Michael Todd Haul, New Kicks, Bloglovin', and Sephora Chic Week Wishlist ^_^

Hi guys!

Happy Saturday! ^_^ hope you guys have been doing well! Before I forget, I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm using Bloglovin' now. You can find the button on the right →→→→→→→→→→→→

I learned that the Google reader will be shutting down some time this summer (thanks Mandy, for letting me know ^_^) and after experiencing loads of glitches with my Google reader.... I decided to maybe it's time to use a different system. I'm really not used to Bloglovin'... yet. I don't know I can't follow some blogs from there (kept telling me the blog cannot be found... the f). So anyway! If you'd like to keep in touch with my blog, feel free to check it out :) or there's the e-mail subscription option too, or you can simply bookmark XD whatever floats your boat :3

So you might remember I'm on a skincare ban... and yes I'm still on it. But shockingly =_= I ran out of moisturizer!!!!!!! what the what?! I know... I thought I have SO much skincare that I probably don't have to buy anything for an entire year and there I was... no moisturizer!!! Well to be exact I have no "light" moisturizer. I still have some heavy duty products, but with the seasons changing, I needed something light to suit my needs, as I was starting to feel my skin getting dull and sluggish from all the heavy creams and lotions.

After hearing about Michael Todd from Raeview and Tanya, I decided to check out his line :3 which is pretty cool cuz I kind of ran out of brands I was interested in trying. Their recommendations came in just in time =D

I got the travel size kit for normal/combination skin so I can try out more products. Each product is about 1 oz which is a pretty good size. (By the way guys I just realized there's a promotion now and the whole kit is only $19!!! WTF I paid $40 some dollars for it). The intensive eye cream is a free gift that comes with the kit so that's always welcome (bigger than I thought too... it's actually a full-sized product). I also purchased Moisture Lite light hydrating moisturizer that I can use for the summer.




So far I've only tried the citrus cream moisturizer, and I have to say it's heavier than I thought (I thought for normal/combo it'd be a bit lighter). Extremely moisturizing which is really good, but I think more suitable for the winter. So I might have to switch to Moisture Lite soon because I don't think my skin needs this much at the moment. But I have to say I HATE the scent for the citrus cream moisturizer >_< I usually have a really high tolerance for organic smell... but to me this moisturizer doesn't even smell organic... smells like grandma's perfume >___< I don't know. Every time I apply it I go URGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! LOL.


Moving on, I bought myself a new pair of NIKEs a couple weeks ago >////<

These are the NIKE Free Run 3 :)

Not gonna lie they cost an arm and a leg... but since I've been working out very consistently for over a year now :D I figure I deserve them and they're worth the investment-- I have been doing a lot of high impact workout, after all. Originally  I was looking for something with a big "air bag" for cushioning (air bag?? lol), something like this. But after hearing that I wanted something that will help absorb the impact to spare my knees from all the stress, the salesperson recommended me these NIKE Free Run. He told me because the bottom have a lot of flex to it, it really helps spread the impact. After trying both Air Max and Free Run, I decided I agree with him, and Free Runs are easier on my knees-- I really don't know much about workout gears, but I feel like the Free Runs are so light that I land easier too, if that makes any sense.




I got mine in 5.0. There are 3.0 and 4.0 as well. The lower the number the more flexible the soles are. Honestly 3.0 and 4.0 all felt very soft and comfortable to me and I liked them all XD but I decided on 5.0 simply because I thought they might be more durable... ahahahahahaha who the hell knows. I've been working out in them for the last few weeks and I must say I've been LOVING them. My knees feel so much better now (lol I have pretty weak knees to begin with). Probably my best purchase by far this year ^_^


And as you all are probably aware, Sephora is having the Chic Week 15% off sale from 4/11-4/22/13. And of course I couldn't resist placing an order... even though technically speaking I don't really need anything >_<


1. Benefit Hervana blush

Been eyeing this blush for a while now. I've been really really into pink blushes lately O_O and just really want this addition to my collection lol!

2. Wen Cleansing Conditioner


I had wanted to try this ever since I saw this from ohhaiclaire's channel. Was gonna buy this on Amazon but realized Sephora carries it!! Yay!!!


