WON! Kiehl's Pamper Pack

It's funny how good deeds can come back to you.

A few weeks ago I found a $20 note on the street. I used the money to buy raffle tickets to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Had a stressful day that almost ended in tears. That was until I was told that I had won a Kiehl's pamper pack!

It was beautifully presented with the products nestled in rose pot purri.

It contains (from left to right):

Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

Creme de Corps

Amino Acid Shampoo

Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe Vera

Lip Balm SPF 15

Will review each product soon. (Except for the foaming bath and shampoo which goes to my sister).

The Kiehl's pamper pack had made my day!

Ulta3 Nail Polish - Envy

Envy is the colour to wear if I don't know what colour to wear.

It's a glamourous neutral that's chip-friendly. I do my nails once a week and it does'nt look too terrible by the end when the polish has shown wear and tear.

This nail polish is so pigmented, I could get away with one coat. Envy is a silvery brown glitter dust. Highly reflective with two coats and glossy top coat.

Ulta3 does it again with an amazing cheapie nail polish!

My Local Op Shop - Vinnies

As requested by mirandalefleur, this is a post on my favorite opportunity/thrift shop. This is where I find many of the items I've blogged.

My local Vinnies is on the main street of Auburn. It opened early this year with a tonne of stock and for months, every weekend had a 50% off sale. The shop has a healthy turnover of inventory and is air conditioned and tidy. The clothing racks are even grouped by colour.

Stacks of ladies shoes.

Found lots of great bargain reads here.

Every visit is a treasure hunt and I MUST leave with one item. I actually look forward to weekends so I can unwind here. The volunteer staff are friendly and dedicated so I like to show appreciation for their efforts.

Since my spending goes to charity, I can always splurge guilt-free here!

Lancome Genifique - Youth Activating Concentrate

Received a free luxury sample of Lancome's new anti-aging product, Genifique.

It came in a little glass bottle with a fancy dropper lid, trademark of the full sized product. Push the button on top to pick up or release the liquid.

The saleslady adamantly stated that "Genifique is not a serum. It's an activator".

What does that mean??? It certainly looks like a serum to me. Well apparently it activates your youth. (Oh boy, how I'd love to be 18 again!!!)

Here are the claims from the Lancome website:

See visibly younger skin in just 7 days.

Drop by drop, skin is infused with life.

Vibrant with youth, skin looks as if lit from within.

Skin's youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch.

Skin's tone is astonishingly even; its texture dramatically refined.

Genifique is supposed to "boost genes' activity and stimulate the production of youth proteins."

Sounds incredible, doesn't it?

I'm testing it now and will post a review in a few weeks. Stay tuned for the results!

China Glaze - Fairy Dust

Aiyeeeeeeee! This picture does not do Fairy Dust justice. In real life it's dazzling and luminous!

You can't really see it but I've applied two coats. It's on top of Sussan Soft Orchid. The brilliant thing is that because the glitter is holographic and really fine. you can wear it over any nail polish to jazz it up!

The downsides are that it takes longer than usual to dry and it dries slightly matt. Would be convenient to use as a top coat if it had a wet shine finish.

Still I love it! Extends the use of all my nail polishes and it's just as enchanting as fairy dust!

Kamiseta Cotton Cardigan & Target Satin Top

Latest op shop finds:

Phillipino label Kamiseta cotton 3/4 length cardigan with cute trimmings and diamante buttons. $6 AUD.

Target Hot Options satin top which could be easily mistaken for Review. Gorgeous green floral print with velvet ties around the back. Tres cute! $1.50 AUD.

Sebastian Potion 9 - Wearable Treatment

Heard about Potion 9 in a Youtube video from Caffy. Like hers, my hair is fine and curly. She raves about this stuff so when I saw Sebastian products for half price, I had to try it!

I think Sebastian was reduced because they are repackaging their products. The Potion 9 I saw comes in flexible aluminum tubes which tears easily. I bought a travel sized tube (50g) for $9 AUD.

Sebastian calls Potion 9 a "wearable treatment" but considering that you're supposed to use it sparingly, the title is a bit of stretch! I like how it's silicone free. It contains 9 botanical extracts which claims to restore moisture, revitalize damage and rejuvenate hair. The product itself is an orange coloured non-sticky/greasy gel. Some makeupalley reviewers said it smells nice but I hardly notice a scent with mine.

After washing I use a small amount (no bigger than an Aussie 10c coin) to scrunch through wet hair. I'm prone to frizz so I dilute with a little water so hair doesn't stick to my hands. Must be careful not to use too much product otherwise my hair feels crunchy.

