SPOTLIGHT: Gifts from Australia - Many Thanks to the BF!

sorry for not posting many reviews and unboxings these days - my Topbox and ipsy posts are much delayed but it has been a slow transitioning to a new camera. there were some hiccups and deliberation over what color i preferred, which of course, is a very lengthy and important decision.

anyhoo, what i do have for today is just a quick post on some goodies my boyfriend brought back for me from Australia! he left on Christmas Day to visit one of his sisters there and they did all kinds of crazy stuff like surfing, bungee jumping and whitewater rafting. i did send him an email listing some suggestions of items to get me - there were a couple of Australian cosmetic brands i wanted to try and many thanks to Mishelle [Mishelle's Sleepy Time], i came up with quite a list. there were a couple of things that i didn't absolutely need but i just threw them in just in case he had a hard time locating some things (he has never been sent on a makeup run for me before so i am sure he is pretty clueless about this stuff). 

after giving it some thought, i felt it might be too much for him to conduct such a search when he's just a beginner so i amended it and said there was only really 2 things that i wanted.

he decided to get the entire list instead.

:DD

whOoooooooohOooooooooo!

so many goodies to play with!! ... but it also means that i now have three new highlighters...

Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminator in "Angel Mist" - holy moly this is HUGE! it is gonna last me forever!!

Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminating Pearls & Bronzing Pearls - i've never used any pearls before so this is really neat. i can also experiment with highlighting and contouring with this set.

Face of Australia Lip Quench 30+ Moisturizing Lipstick in "Lychee Crush" - Mishelle loves this nude lipstick! and it seems really popular so hopefully i can pull the color off. and SPF 30?? that's awesome.

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in "Boogie Woogie" - yay another lipstick!... i know, i know, i shouldn't have put any lip products on my list but i couldn't help it!

Australis High Lights Mineral Face Highlighter in "Pearl" - i couldn't choose between this one and the Face of Australia Illuminator but now i don't have to! :)

Australis 10 Hr Wear Waterproof Eye Pencil in "Grape Cake" - yet another product influenced by Mishelle! i loved the swatch she has on her blog. 

Australis Make-Up Finishing Spritz - i don't really have a makeup setting spray so i am trying these out for the first time. i wonder how much of a difference it will make.

i am really happy that he took the time to get me such wonderful gifts. thanks babe! <3

now, what should i review first? 

SPOTLIGHT: Cyber Monday Haul - MUA, Sea Lore, Fanchromatic Nails, Miss KL

since i am always curious about a company's shipping times and how they pack their shipments, i decided to do a Cyber Monday Shopping Part II to inform others. see the original post here.

MUA (MAKEUP ACADEMY)

date ordered: November 23

delivery estimate: in the email, it says it may take them up to 3 days to pack (website says they aim for 48 hours - business days). a package is deemed "Lost" only if it has been missing 25 or 35 days (for Canada). this is confusing because i found two different links to the shipping information page - one says 25 and the other says 35.

date delivered: December 17 or 18 (sorry i didn't check my mailbox on the 17th so i can't confirm the exact date).

# of days in between date ordered and delivered: 24 or 25

shipping method: Royal Mail

shipped from: Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England

packaging: large yellow bubble-wrapped mailer envelope. eyeshadow, pressed powder and nail polishes were bubble-wrapped. the eyeliner, cover stick, lipgloss and lipsticks were not. marked as "Commercial sample".

this was the first order i've ever made and i was a little scared that it wouldn't make it over here. the lack of tracking info as well as numerous people on their FB saying that it has been X amount of days and asking MUA where there package is also scared me a bit. so i was glad when i finally got my hands on it - three weeks later. before you submit your order, make sure you are prepared to be patient. i was surprised that nothing arrived broken since it seemed like the products were just tossed into an over-sized bag (i can't say for sure about the lipsticks yet actually). but look at all these goodies! 

cover up stick, lip gloss, eyeshadow, eyeliner, nail polishes, pressed powder, lipsticks

there's so much more on my MUA shopping list i was saving for the 50% off sale and free shipping MUA was going to have when they reach 50,000 likes on FB. but they have taken this picture down and it looks like they are changing their offers so this might not be the case anymore.

