MINI MAKEUP HAUL: Priceline ☆

Hi hi, I'm back with a mini makeup haul! Although it's nothing much, my mum and I did do a lot of damage $$$ wise with what we both bought on the day. Priceline, Australia's version of a drugstore, had another 40% off all makeup event recently and I couldn't not take advantage of it. Today I'll just be going through what I bought for myself though, and maybe give some thoughts on some of the products since I've started using a few already. I've put them in no particular order.

The first thing I gravitated to was my much-loved foundation, the Revlon Colorstay. My shade is 150 Buff and I use the one made for combination/oily skin. It's normally on sale for $35, but it was reduced to $21. If you haven't tried this foundation and you want something with great coverage, then I highly recommend this! I first tried it when I bought it especially for my formal (prom) makeup. I bought it in one shade darker at the time since I thought it was my colour, but I liked it so much that I went and bought another one in the right shade. Since I'm nearly out of my current foundation, I figured I'd pick it up since I had no luck getting it the last time there was a sale on. I normally like to mix it with my bb cream when I do my makeup.

The second thing I bought was this Australis pressed powder in the shade Natural. I've actually heard some pretty good things about this stuff from various Australian beauty gurus on youtube, so I thought I'd give it a try. I didn't really have a good pressed powder on hand and I thought it might be good for travelling since it has a nice mirror and it's quite compact. It's known as quite a cheap drugstore brand, but it has some good quality products in my opinion.

The next thing I got was this Essence 3D eyeshadow in 08 Irresistible Vanilla Latte. I personally think Essence makes some really good stuff for the cheap price you pay. I'm a really big glitter/shimmer junkie when it comes to eye makeup though, so I was really excited when I swatched this eyeshadow in store. I've already used it a couple of times as an all over eyeshadow and inner highlight, and I love it. 101% recommend!

Surprise, another shimmery eyeshadow! This is the Almay eyeshadow in Creme Brûlée. This was another eyeshadow I fell in love with when I swatched it in store. I normally don't pay attention to Almay, but I couldn't resist buying it. It's such a pretty colour, the photo doesn't do it justice honestly. It comes off as a really sheer wash of champagne glittery goodness. Yep, officially in love.

So I promise these pictures are of the same lipstick, the first one came out a lot redder that it actually is unfortunately. The second photo is a lot more accurate in terms of what the colour actually looks like though. Anyway, the next thing I got was the Rimmel London lipstick in 103. I'm sure it has a name, but it's not written anywhere on the capsule. I did already use it the day I got it, so I apologise for the gross picture of the lipstick bullet. It's a really nice dusty pink colour appropriate for everyday use, like a my-lips-but-better shade.

Another thing I bought was the Essence lipstick in 01 Coral Calling. Again, the second photo shows the colour a lot more accurate than the first. It was literally less that $3, how do you say no? It's a really nice coral shade and it's surprisingly quite pigmented. I honestly didn't expect much from it, but it's pretty decent and it leaves a nice sheen on the lips. Definitely something I'd be happy to wear everyday.

The next thing I got was a Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya. It's a nice light orange/coral shade, perfect for on the go. I already have 4 other shades from the collection, so I couldn't resist. I love these so much, I still remember when they first came out. My mum also got one in Wild Watermelon which I wanted in the first place, but I figure I can always just borrow it when I feel like it.

The next thing I ended up getting is the Savvy High Shine Lacquer in Walk of Fame. This was technically meant for my mum, but she tried it on after and it ended up looking really unflattering on her skin tone. I'm normally not into these type of liquid formulas, but it's not a bad colour and it doesn't look too bad on. These tend to be a lot more messy in terms of application though.

The last thing I got was an Australis brow tint in the shade Blonde. I've actually been using a Tonymoly browcara, but I thought I'd give this a go since I've seen some Australian people on youtube use it. Since my eyebrows are quite thick and practically black, I've been enjoying tinting them so they don't stand out too much. After trying this brow tint though, I think I've found a great alternative. It is a bit of a hassle to order products every now and then, so it's nice to have a good alternative nearby. It does a really good job in taming and lightening my eyebrows, so overall I'm pretty happy! I just make sure not to overdue the tint or else it looks hella unnatural.