I'm convinced that Potion 9 is incredible. I let my hair dry naturally and get soft, defined and shiny curls. While it's a little pricey, it's worth it because of the noticeable difference! I'll buy this product over and over again.

Tokidoki Pegaso Nobile Bag

Introducing my latest acquisition-the Tokidoki Pegaso Nobile!

My love for this bag was born from a tweet of the lovely Christine. She found this bag plus a deal from JapanLA for a free Tokidoki cactus pup and free shipping.

The multi-coloured print is adorable, especially with the unicorns!

Unfortunately shipping was free for US orders only. We sent our bags to the one address to save on shipping and I picked up mine today. Whooo hoooo!

You're probably wondering why I photographed my bag with the wrapping still intact. I'm savoring it's new-ness. Missy's Em logic is that this builds anticipation for when it's unwrapped and thus adds to the satisfaction of the purchase!

Forecast Retro Tribal Print Skirt

Just before walking out of the Op shop empty-handed, I found this skirt from Forecast.

The colourful retro pattern is printed on silky soft cotton. Feels light and flowy as you walk. Problem was, the second button was missing. And there was no price tag.

The lovely salesgirl who serves me every week, ummed and ahhhed over a price. She was hesitating because she saw the missing button.

I interrupted her mumbling: "Er, did you say $1?"

She nodded reluctantly like it was an unreasonable amount. "Unfortunately that's the cheapest I can..."

"Done! I'll take it!" And I gave I her the cash.

Was'nt going to argue her there! She's a doll for trying to give me a good price even when her original price of $1 was a steal.

At home I found an spare tan button matching the print. Within minutes I switched with the waist button with the missing one. Skirt is as good as new!

Bloom Face Blotting Papers

Years ago my skin was super oily. I remember habitually swiping my face with my hand and ewwwww...

I've tried lots of different face blotter sheets and now alternate between Clean & Clear sheets and Bloom's Blotting Papers.

Bloom is most preferred because the packaging is darn pretty! The rice paper sheets are pale pink, lightly scented of roses and more "dainty sized". They are impregnated with very fine powder so it removes oil effectively without depositing powder on your face like Papier Poudre.

One downside is that the cardboard casing is not durable so unless you use the 50 sheets quickly, the packaging will get shabby in your handbag.

My skin has settled down so I only use these to blot my oily eyelids now. Good for keeping my glasses lenses smudge-free!

I buy Bloom's papers at the department stores. If I can't find them when I'm overseas, they are available online.

I must mention that Bloom's papers are more environmentally friendly than Clean & Clear. However I do get a twisted satisfaction out of seeing the opaque blue sheets turn transparent...

China Glaze - IDK

This is the first time I've used China Glaze nail polish and it's UNREAL!

The colour is mesmerising. Like a chameleon changing colours with the ambient light.

IDK is a satin lilac with a rainbow holographic sheen. During daytime indoors, it appears paler and not as iridescent as you see here. In broad daylight and bright artifical light, it's nothing short of incredible!

The product is well pigmented so I only applied two coats. At first I thought it was streaky but after making less strokes, each dissolved together for a seamless finish. How ingenious!

I could'nt wait to show this colour off. A bargain for such a high quality nail polish ($5 AUD).

So glad to have found China Glaze nail polishes!

Supre "Alice McCall" Skirt & Absolutely Essential Etiquette Book

I found this Supre high waisted skirt at the Op Shop. The design is out there but if Mischa Barton can pull it off, then surely I can too???

Regrettably on me, it looks like a "no-waisted" skirt! Not sure if I'll wear it now.

Also bought The Absolutely Essential Penguin Guide to Etiquette. (Actually not for penguins.) I mention this because I believe observing etiquette is part of beauty maintenance. This book is a humorously written modern day guide.

Both items were a steal for $2.50 AUD!

My First China Glaze!

Yowsers! I never thought I could buy China Glaze for so cheap in Sydney!

There are lots of great reviews on this brand. Apparently it's OPI quality with the same, if-not-better colour range.

Found a nail supply shop called ProNAIL Supply in Bankstown (9 Greenfield Parade 02 9709 2300). They sell loads of CG, Orly, Essie and OPI for cheap!

CG nail polishes were only $5 AUD! It took me a while to choose only two colours, but here they are: IDK (left, holographic metallic purple) and Fairy Dust (right, silvery holgraphic glitter).

The saleslady packed the bottles in a recycled Orly box to prevent breakage. There were piles of these empty boxes behind the counter.

Can't wait to try CG out. The colours are amazing!