- - - - -

SEA LORE

date ordered: November 26

delivery estimate: none stated

date shipped: November 29 - received email notification and date stamped on envelope

date delivered: December 6

# of days in between date ordered and delivered: 10

shipping method: USPS (United States Postal Service) - can i just say that i've been shopping online for years and this was the first time i made the connection?? this face is necessary: -.-;;

shipped from: Ontario, Canada

packaging: yellow bubble-wrapped mailer envelope. everything was individually bubble-wrapped with some tissue (with stickers and glitter), candy and foam peanuts (haha! i had to google this to find out the proper term).  marked as "Gift".

the polishes look amazing!! i am very excited to use these (Ariel was a gift to my sister - she's her favorite Disney princess). i was surprised to get this rather quickly. i like the extra touch Jamie put into the packaging... who doesn't like candy?? 

when ordering on the website, you are given a shipping estimate - mine was $3.90 and i can see the seller paid $3.75 so that is pretty accurate.

Attina (7.5 mL), Ariel (15 mL), Beluga Blizzard (7.5 mL)

- - - - -

FANCHROMATIC NAILS

date ordered: November 26

delivery estimate: 3-7 business days before ship

date shipped: December 6 - according to date stamped on box

date delivered: December 19

# of days in between date ordered and delivered: 23

shipping method: USPS

shipped from: San Francisco, California, United States

packaging: small cardboard box packed full of pink foam peanuts. polishes were individually bubble-wrapped. labelled as "Gift". 

ahh so excited to use these polishes! i was especially excited because 3 of these are from Lynae's Take My Sky Collection (inspired by Firefly) or Seven Kingdoms Collection (Game of Thrones). lastly, i bought Wowsville just because it looked pretty (Quality Cafe Collection; Ghost World).

Layer Cake (15 mL), Blue Sun (5 mL), Dire Wolf (5 mL), Wowsville (5 mL)

i was charged $4.75 for shipping and the seller paid $3.90 - so yes, there is a discrepancy but it is less than a $1. 

- - - - -

MISS KL

date ordered: November 26

delivery estimate: all it says on the website is "5-8 days"

dates shipped: November 29 - as per tracking info

date delivered: December 11

# of days in between date ordered and delivered: 15

shipping method: DHL - eep! i was scared when i found out about this but it worked out in the end. no extra costs (probably because the order only came up to $11.26. i got a tracking number too. you'd think it'd be here faster than 15 days with DHL.

shipped from: Des Plaines, Illinois, United States

packaging: large white plastic bag

the plastic bag it arrived in was so much bigger than the product itself. upon opening the package, i find that the bodysuit i ordered is from "Leg Avenue". so if it says "Intimates Boutique" on Miss KL (or Karmaloop), know that it could mean various brands. 

so on the picture of the package, the bodysuit looks like a 70s or 80s leotard - the one that cuts really high near your hips. looks really scary - i hope the above picture doesn't offend anybody! but i tried it on and it doesn't sit that high at all. phew! i am planning to wear this with skirts since i'd like to keep my shirt tucked in.

a couple of issues i have with this bodysuit though is that it is opaque until you put it on and the fabric stretches. it's still not bad but you can definitely see the seams and any bra other than a nude-colored one. also, it is rather tight - very form-fitting. i must wear high-waisted skirts with this one :)

outside of the shoulder area; turned inside out to show you the seams

ahhh the metal snap buttons are so difficult!! it's hard to press them together and to take them apart! i have to insert my nail right in between to peel them apart because any other way and the fabric just stretches and looks like it will tear.

beware that when Miss KL offers "free shipping" that it means just that - you will have to pay for handling. you can also always do a search for promo codes and rep codes online. 