Claire is my most recent discovery on Youtube/newest subscription. I've been unsubscribing from quite a few Youtubers so I was looking for new channels to watch. She kind of reminds me of Hollyannaeree with her no nonsense attitude ;) for me she kind of looks like Hollyannaeree+ Fashionista804.... anyone else think so??? LOL. Anyway I'm obsessed with her hair!!! So voluminous!!! I jelly T____________T too bad I'm so lazy with my hair so I'll never attempt the blow drying thing XD  But I've been trying to take better care of my hair lately (my hair has been falling out more than it used to since I lost weight... but I will talk about that more in another post) and this seems like something worth trying. Oh as a little update on the Clear shampoo... after using it for a while I can't feel any difference anymore (I stopped using my other shampoo and just used Clear alone just to test it out). My hair sort of returned to its previous dry and brittle self. And I might be experiencing some residue from the shampoo as well... although I'm not sure if that's from the shampoo or another new conditioner I'm using (but I only apply conditioner to the bottom half of my hair nowadays so I don't think it's that... but it's hard to tell. We'll see).


So those are the only two products I purchased. YEP I ONLY BOUGHT TWO. I AM SO EFFING PROUD OF MYSELF. XD Sighhhhh, my wish list is so long. Why am I so greedy?! Discipline is a bitch man >.<

1. Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Cherie Bow

Saw Lisa Eldridge wearing this in her recent foundation course videos... such a pretty color >.< By the way the swatches on Sephora are completely inaccurate... it's more a light, neutral pink. SO pretty. As much as I love Dior lipstick's formulation... I cannot justify the price >.< I feel like there are so many great and affordable lip products out there that I don't need to spend $31 for a lipstick. Maybe in the future when I'm rich or something XD

2. Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Plaza

Also saw this on Lisa Eldrige. It was a really long time ago so I can't remember which video it was. But it's this very beautiful bright, but not saturated pink color. Gahhh why so expensive!!! With that price I can almost buy a foundation -__-""

3.  Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeshadow Smooth Eye Colour Quad

Been lusting after this for a while but... I can't bring myself to purchase this yet. But I shall collect this for sure when I'm much older ahahah XD

4. Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Bath & Body Hand Creme


I've become more interested in LM's body care since Tanya Burr kept mentioning how wonderful her products are and how amazing they smell... but... I still have hand creams and body lotions. This will be such a splurge too. So again, will save them for when I'm older lol.


5. PeterThomasRoth Max Complexion Correction Pads

I have heard Raeview mention this product numerous times so it's getting to me lol! I mostly want it because according to Rae it helps keep blackheads in check. Even though I'm tempted... I don't think my skin responds that well to acid products... usually it just peels and that's it (so if that's all it does I might as well just squeeze out my blackheads you know =_=). Sometimes I even notice with acid products it makes my skin produce even more oil/blackheads because it's aggravated?! No idea... honestly I feel like my blackheads do better when they're left alone without me attempting any treatments on them haha. Anyone tried this???

6. Givenchy Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance foundation



Hehe this will be the next foundation I'm planning to purchase after my YSL Touche Eclat. I've sold almost all of my foundations now (which is quite a feat)... not because I don't like them, but I just realized I've only been reaching for my YSL. I'm about 1/4 way through my YSL TE foundation now ^_^ But I'm thinking about switching to BB creams for the summer. I figure I'll have enough foundation left until the next Sephora friends and family sale LMAO. But truth be told YSL TE is just such a dream to work with and gives such beautiful results I can't really imagine not having it >.<

7. Dolce & Gabbana The Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation


Simply lusting after it because of Scarlett Johansson and the designer name. XD Don't think I'll ever buy it until I've actually seen the real thing though. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

8. Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation

I usually prefer a luminous foundation but nowadays matte foundations are so well-formulated they still have a subtle glow to it even if the finish is matte. Honestly I can lust after anything with the word "foundation" on it XD By the way what's with the price difference though?! This one is ridiculously more expensive than the luminous one. Also I hate it when they have different coloring/naming for the shades... why can't they just make it easier for the consumers?!

