sit quietly like a robot. Perfect!
In Hong Kong + Beijing –no more BB cream
I can finally settle down a bit and upload a few pics.
yes bon Maman jam. Cost 50p in Beijing.
My hotel room in Bejing. Best Western Airpot Hotel. Apparently, Beijing has a rule that only if the temperature is over 26’C then the air-conditioning can be switched on. Most of my time is spent sweating under the super-thick duvet naked in bed.
here’s my makeup bag, so messy right? I took nearly everything with me and put them in it. On the left, in the long black bag, are all my foundations. The big bag is with point makeup.
Now onto the long-awaiting beauty post:
No more BB cream…
Why all of a sudden? I thought BB cream is more suitable in the hot weather so except the new LM foundation which I brought with me for a just in case purpose. I brought most of my BB cream wth me. L’egere and Nanoce. Unfortunately, just after 1 day in Hong Kong, the BB cream is not applying smoothly on my face. Especially on my forehead, it is blocking pores and I started to get pimples. Also, all my T-zone area become soo dry that I can’t even use Powder at all. I tried with Nanoce, because it is thicker than L’gere, it looks really horrid on me. I tried L’egere, still not working, especially the foundation is ‘floating’ up on my face after 3-4 hours.
So my make-up routine change. I’m totally in love with Anessa Sunscreen, it is with SPF 50+ and I can apply both on face and body, also for some reason it is quite hydrating so it applies smoothly on my face, I then use the LM foundation in Bamboo Beige (good match) and it has perfect cover. In this combination, it really last for a long time. I need not to apply until early evening.
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.
This is my little tips and research that kind of give people a guide on how and what to buy if you happen to be in two places at a time.
Logic1 :Only buy at counters. Why? Some says the reason why Sasa or Bourjour (the two mega makeup-store) can sell makeup products cheaply is because the manufacturer tend to re-sell the products near expiry date to Sasa/Bonjour. If you will open and use your products within 1 year of purchase, then please buy from there as it saves you money. If you are going to do shopping like me, and tend to buy try then maybe leave the products somewhere for another 3 months before taking it out again. I’ll tend to buy from counter as I know they will last with a 3 years shelf life.Most of the products have a 12 months use by date (unless it is specific), think before you open.
Logic 2: Buy High End Japanese cosmetics in Hong Kong High End Japanese products tend to sell cheaper in Hong Kong compare to Japan Take IPSA EX Metabolizer for example:HK sale price: $530/usd $68/ GBP 45 Japan sale price: 7875 /USD82 /GBP 54 Price difference: 10GBP/14 USD Same applies to coffret, Lunasol etc.
Logic 3:Buy drug store brand in Japan In Japan, brand like Ettusais and Shiseido Maquillage are sold in drugstore (at least from my last visit in Kobe), and there are discount drugstore that is selling the product less than the official price. (just correct me, Nic Nic and Yumeko). In Hong Kong, they are sold in department store, so therefore these ‘drugstore/counter’ brand is more expensive in Hong Kong compare to Japan, for around 2-5 GBP at least. But because it is sold in counter in HK, they tend to come with very generous free gifts if you buy at the right time.
Logic 4: Do not buy Western imports brand When you compare price, Western brands are a lot more expensive to buy in say HK/Japan to UK. For example:Chanel Tinted moisturiser (which I reviewed): cost £29 compare to£44 in HKOnly buy western imports in Sasa/Bonjour
Logic 5:Try only to buy Asia version of skincare if it suits you Many of the brands produce Asia only line. They tend to be focus on whitening and oil control, so if you have oily or combination skin, or with acne scar, you might want to have a look.We all talked about DiorSnow, Lancome Whitening series, and if you want to buy them, buy them in HK. Again prices are cheaper in HK
Logic 6:'Upstairs store' for Korean makeup Korean makeup franchise in HK/Japan mark up their price so much to suit the markets. However with the depreciation of Korean Won, they are actually really cheap locally.The so-called ‘up-stairs’ shop allow you to buy and order these Korean makeup and can save up to 50% of marked price. These store will have poster on streets to lure you taking the flight of stairs or lift to go to the shop inside a building. For example:Skin food Raspberry Eye cream HK Franchise Price: $315 Upstair shop price: $185You save: $130 ($17USD/£11GBP)
That’s all from me. I will take photos of some of the shops I go to and upload to update you all
As requested by Mad Murderer Mud and Jamilla Camel, and my partner-in-crime Jennifer (oh darling.. I am sooo meeting you next week, super excited) I’m doing a special Hong Kong post.
Due to S nature, he basically moan about price price price, I developed a habit of comparing price (it is a good habit seriously), so this is must say I have tried to research over the past 2 months and this is kind of a conclusion.
Let me first introduce my partner-in-crime No.1: aka My luggage
Samsonite Black Label Pink made of Leather (32 inch, the biggest one in pic)
Isn’t it Gorgeous? I got it for 80% off the original price in Bicester Village, which is a outlet shopping village for all brand names like Chanel, and Prada and Dior and L’occitance and (it goes on and on)
If anyone is seriously coming to UK to shop, you MUST MUST MUST stop there! My suitcase is buy one get one free so I aquire this Alexander McQueen as well. (22inch)
(Brown)
(I’m probably selling this on ebay once I’m back from UK.. but I don’t really need this)
About Samsonite, I hesitate about it. Because my brother's suitcase was damaged first time it was used and Samsonite refused to repair it (even it is within warranty) This Black Label is top of the range, so rather than having 3years on the cheaper range or 10 years on the more expensive range, it is a Lifetime warranty, even if my wheels need replacement they will do it for free repair (I’ve asked for than 3 times about warranty and the SA said they will repair it because it is Black Label series)
Here’s the list I am planning to buy in Hong Kong: (Jennifer, make note! Lol)
IPSA Metabolizer – 125ml for $530
IPSA Time Reset extract – 15ml for $450
Neutrogena Fine Fairness New products range – (maybe $200)
Biore Cleansing Oil - $68
Neutrogena Deep Hydrating Mask – 5 pieces for around $70
My Beuaty Diary (Platinum version, not normal)- 6 pieces for $90
Borghese Blue Mud – 450ml for $500
Eye shadow palette from either Lunasol or Coffret
Borghese Eye Treatment or Shiseido White Lucent Eye Treatment
A super good eye concealer that don’t ‘highlight’ my fine lines
Translucent Powder (oil control use)
Paul & Joe Whitening Set ($350)
In Japan
Eye shadow palette from MM and Granesbon
Blush from Granesbon
Shiseido Maquillage –eyeliner and mascara (new summer collection)
they managed to get the copyright of Creamy Mami, a famous cartoon from my era hehe
Creamy Mami t-shirt