- - - - -

so i hope that this gives you an idea of the shipping and whatnot if you choose to order from any of the companies i mentioned above. i will be posting separate reviews for MUA, Sea Lore and Fanchromatic Nails so stay tuned!

also i'm 25 and very late into the vampire game, but i'm going to admit to you that i've watched about 11 episodes of Vampire Diaries with my sister in the last 3 days. i've never watched Twilight or True Blood, but i must say that i am ... hooked. anyone else? :)

SPOTLIGHT: Black Friday // Cyber Monday Shopping

Black Friday is becoming popular in Canada and i decided to partake in the madness this year. Black Friday is nowhere near as crazy here as compared to the States (i've seen one too many Black Friday Walmart YouTube videos). i did set out to two different malls that were in totally opposite directions, only because CrossIron Mills had 500 gift bags to hand out, first-come first-serve kind of thing (starting at 8 am). however, me and my sister went to bed late and could only arrive by 8:30 and by then, 500 shoppers had beaten us to it. i honestly thought that we could still make it cause it IS a Friday (people should be working right?) and the mall was an outlet mall (not even in our city! but then again, it wouldn't be considered far for us true shoppers).

after walking around CrossIron Mills for a bit, we headed out to Chinook Mall which was our original Black Friday destination.

lemme show you what i got over the weekend:

left to right:
* Forever 21 // "I Love Band Boys" Logo Top (White) - okay, this is not something i normally wear but my sister found it and thought it was funny (my boyfriend plays guitar in a couple bands). and it was only $2.49 (50% off sale items)! so i figured i can just wear it to sleep.
original price: $12.80; paid: $2.49

* Forever 21 // Lace Cami (Cream) - i've always wanted a bandeau to wear under sheer or low cut tops. i like how it isn't strapless either - one less thing to worry about!
original price: $9.80; paid $7.00

* Forever 21 // Sequin Shorts (Black/Blue) - they're sequin shorts! if i don't feel like wearing a dress or skirt, this could be an easy way to dress up an outfit. another 50% off sale item.
original price: $27.80; paid: $6.49

* Old Navy // Sequin Scoop Neck Sweater (Black Jack) - my sister has been eyeing down sweaters that have sequins sewn into them and this one was a good length and had a round neckline. the line at Old Navy was insane!!! there were like 7 cashiers and i still waited a good 15 minutes in line. geebers.
original price: $39.94; paid: $25.00

* Forever 21 // Button Up Peplum Blouse (Cream) - this was not on sale but i love the black collar and cuffs. it's also my first peplum top!
original price: $23.80; paid: $21.42 (SPC 10% off)

* Forever 21 // Zip Up Peplum Bustier (Black) - this is not something i would normally get but i like how there is a balance between edgy and girly. the top is form-fitting while the bottom half is semi-sheer and flowy.
original price: $23.80; paid: $21.42 (SPC 10% off)

* Urban Outfitters // Lace Floral Tights - these are officially my most "fun" looking tights. now we will see how often i will actually wearing them.
original price: $20.00; paid: $2.49 (50% off sale)

* Forever 21 // Makeup Brush Set & Holder - i could not care less for the brushes that are inside (in fact, i just noticed there is only 4 out of 5 in there - haha) but i just really wanted the animal print brush holder! i sometimes like to carry makeup brushes with me and this is perfect! it also has a zippered pocket inside and magnetic clasps.
original price: $5.80; paid: $0.49 (what! haha yeah it was 50% off sale too)

* Call It Spring // Esparaza Flats - so sparkly!! these flats are covered in white sequins that look pink when you move around.
original price: $30.00; paid: $4.99 (50% off sale)

* Bluenotes // Casual Skirt (Black) - sometimes i just need a really plain black skirt to go with a flashier top and here it was for $2!
original price: $6.00; paid: $2.00

 * Sephora // bareMinerals Let It Glow - so i really did not need any more bronzers but for some reason, i bought 2. i got this one because i loved the brush! it looks like it would be great for cheekbones.
original price & paid: $12

* Sephora // Too Faced Cocoa Glow - so with this bronzer, i much preferred the compacted version rather than the mineral bronzer. that is the story of how i ended up with both.
original price & paid: $12

* Sephora // Kat Von D True Romance Pigments (Meditation) - this pretty pigment was in the Sale section and i have not tried any Kat Von D products nor have i really experimented with pigments. guess i was in the mood to be a little adventurous!
original price: $19.00; paid: $7.00

