BEAUTY ALIXIRS

 

Haul time!

Let's get right into it.

First up is the Innisfree Skinny Waterproof Microcara. This little guy has a teeny tiny brush. I chose the waterproof formula since that's usually the only way to hold a curl on my lashes. The idea is that the tiny wand will make it a breeze to get each and every single lash from the base. 

Next up is the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder. The product comes with 5g of product and is a loose mineral powder designed to control oil and set your makeup. The mint int the product is supposed to give a slightly cooling sensation which makes this ideal for summer use. 

Next is Etude House Dreaming of Swan Eye & Cheek color. I've been eyeing this line of blushes for a long time, ever since it came out. Mostly due to the packaging, as a blush lover and collector.

The mineral powder is a white powder which should be translucent if applied not to heavy handed on the skin. 

This shade is in a slightly churlish colour. There were 5 or 6 colours in total from which to choose. 

The packaging is a tin can with a screw-off top and a puff inside.

To be honest I was expecting a more choral than pink colour, but it's stunning nonetheless. Each shade in this range has a different embossed image in the actual powder. 

The product comes with 9g of product which is quite a lot of product, considering mac blushes are usually 5-6g.

I was a bit surprised at the price since a quick search on Ebay showed that it was cheaper to get it shipped to Canada from Korea. This retailed in China ( from the actual Etude House boutique) for about $25CAD while on Ebay it would've been about $18CAD. Ouch.

Lastly I got this mask-applying brush to use with my recently purchased Nature Republic Aloe gel. This is the Etude House My Beauty Tool mask brush.

The only other mask brush I've ever tried is the one by Missha, and this one has more bristles that are also finer. The brush itself is softer, and at only 18RMB, (less than $4CAD) it's a great buy.

The folks at the insider counter were nice enough to give me some samples of their white fungus recovery cream. The nail polish was a gift with purchase. Usually retails for 30RMB or about $5CAD.

I popped by Watsons to get some facial sponges and picked up a few other things. Take a look!

Hair towel! These things have really spoiled me. I basically can't bother to wrap my hair with a regular towel after showering. These come in a kind of cap/triangle shape with an elastic on one end and a button on the other so you can easily secure the wrap. This particular one was about $3 CAD/ 14 RMB

Had to get another box of this My Beauty Diary black pearl mask as Watsons was having a 30% off sale. 

These facial sponges were the reason for my trip. I was finding it tedious to wash my face with my hands and wanted something more exfoliating for the dry skin patches that have been appearing on my face despite the humidifier in my room.

Having left my Avene thermal water spray at home, this little guy caught my eye. It was about 60% off retail so I grabbed it as well. Vichy Thermal Water. 50ml.

Mentholatum Sugar Lip balm in 01 Vintage Pink. This guy caught my eye with its pretty pink packaging and sleek black tube. The colour is nice as well. Definitely an impulse buy.

RoseBloom Peach Lip Balm. The packaging is definitely what caught my eye, and the peach flavour of course. I was looking for a colourless balm and this fit the bill. Apparently its a Taiwanese brand.

Found this guy at the local 7-11 of all places - Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. It's a very popular Aloe Vera Gel. Comes with 300ml and costs around $10. What a steal!

The product is made with 92% pure aloe vera, which is great for moisturizing and soothing any skin sensitivities. My skin has been acting up ever since I switched shampoos. There are noticeable little bumps near my hairline which spread downwards. Although the shampoo I was using didn't have any salicylic acid listed in the ingredients, I still had a negative reaction which meant the little bumps stayed for a prolonged period of time. I've now switched to a different shampoo and the bumps haven't gone away although they haven't gotten worse either.

I've been using this aloe vera gel, spread very generously over the face to use as sort of a mask. After about 3 uses my skin already looks calmer and smoother. The bumps look reduced; I'm super happy with the results so far!

The product is a clear gel and instructions online say it can be used on the skin, for shaving your legs, after sun to treat sunburn, in your hair in small amounts, or anywhere where your experience skin sensitivities. 

Love it! Will definitely repurchase.

xoxo,

alixirs

Hauled this beauty from the duty free store at the airport. It was only $36 CAD when it's selling on Sephora's website for $40 CAD.

Dior Lip Glow in 001

The balm itself has a light pink color, similar to the cap. The texture is smooth but not greasy, and the product doesn't have a lot of slip, unlike the Soft Lips lip balms.

Bare Lips

 With 1 layer of the Dior Lip Balm

The colour can be built up gradually with each layer. I personally prefer a light pink than a bright pink, so I usually opt for just 1 layer.

Love it!

xoxo,

alixirs

The brush is definitely unique. The bristles are teeny tiny. Short and spread apart.

Here are some pictures of the product in action.

Naked Lashes

Lashes curled ( what a difference!)

Applying the product...

One Coat

A LOT of product is deposited on the lashes since the bristles on the brush are spaced so far apart. I'm personally not a fan of the clumpy look, so I went over this with a lash comb and the results are below:

The conclusion: this mascara is on the wet side and deposits way too much product for my liking. I't's not a mascara that i'd use by itself, but I think it works well in combination with other, more defining, mascaras ( like Maybelline the Rocket mascara), which when layered on top, creates a cleaner look while still maintaining volume. 

xoxo,

alixirs

First up is the Brambleberry Roise Lip Balm. When I saw the packaging I knew I had to have it! It's just so precious. I'm not quite sure what Brazzleberry is but the scent of this particular lip balm is VERY strong. I'm talking so strong I could smell it before I even broke the seal on the packaging. It's a very sweet scent that is almost sickeningly so. Gotta say, not a huge fan.

Next is the Minted Rose Lip Balm. This is the one I was the most excited for, as I typically love a mint-scented lip balm. It's much more subtle than the Brambleberry. You get a hint of mint and rose. Perfection!

The original is simply rose scented. Oldie but goodie!

Swatched from top to bottom: Original Rosebud Salve, Minted Rose Lip Balm, and Brambleberry Rose Lip Balm.

A few things to note: 

1. three come with 14.2g or 0.5oz of product, which is a lot!

2. All three look pretty much clear on the lips

3. The original is called a salve/balm and is stated to be multipurpose (ie you can apply it on heels, hands, cuticles etc), while the minted rose and brambleberry rose lip balms are specifically called "lip balms".

Overall, will definitely repurchase the original and the minted rose lip balm. My nose can't quite get used to the overbearing scent of the Brambleberry. Too bad, since the packaging is so adorable.

Have you tried any of the Smith's rose balms? Do share!

xoxo,

alixirs

I picked up these from my local Shoppers Drug Mart: New Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid lipsticks in Nude Thrill and Nude Flush! Take a look!

(Nude Flush on the left and Nude Thrill on the right)

Nude Flush is a muted rose color that's very wearable.

Nude Thrill is more of a brown-toned peachy nude that works well with a wide range of complexions.

Swatched: Top Nude Blush, Bottom Nude Thrill

On Lips: Nude Blush

On Lips: Nude Thrill

The product has a very nice creamy consistency that is almost mousse in texture and not runny, which makes application quite easy. While I like both colours and chose them for their wearability, I feel Nude Thrill is more suitable for wear around the office. It's very understated. Together with some mascara and eyeliner creates a very put-together-but-not-over-the-top look.

The product has a slightly nondescript fruity smell which disappears quickly. I will say though, that they have a mildly numbing effect on the lips. Not plumping or stinging...just numbing.

Overall rating: A

Love the colour, texture, and application of these! Will definitely pick up more!

xoxo,

alixirs