That's all I have to share today! What did you all buy from the Chic Week sale?? I'm excited to be reading some hauls ^_^

Before I go, just thought I might share a couple of pics with you all. Went to DC the other day for the cherry blossoms. ^_^



The flowers were BEAUTIFUL but man it was SO crowded. If I want to admire cherry blossoms again I prob wouldn't choose to go to DC again... I'd prob go somewhere else. But anyway, hopefully seeing pretty flowers will lift your mood just like it did mine ^_^

Have a wonderful weekend guys <3 br="">

LA LA LA LA LA

Lol you know when you see a title like this, it's gonna be another one of those random + long ass post XD

The weather was gorgeous today so I actually got some photos done ^_^ I'm just gonna skip ahead with all my rambling intro and just share with you guys some of the new things I got, and some things I've been liking :)

Since my new year's resolution (where I had sworn off Forever 21) I haven't bought a single piece of clothing LMAO. Gosh this is so pathetic (branching out epic FAIL...) Seriously though I really don't know where I can buy nice and affordable clothes =/ or maybe I should just save it so I can splurge the next time I go back to Taiwan. But anyway spot these scarves from Aldo and was in love ^_^


First is this scarf with those little birds ^_^

Was just looking back at my other more recent posts and realized the last time I posted a selfie I had short and straight bangs -_- dang.


You can find it here.


Little birdies~~~ take a wing~~~ *sings* (what? LOL) I really like this kind of muted, almost dirty pink? ^_^


I feel like this is almost more of a hipster style of scarf... and hipster isn't really something I've ever ventured into (can't pull it off LOL)





The other scarf I got was this seemingly ordinary brown-ish... almost muddy-colored scarf...






But when you lay it out... it actually has vultures and skull prints!!!

Isn't it so cool?!?!?! I love it!!! Especially love when the weather is gloomy =P




These scarves are so fluffy >_< the thickness I think is perfect for transitioning into Spring.



Also took advantage of spring break and went to an outlet...

Got a man's shirt from Tommy Hilfiger XDXDXD




Friends: Are you serious about this??? It's a guy's shirt!
Me: Who cares >_< I don't care if it's men's or women's wear as long as it looks good!
Friends: It's SO big!
Me: It's my style >_<
Friend: Oh yeah it totally is... hmmm it actually kind of looks like pajamas
Me: Are you saying pajamas is my style  (￣ε(#￣) o==(￣▽￣)>

Lol seriously though... ppl do associate me with pajamas ;; _ ;;  cuz I'm always in over-sized anything... hahaha.


It's a men's medium. It's HUGE lol. Don't mind my hair sticking out... it's been very static-y  hahaha



This "pajama" actually costs $32  =___= so expensive for outlet (it's 50% off). My friends kept trying to talk me out of it... but I don't know there's something about it I just really like >_< plus it's so soft and comfyyyy AND thick AND WARM.

Completely love how it has a number on the back ^_^  Hopefully ppl wouldn't look at me weird at school XD


Also went to The Cosmetic Company and got a Bobbi Brown soothing cleansing oil. Actually quite proud of myself for stepping out of that place with only one item... I wanted to get Bobbi Brown loose powder and some discontinued Bobbi Brown blushes and MAC eye shadows but in the end decided I shouldn't >_< (actually my friends stopped me LOL they're keepers ahahahaha)



LOL did anyone else find it funny that it has Korean on it? The sales ppl told me it's probably been shipped to Korea but just didn't end up selling that's why it ended up in the outlet.

While I was at the Cosmetic Company outlet I saw a TON of limited edition MAC products... they have the go-to-the-beach (????) collection, the sailor's collection, and even the Disney collection!!! I thought those were history.

On a complete random and beauty-irrelevant note... while I was at the outlet I got me some ceramic frying pans XD Which I'm completely overly excited about LOLOL. My good old frying pan needs to retire... since the non-stick coating has been coming off T_T may it rest in peace.

Never tried ceramic pans before, hopefully they're good!

Also got a Mandoline slicer ^_^ been wanting one ever since I saw Julia from MissChievous rocking her mandoline slicer. Cutting veggies can be such a pain sometimes. Really excited for this ^_^

PS: Every time I see "Sharper Image"  I automatically think about Sex and the City... Samantha and her "vibrator" XDDD


Have been trying out new mascaras too.

Za Impact Lash Mascara (volume) and mascara base 

Mascara + pimer

Not bad :) and it doesn't smudge XD I wouldn't mind repurchasing, but I think I still prefer Majolica Majorca since Za sometimes can get a little clumpy (also I like MJ for the comb applicator).

Remember a while ago I mentioned how I didn't care for the Revlon balm stains? I have changed my mind XD I'm beginning to appreciate the beauty of lip stains XD now I'm used to lip stains, I realized they last so much longer (duh) AND most importantly, they don't get on your teeth XD

Now I have collected 5 of the Revlon's balm stains ^_^

From left to right: Romantic, Crush, Rendezvous, Lovesick, Honey. 