* Rexall // Duo Eyelash Adhesive in "Dark" - who would have though Rexall would have some awesome sales too!! i don't wear falsies often but i could not resist this sale... i felt the need to pick up not one, but two of these eyelash adhesives because they were the dark ones! i've also heard that Duo eyelash glue is one of the best ones out there so now's a good time as any to try them!
original price: $7.29 x 2 = 14.58; paid: $1.87 x 2 = $3.74

* Rexall // Duo Professional Eyelashes in "Unknown, D13, D14" - i do not know why there is one unlabeled but they looked fun and dramatic so into the basket it went. i was not really feeling "D14 Short and Spiked" but it "adds thickness to thin, sparse lashes" which is an exact description of mine so again, into the basket.
original price: $13.69 x 3 = $41.07; paid: $3.47 x 3 = $10.41

* Rexall // Prestige Brow Lash - needed one for my boyfriend's place. can't say no to a 50% off sign either.
original price: $2.99; paid: $1.31

* Rexall // Prestige Brow Perfection in "Medium to Dark" - i have taken a deeper interest into eyebrows lately so this was great timing! all Prestige items were 50% off so i decided to try this one. it sounds interesting enough - step 1 is a tinted fiber filler and step 2 is a clear setting gel conditioner. i will let you know when i figure it out!
original price: $8.99; paid: $4.10

* The Body Shop // All-in-One Face Base - i actually bought this prior to Black Friday but it's only because The Body Shop was having awesome sales leading up to the date. i picked this up during their 50% off all makeup sale and i did a ton of research prior. i went to two different stores and both times, the sales lady did not seem to know what color suited me best. the first time, the lady was just handing me all the tester ones and waited for me to decide. the second time, the lady tried to test them on my arm but she'd also pick out shades that were way too orange. she said that if it didn't work out, i can just bring it back. guess i'll just take my chances with this one (it's #45).
original price: $22.00; paid: $9.90

* Winners // Color Club Winter Affair Mini Collection - say what! this is actually a Holiday 2012 collection. i did not know Winners carried the latest nail collections. anyways, i was easily mesmerized by all the pretty colors in this mini set! the colors are: "Berry and Bright", "Ho-Ho-Holly", "Gift of Sparkle" and "Snow-Flakes". i love every single one in this set - especially "Snow-Flakes" which is a flakie top coat! i had Essie's "Shine of the Times" on my wishlist so i can cross it off (for now). i'm so excited to use this!!
original price & paid: $6.99

okay so you think i've reached the end but nope!
i made a few online orders as well... i'll do a separate post on them later when i actually receive it but i'll just quickly summarize right now:

* MUA Store (35% off and free shipping) - really it is the timing! i have not tried MUA products before but they seem like a great and affordable makeup company. and then they reached 35,000 likes on FB and they had this crazy deal! i picked up 1 eyeshadow palette, 1 eyeliner, 5 lipsticks (oops), 1 gloss, 4 nail polishes, 1 concealer and 1 pressed powder. i had to refrain from making a ridiculously large order and kept telling myself that i could always try more later (like when they reach 50,000 likes!)
original price: $48.98; paid: $23.87

* Sea Lore Nail Polish (15% off) - i took advantage of Cyber Monday and decided to order my very first indie nail polish purchase. i picked up "Beluga Blizzard" (mini), "Ariel" and "Attina" (mini). "Ariel" was a must since i was already thinking months ago that it would be a perfect Christmas present for my sister (Ariel is her favorite Disney princess).
original price: $25.43; paid: $22.21

* Fanchromatic Nails (select full size polishes for $6, minis 10% off) - make that TWO indie polish purchases in one day. i absolutely love love love Firefly/Serenity so i was searching for nail polishes that were inspired by them. i missed out on the Nerd Lacquer ones but i found a couple from Fanchromatic Nails. i am very excited! i bought "Layer Cake", "Blue Sun", "Dire Wolf" and "Wowsville" (last 3 are minis).
original price: $27.83; paid: $22.01

* Miss KL (16% off and free shipping) - only ordered one item but this was the first site i've found that charges handling separately so that's the slight catch! it was $2.00 for handling.
i got a long-sleeve bodysuit that i can wear easily with skirts. i don't like how sometimes my shirt ridges up so this is a great way to make sure it remains tucked in all day!
original price: US$13 + shipping; paid: US$11.26

okay NOW i am done. or at least i think i am. i know i listed all my spending here but i am afraid to add it up.
what purchases did you make? any awesome deals you could not say no to?