Now I won't need to buy makeup for the next 20 years :) :) :)

REVIEW: Etude House Lock 'N Summer Face Conditioning Fixer

I'M BAAAAAAAAAACK, HI
I'm reviewing the Etude House Lock 'N Summer Face Conditioning Fixer this time. I first saw it being used by a beauty guru on Youtube, but didn't really pay much attention to it until summer came. I wasn't prepared to have my make-up melt off my face again, basically. It's my first time trying one, so I won't be able to compare it to anything unfortunately. I've been using it for over a month now though so I think I have a good idea of how this product adds up.

According to the Etude House website and actual packaging, "This is a makeup boosting fixer that once applied, provides a cool calming effect and perfects long-lasting smooth makeup". While I might be able to testify to the slightly better longevity of my makeup, I'm not so sure about the "cool calming effect" that it's supposed to give.

You get 80ml of product, so a pretty reasonable amount. I've been using it for over a month now, close to 2 months I think, and I still have around 2/3 of it left. Although I don't use it everyday, I usually spray my face with 5-6 pumps.

 

Directions are as follows: Lightly spray before or during makeup for better makeup application and moisture, or last step of makeup fix.

I've actually tried using the spray both under and over my makeup, so whether you spray it under or over, I think it really depends on what sort of look you're trying to go for. Since I have combination/oily skin, I'm normally really oily by the end of the day so I personally prefer to spray my face after I finish putting on my bb cream/foundation and my concealer, then powder at the end. I did notice a lot of creasing especially under my eyes and around my mouth, the few times I tried spraying my face after I did all my makeup. If you're not prone to creasing and want to achieve the dewy look, then you shouldn't have any problems with this.

The bottle comes with a basic spray nozzle. Luckily it's not one those nozzles that spray in one direction, so it's quite decent. Although one spray probably won't cover your entire face, I typically like to spray 5-6 times on my forehead, chin, cheeks and lastly the centre of my face.

Did I mention the smell? It has a really sweet zesty scent, like a mix of lemon, lime and orange. It somehow reminds me of those all purpose sprays you use to clean, but it's quite pleasant. The scent doesn't linger too long either, so it's great for those who are sensitive to smell.

Conclusion:
I would say that this is a pretty decent product. I've noticed that my bb cream/foundation and concealer tends to set a lot nicer whenever I spray this over, and it also gives a nice healthy sheen under my powder which I don't mind at all. I'm not sure if I can say that it prolongs the longevity of my makeup, but my makeup no longer looks as cakey as it used to at the end of the day. It hasn't broken me out at all too, which is a plus! I've never tried using it throughout the middle of day, though I know most sprays can be used to refresh your makeup if you feel like your skin is dry or cakey. As the first ever setting spray that I've tried though, I can safely give this an overall good review.

PROS:
- Refreshing
- Sets makeup nicely
- Gives a healthy sheen
- Prevents makeup from looking cakey
- Pleasant scent

CONS:
- May accentuate fine lines if you're prone to creasing

Would you repurchase?
I probably would to be honest, if I can't find a better setting spray perhaps. I would like to try out other brands after I finish using it up though ^^

My First Soccer Game

So since the Asian Cup is being held in Australia this year, me and some friends thought it'd cool to go watch a soccer game in the city. I kind of regret not going to more games since the tickets were so cheap (literally $4.50), but there weren't many "good" games being played in Melbourne, in my opinion anyway. So, we settled for a Japan vs Jordan game. We came to support Japan, of course.

I've always liked watching soccer on TV, my dad and I would even wake up ridiculously early (4-5am) to watch the premier league games live. I would then go to school the same day looking like a complete zombie #yolo. Despite that, I had never actually been to a real soccer game, so this was my first time going. It was pretty surreal. I never thought I'd actually be at a live sport event, being the not-so-sporty/uncoordinated person I am. Soccer and volleyball are probably the only exceptions.