Anyway now I totally love these lip stains XD And I've been loving "Lovesick" for my recent everyday go-to look ^_^

I like to just apply it to the center of my lips and fade it out. Completely digging the gradient lip ^_^
I only like Lovesick on the center of my lips... don't like it all over my lips XD

Just simple, level, overly dragged out, dramatic eyeliner XD with a pop of color on my lips. 

I realize I haven't done a cat-eye in forever @_@ I prefer a straight eyeliner now :P 

Now onto other things I've been enjoying... Curel body lotion =D

Finally a body lotion that actually works =D I recommend! And it's cheap too XD All I'm looking for in a body lotion is that I wouldn't have to feel like I need to reapply within like 5 minutes... that's not too much to ask for right? But somehow none of the body lotions I used in the past (expensive or cheap) even fulfill that one expectation. Very happy that I tried this. 

Another drugstore item I've been really liking-- "Clear" shampoo

Most of you guys might have heard about this brand from Hollyannaeree (I really can't remember where she mentioned it??? I think it's from her Instagram). I am SO glad that she recommended it, cuz I've been really liking it! If you read my last post you'll know that ever since I started using Aveda I hadn't been able to use drugstore shampoos due to residue. Of course I haven't used this long enough to be able to tell, but 3 days into using this shampoo I noticed the ends of my hair have become less dry, more soft, and my hair in general just feel so much softer. Pretty amazing!!! And I'm only using the shampoo too ^_^ Unfortunately still trying to use up my other Aveda shampoo (been alternating between Clear and Aveda) and this other Asian brand conditioner, but I cannot wait to try using both the shampoo and the conditioner ^___^


Some other new items I got: 

Revlon lustrous lipsticks in Kiss Me Coral and Pink In The Afternoon.

Picked them up after seeing Bubbi mention it in her favorites video ^_^




Here are some swatches and comparisons. Hahahahaah it honestly just looks like I'm buying the same colors over and over again XD

Another comparison swatches:



The other day while I was passing Macy's on my way out... I spot in the display the Marc Jacobs' Daisy makeup bag O_____________O I thought the makeup bag is SO FREAKING CUTE!!!!

The promotion is that you buy the large size perfume, you get a makeup bag and a roller perfume for free (but the sales associate sneaked a mini Daisy perfume in for me ^_^)  

Honestly I still kind of can't believe that I bought a large size perfume because of the makeup bag O_O 

I don't even think I will be able to bring myself to use it.. I don't want it to get dirty >_<

No pockets or anything on the inside, just a very simple basic bag. 

So now I have two Marc Jacobs perfume O_O two perfumes in less than 6 months... now perfumes are officially on my ban list as well.

Truth be told I prefer Dot :P I think Dot is more me. Daisy smells amazing too but I think Daisy smells better in the bottle than on me XD sad hahaha. I'm determined to use Daisy for the entire spring and summer!!! This is the largest bottle of perfume I've ever owned O_O (and the most I've ever spent on a perfume X_X) Apparently there's a new Daisy Sunshine too?! Really curious what that one smells like. 

Daisy is described as:

Notes:

Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods.

Style:

Bright. Alluring. Eternal.

I personally would describe it as refreshing, sweet... and for some reason reminds me a bit of lychee?!?!!??

Hmmmm... smells so good from the bottle! 

Look at the mini!!! when my friends and I unboxed it we all screamed >_< it's just too too toooo adorable!!!!


And congratulations you've reached the end of the post XD last thing to share... I opened up a bunch of new blushes LMAO. I've had these for a while (they were for my online shop, but since I never did sell them =P hehehehehhe)

Blushes from Canmake, CandyDoll, and Melliesh.


Really liking the Canmake blush/highlighter! This is by far the only peachy cheek color I can safely use. I said that because most peachy cheek colors tend to make me look flushed... and not in a good way. Kind of like I've been sun-burned kind of flushed XD I actually realize I don't own that many pink blushes prior to these three... I only had two-- one from Etude House and one from Benefit. Quite shocking right? lol. Been really into pink blushes too =P

Okay that's all folks! Yes you can safely assume you probably won't be seeing any update from me again anytime soon LMAO. I wish everyone a very lovely weekend, and as always, thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my blog ^_^

<3 Frances