SPOTLIGHT: Los Angeles Trip // Aug 23 - 29, 2012

i am back from my trip!!

it all started when 2NE1 (a Korean female group) decided to embark on their first ever world tour and only chose to perform in 2 cities in North America (so far anyway): Los Angeles and Newark.
Los Angeles was more appealing so off we went to catch our flight at 6 am on August 23.

so to spare you the details, here's a quick recap of my trip:

Thursday, August 23  
- rental car from Midway... very good prices here
- hotel at Marriott Courtyard Ventura in Simi Valley (which is ~45 minutes away from downtown L.A.)... not somewhere i would normally book if i had not have a family member who got a discount (thanks!)
- In-N-Out Burger... quite delicious!
- shopping at Camarillo Outlet... HUGE place, i would definitely recommend to those wanting to get great deals!

Friday, August 24
- strolled down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, checked out the hand/footprints in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre... Hollywood Blvd is a bit dirtier than expected - be careful of random homeless men mooning you or asking you for money for cocaine and hookers
- went to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum... quite life-like! took a lot of fun photos
- 2NE1 concert at Nokia Center... fantastic concert but unimpressive merchandise
- ate the spiciest tteokbokki ever

Saturday, August 25
- did some Koreatown shopping... shops are quite overpriced but food is fantastic!
- waited THREE hours to eat at a highly recommended Korean BBQ All You Can Eat... had to actually grab an appetizer at the bar next door but it was actually really delicious. i get super cranky when i am hungry though

Sunday, August 26
- visited the happiest place on Earth... Disneyland. did the 1-day park hopper. warning: one day is NOT enough to visit two parks. we were there from approximately 9 am - 12:30 am and felt that there was just too much to do!
- i found the Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland were both huge and equally fun
- rides are amazing, lineups are pretty long (30+ minutes) but single rider lines and FASTPASS can save you sooo much time; for example: Cars Land just opened so the ride Radiatior Springs Racers had a 2 1/2 hour + wait. ridiculous!!! we decided to split our group up and do the single rider which ended up being like 40 minutes.
- World of Color is a show that uses water, light, fire and color... it is the most amazing thing i have ever seen in my life. a MUST-SEE. i was seriously overwhelmed at this point and thought i might cry hahaha. too bad they experienced technical difficulties halfway and had to stop the show!!!
- spent a ton of money on merchandise but now that i think about it, i should have spent more! i hate that i regret not buying a few more things.

Monday, August 27
- recovery day. ate at Jack in the Box. very affordable! pancakes were cute haha
- went hydrobiking at Long Beach (got it from Groupon)... this resulted in having a sore butt for the rest of the trip but the scenery was amazing
- South Coast Mall in Costa Mesa... VERY expensive!!! i tried on Christian Louboutins for the first time in my life! although i have to say they were not comfortable
- walked the Santa Monica beach at night. so gorgeous!

Tuesday, August 28
- Universal Studios!... less rides than Disneyland so got to ride all except for one so like 4 rides? they were mostly motion stimulation rides. favorite: Jurassic Park - but be warned that people wore ponchos for a reason!! i was laughing at them but they knew what was going on
- Universal Studios also had much shorter hours (10-6) so right after close, we decided to do one of those tours on Hollywood Blvd. visited celebrities homes and yadadada. i uncontrollably squealed when we passed by Orlando Bloom's (and Miranda Kerr's) home.
- visited a Walgreens and a CVS - hooray!