Our seats were pretty darn decent for the price, though we ended up sitting near a lot of the Jordan supporters. Probably because a lot of the Japanese supporters had already taken up most of the seats allocated to them specifically. Nonetheless, it was pretty obvious which side had a bigger fan-base.

Most of the Japanese supports on the right

Jordan supporters on the left
It was a really decent game and Japan ended up winning 2-0 in the end. I feel like I zoned out at each goal since I only realised they had kicked a goal when the crowd suddenly stood up and starting cheering. I promise to pay more attention next time. I walked away happy anyway! I definitely want to go to another soccer game if I get the chance though, regardless of if it's in Australia or not.

A photo posted by ∆LYSS∆ (@alyssalmighty) on Jan 20, 2015 at 5:09am PST

Bonus selfie, pls don't hate me Natt <333

I GOT ACCEPTED

FORGIVE THE CAPS LOCK BUT I'M LITERALLY SO HAPPY I DSFKJFCSGADS. I just got an email from my university, stating that I've been accepted into their exchange program. Omg. Like, I was shaking for the longest period of time out of happiness and disbelief. I also got into my first preference university in Japan AND I'll be receiving $5000 funding for my exchange. I almost feel like I can die happy now. The feels ;3;

My mum literally had tears in her eyes when I told her about it. She's a firm believer of hope, faith and praying for what you want. I won't lie, it was the greatest feeling knowing that my mum was proud of me despite me feeling like a constant failure. Being Filipino and knowing her, she'll have already told half of her friends about it. She even made a Facebook status in all capitals...

So as long as everything goes smoothly from here and I get all required documents completed, it looks like I'll be spend a year in Japan starting at the end of this year. I think I'll need time for that to sink in. I'll be in my bedroom crying happy tears if anyone needs me.

REVIEW: Clio Waterproof Kill Black Brush Liner

I'm reviewing Clio's Waterproof Kill Black Brush Liner this time. I first got it around 2 months ago, but only now am I getting around to reviewing it #slack. I've been using it a lot since then so I can safely say that I really like this product. I was originally on the hunt for a new liquid eyeliner, since I wanted an alternative to the Missha Super-Extreme Waterproof Eyeliner I had been using. After reading many good reviews on it, I thought I'd give it a go.
According to the packaging,

"Brush liner helps you to draw clear eye lines with deep black (Included in Carbon Black) color. It is waterproof and no smudge formula so you can enjoy clear lines for a long time. Flexible brush is easy to draw fine and delicate eye lines without stimulation around eyes."

I actually wasn't aware that the eyeliner came with a makeup cleansing oil when I ordered it online, so I was surprised when I got the package. I haven't tried the cleansing oil yet since I keep forgetting I have it, so I can't say if it's any good. You do get 20ml of cleansing oil and 6ml of eyeliner though, which is isn't bad. I may or may not make a separate review on the cleansing oil, if and when I get a chance to use it.


The eyeliner pen itself is really light and slim, making it really easy to use and manoeuvre. You can also make sure the cap is put on properly, since you need to push it on hard enough to hear a snap. This is something to appreciate since eyeliners in pen or brush form usually tend to dry out much faster if the cap isn't put on properly. Probably one reason why I usually stray away from these sort of products.



Ignore the fact that my hand looks hella scaly ㅠㅠ Moving on, the actual brush tip is super duper pointy, as you can see, which makes it super easy to create crisp winged eyeliner. It's especially ideal for those who like rocking the thinner, more natural liner, though it's just as easy to create thicker lines. I also like that the brush is somewhat flexible, as opposed to some liners that come with a really stiff applicator.

The eyeliner formula itself isn't bad either. Though I've never worn it in the water, I've heard that it's very water resistant and I usually have a hard time rubbing it off the back of my hand, despite running it under water. I haven't had many problems with smudging throughout the day either, so I can safely say that it stays put for a majority of the day, though it may just be my eye primer working its magic.

The finish isn't entirely matte, but not super glossy. The colour is really pigmented too, because who doesn't love a deep black liner?!