Wednesday, August 29
- quickly scrambled to fit in everything before leaving... went to Macy's and Target. Macy's was having an AWESOME shoe sale - and when i say awesome, i mean awesome. Nine West, BCBG shoes going for like $20 - ack! but sadly, nothing (except a pair of sandals) in my size! Target had such a lovely lovely lovely cosmetics section. i wanted so much stuff but had to walk away. they sell e.l.f. products there too!
- walked around a bit in Chinatown but it was the hottest day ever. i read somewhere it was like 38 degrees.
- departed LAX at 5:50 pm.

and now onto the exciting part: pictures of what i bought (prices in US$ - not listed for items i will be reviewing)!

starting off with makeup:

1) e.l.f. Eyelid Primer (Target)
2) e.l.f. Matte Lip Color in "Coral" (Target)
3) e.l.f. Matte Lip Color in "Tea Rose" (Target)
4) Maybelline Expertwear Luminous Lights Eyeshadow Collection in "Opal Lights" (Target)
5) Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in "Just Peachy" (Walgreens)
6) Love & Beauty Hydrating Lipstick in "Rose" (Forever 21)
7) Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick in "Coral" (CVS)
8) Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Charm" (CVS)

on to nails:

9) Love & Beauty Nail Polish in "Crystal Pink" (Forever 21)
10) Love & Beauty Nail Polish in "Patina/Fairy Tale Blue" (Forever 21)
11) Sinful Colors Nail Polish in "Super Nova" (Walgreens)
12) Sinful Colors Nail Polish in "Pink" (Walgreens)
13) e.l.f. Nail Polish in "20417" (Target)

some beauty tools:

14) Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Brush Couture 4 Pc Travel Brush Set (Target)
15) Sonia Kashuk Kashuk Tools Complexion Perfector (Target)
16) Nudy Double Eyelid Tape - 68 Pieces (Palace Beauty)

and jewelry:

17) Minnie Bow Necklace (Disney Parks; $12.95)
18) Minnie Dotted Charm Bracelet (Disney Parks; $9.95)

of course, some clothes:

19) Stella Skirt in "Eternal Animal" (Cotton On; $5.00 - was $17.95)
20) Mossimo Supply Co. Shorts (Target; $12.58 - was $17.99)
21) Trixie 3/4 Sleeve Lace Shoulder in "Black" (Cotton On; $2.00 - was $12.90)

more specifically, dresses:

22) Viva You Long Chiffon Dress (Attitudes; $17.60 - was $44; retail $90)
23) Weavers Striped Heart Dress (The Garage; $5)
24) Double Zero Strapless/Banding Dress (Attitudes; $18 - was $45; retail $100)
25) Chiffon Dress (Essue; $29.99 - was $45.99)

regrettably, only one pair of shoes:

26) INC International Concepts Maura Sandals in "Leopard" (Macy's; $7.49 - was $29.95)

some new bags:

27) Carry Me Around in "Tan/Beige" (Cotton On; $5 - was $14.95)
28) Clutch/Bag (H&M; $10 - was $17.95)

and who could resist these two stuffed animals:

29) Round Pooh (Disney Parks; $17.95)
30) Round Eeyore (Disney Parks; $17.95)

what i learned from this trip:
* check if your airline charges baggage fees!! sounds simple right? however, i did not take this into consideration since i've never had this happen before when i went to Australia and Mexico. $25 each way :(
* wear socks on an airplane. having cold feet means not being able to sleep.
* "washrooms" is not a term used in the states - they will look at you funny or chuckle to themselves and say, "you mean restrooms?"
* iced tea doesn't exist or rather, it is unsweetened - which doesn't make any sense to me. who likes it unsweetened??
* the BBQ sauce at McDonalds is NOT the same. the American version is too BBQ-y. haha yes that's right, it has too much of a BBQ flavor to it. i prefer the Canadian version.
* portions are HUMONGOUS. we could hardly ever finish what we order.

so what items should i review first?? i have a ton to do from before the trip still as well as some beauty box reviews but let me know if there is any you are specifically interested in.

GOODIES: First Online Sephora Purchase

helloooo everybody!
i wanted to share my experience with placing my first Sephora order online. i've always ooh-ed and ahh-ed at all the fancy products they have on the website. i love checking out new palettes or makeup sets. but then i never go through with an actual order since i live close to a number of Sephora locations and in order to get free shipping, i have to spend at least $75.

in case you haven't ordered online with them before, it came in a cardboard box with lots of paper stuffed inside.

well, one day i decided that i should get my sister something for Sister Day (the first Sunday of August). i mean, why not get her something and have her feel guilty for the rest of the year? hahaha, i am kidding ...
here is what i got:

sorry for the bad photo! there will be better ones later!

seeing that my sister lost a tokidoki lipgloss (that i also bought her) and that Sephora was no longer going to be carrying tokidoki, i thought i should grab a few items while i had the chance. my sister is just venturing into the land of makeup so i decided to get her a super cute tokidoki Airways Palette. it has 8 eyeshadows and a keychain. one of the eyeshadows is called "Los Angeles" which fits in perfectly with our upcoming vacation! the little tin suitcase as well as the sale price was more than enough to convince me.

from here on, i just had to get to $75 to get free shipping, so i indulged a little. just a little.
i decided to also get two tokidoki Nail Confetti & Nail Art Stickers in "Stellina" and "Savana" since i have succumbed completely to the nail glitter craze.

next, i placed the Buxom Travel in Style set in my cart so i could try out their lip polish and lip stick in my current favorite lip shade of the moment - peach. it didn't hurt that it was a dollar off and made it to the sale section (i have a keen eye for this!).

another Buxom product i picked up is the Buxom Armed and Gorgeous. it is consisted of 3 double-ended eye sticks. i've been eyeing this for so long but i've heard mixed reviews about them. i figured i needed to reach the $75 mark so if anything, i'd give it a go. note, this was the most expensive item in the order!

i also threw in a Sephora Wave Hair Clamp which i have never heard of but was intrigued. reviews were good so i thought $5, why not! thinking back, it was definitely an impulse purchase. the clamp turned out to be much smaller than expected. i think i would need two (or maybe even 3!) in order to get all of my hair. it would look odd with just half of my hair done.

and some happy extras!! i love promos!!!
* Benefit Cosmetics - Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in "Silver Spoon" (free with $25 purchase or something like that!)
* Sephora/Fresh - Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Duo (hooray for being a beauty insider and birthdays!)

with this purchase, i threw in 3 samples i was very excited to try:
* Urban Decay - Naked Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup
* Kat Von D - Lock-It Tattoo Foundation
* Benefit Cosmetics - 'Hello Flawless!' Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation
most unfortunately, Sephora only sent me one of the three samples (the Benefit one). i was so excited thinking that i could test all 3 of these liquid foundations out. i have emailed them about the issue. has anyone else had this problem before?

-- update Sept 4, 2012 -- i am sorry i didn't update you on what happened with this Sephora order and the missing samples earlier. after my first email, Sephora emailed me back saying that they could not give me replacement samples because it is not something their warehouse can do. i found this answer ridiculous because it does not solve my problem at all. i sent them another email explaining how the samples were a key reason why i ordered online in the first place (i live close to a number of Sephora stores and the items were available there too). customer service replied, offering me a "one time courtesy" of $5 to be used online. this doesn't help at all since this means i have to make another online order, and $5 would not even cover the $7.95 shipping if i chose NOT to spend over $75. to add on top of this, i checked my Sephora account and cannot find this $5 credit so i have to email them AGAIN. bah!! not liking the online Sephora experience. --

the order was made on July 26, 2012. Sephora notified me that they shipped it on July 27. from this day on, I kept trying to login to my account and track my package but I kept getting an error message. this is because i did not know that there would be two different shipping notifications. the first being that it was shipped to their Canadian border facility (Borderfree) and from there, shipped to your address. i got another notification that Borderfree shipped it on August 7. by this time, i was hoping that the package will arrive since it says on the site that total delivery time is 6-12 business days. i received it on August 13. exactly 12 business days. if you count weekends, it was a very long wait! especially since Sister Day was on the 5th. oops!

so anyways, i am quite excited to try out everything i ordered. do not worry, i hope to share my experiences soon! i'll also borrow the tokidoki palette for some swatches - i'm sure she won't mind. i hope i sort out the issue with the samples too.
do you guys like to order online with Sephora?