Conclusion:
I may have just found the (almost) perfect liquid eyeliner. I love it. I did have a problem with not enough product coming out at first, but the trick is to have it standing upside down, with the brush facing down so it can absorb the liquid liner. Being so light and slim, you can practically take it anywhere with you and the formula is great. After my first horrible experience with pen/brush liners, I was really hesitant about this product but I'm really glad I gave it a try. It's definitely worth all the hype.

PROS:
- Waterproof and smudge proof
- Pigmented
- Sleek packaging
- Easy to use

CONS:
There aren't many, as long as you wipe the brush clean every now and then like advised and make sure the cap is on properly to avoid the brush drying out.

Would you repurchase?
Yes, definitely! I'm probably going to buy it again once I feel like my current liner is running out. I'd really like to try the brown version too, since I've never tried brown liquid eyeliner.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I hope everyone had a fantastic new years! I spent it in my room on my laptop, streaming the MBC music festival live from Korea. It's become a yearly thing, not sure if #sad or #pathetic. Nonetheless, I actually don't mind it.

I really suck with new year resolutions as many do, since I end up forgetting all about it a week later. Regardless, I think I'd just like to work on becoming a better person overall this year. I want to try living a healthier lifestyle, and making new friends while maintaining the friendships I already have. As always, let's just hope that this year is better than the rest.
That's about it. I hope you all have a sweet 2015 ^^

REVIEW: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Primer

First of all, I hope everyone had a lovely christmas! I'm finally reviewing Innisfree's No-Sebum Mineral Primer, after much delay. I've had it for a while now so I think it's safe to say I know how I feel about this product. I hadn't used a Korean primer before and I had read some good reviews about Innisfree's No-Sebum line and the primer itself, so I thought I'd give it a go. According to the packaging,

"This sebum controlling primer smoothly refines pores and fine lines as it presents you with a shine-free complexion".

Ever since I started wearing primer under my make-up, I've truly appreciated its purpose and I've never gone back. I've actually forgotten to wear primer countless times by accident, then I've gone to check my face afterwards and realised how patchy my make-up up looks. But by then, it's too late to start over. The moral of this? Primer makes a difference.



The product itself comes in a squeeze tube as pictured, with a little nozzle ideal for controlling the amount of product that comes out. You get 25ml of product, which is quite reasonable honestly since you don't need very much for every application. Forgive my fail attempt at focussing, I didn't realise until I uploaded the photos ㅠㅠ


The actual primer itself is clear and easy blend, leaving a nice satin-like finish much like your typical silicone based primer. I couldn't find the ingredients written anywhere, unless it's the bunch of Korean written on the packaging, that I can't understand #fail.

Directions are as follows: "After your daily skincare routine, apply an appropriate amount and lightly spread onto areas where excess shine is a concern and gently pat to finish."


Probably not the best comparison picture, but you can tell that the primer took away the shine and the fine lines are slightly blurred compared to the side that has no primer. As for smell, it reminds me of the glue sticks you use in school. It doesn't bother me at all though, since the smell disappears after application.

Conclusion:
If anything, I think it's quite comparable to Maybelline's Baby Skin Pore Eraser, which I also use from time to time. Both leave a satin-like finish and the texture is very silicone-like. Having a very oily/combination skin type, I can't say that it leaves me totally matte for a prolonged period of time, but it definitely does it's job in smoothing out the texture of my skin and makes my make-up glide on much smoother. I can say that it does leave me looking less shiny than I normally would be without primer, though I can't say much about it's lasting power given that I get so ridiculously oily. From my experience though, primer is definitely a necessity for me and anyone else who wants their make-up lasting longer and looking flawless. Perhaps not the best primer in my opinion, but still recommendable ^^

PROS:
- Gets rid of shine and excess oil
- Helps make-up glide on smoother
- Leaves skin looking matte for a while

CONS:
- Questionable lasting power (Obviously varies on skin type)

Would you repurchase?
Yes, probably. It's a nice cheap alternative that definitely serves some benefits to your make-up. I would like to venture out and try other Korean primers though, in order to compare.