Neargo (aka. Chiavari) ?

I recently came across to this cat book again that I ADORE. In Chinese its called "貓國物語 Neargo". I think if it was to translate it to English, it would be called, "Neargo". Its written by a Japanese writer named, Mori Azamino. 

It comes in three series. All talks about the characteristics of individual cats living in Neargo. The author explains that there is such place but just wouldn't reveal the real name of the city and location. Rumors says, it could be Orbetello, Grosseto (Toscana) ....Santa Margherita Ligure.....Chiavari. 

It would be such an amazing trip to travel there. If anyone knows where this place it LET ME KNOW!

Christmas is truly around the corner!

So my family and I finally got together to decorate our fresh Douglas fir tree!

And Christmas is in three days...oh well!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

                 -Bernice

Topbox December 2012

No doubt this month's Topbox is a big disappointment to many girls since its Christmas and we would wish companies like Topbox to show some generosity! But personally, I didn't expect much from them because the more you expect, the bigger the disappoint is... So here goes for this month's samples:

Left: Chloé Eau de Parfum, 5ml

Right: Goldwell Hot form Spray, 150ml full size

A lot of people have been raving about the Chloé perfume on how good it smells. 

I guess it does smell pretty nice. haha. But what I really like about it is the cute little sample bottle!

As for the Goldwell Hot form Spray, its a heat protected spray. 

But considering its a "full size" its actually a pretty tiny hairspray!

Can't wait to give it a try because the only brand that I've tried is the TRESemmé heat protected spray (which doesn't really "protect" my hair ends)

Ferro Cosmetics Blush X3

I've got to say when I first opened this, I looked at the color of this blush and I thought..."its shimmering brown."... no way it can be a blush for my yellow skin type...I guess I will use it as a eyeshadow.. I wasn't very please with the packaging because when I opened, the powdery dust was everywhere! grrr.

Kellett Skincare Clarifying Acne Treatment, 3ml each

I have been having a lot of acne problems for the past few years and its been getting more severe but thankfully its getting better after I start using The Regimen from Acne.org (I shall do an update later on my skin!). So after reading the ingredient in this sample, it contains 5% of Benzoyl Peroxide. What it is, "is used as an acne treatment, for improving flour, for bleaching hair and teeth, for polymerising polyester and many other uses."- Wikipedia

After putting this on your pimples, it basically whitens your blemishes and dries up your pimples. 

Comparing the Kellet skincare with the Regimen, the Regimen only contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide... Personally, after the first week of using the Regimen's BP, it already made my skin super flaky (yes, I might have put too much on my skin to begin with which my skin didnt get used to it) But what I am trying to say is, since the 2.5% BP can already make my skin that flakey... no doubt Kellett's BP could make it worst! Therefore, when using it the first time don't put too much!!

Was this month's Topbox a thumbs up or thumbs down for you?

-Bernice

November 2012 Topbox

I apologize for not getting this up sooner than I was suppose to since I was away! So here are the goodies that I have received from Topbox for November.

From left to right:

Pari Beauty Lip Paint Red

China Glaze Nail Polish I'm not Lion

Benefit they're Real!

Roberto Cavalli Deluxe Miniature Perfume

The Roberto Cavalli's bottle is quiet adorable but when I first took a sniff it, the scent was just like any other regular perfume to me. After the second time I smell, there's a bit of soapy scent in the perfume. But still, I don't really like the perfume.. just not my taste.

I didn't like the redness of the Pari Beauty Lip paint but I like how it smells like chocolate!

I don't know if its just me ... but it always takes me a few tries to determine if I like the mascara or not.  There is always a big blob of uneven mascara on my first try and it gets better as time goes.  I can't say I like it a lot (at least its doing its job as a mascara) but the wand is pretty flexible and the tip is extra long and pointy to do the bottom lashes (which is a thumbs up!) 

I am in love with this gold sparkly nail polish! The perfect color for Christmas! 2 coats would definitely do the trick! But it would probably be painful when I have to remove it...

-Bernice

Raisin Scones

Started to bake these mini scones this morning because I was having jetlag. I learned how to make these when I was back in highschool taking cooking class. ohh, the good old days~ it was fun.

 -Bernice

Skincare Goodies

During my stay in Hong Kong, I brought a lot of skincare stuff. They were mostly things to keep my face hydrated. My skin originally falls within the oily category but after using The Regimen from Acne.org my skin has been dry as the desert. 

Bioderma

Micelle Solution- Combination or Oily Skin

I originally use the pink bottle cap one (for sensitive skin). I was thinking of switching to this green bottle cap one after my skin is all heal up from using the regimen. Its such a good deal to buy this makeup remover in Hong Kong, only cost $148hkd (~$20cnd) @ Sasa. Where as in Canada, cost around $30!

The Saem

Left: Mini Doll Honey Lip Balm SPF 10

Right: Honey Aloe Essence

The Saem is a Korean brand that started out in 2010. Came across this brand when I was at Hysan Place. 

The honey aloe essence is kinda of like facial mask that hydrates your lips with collagen in it (according to what the sales told me) and after, use the mini doll honey lip balm to help lock down the water component. 

I just tried on as we speak, I can smell a strong sense of  honey in The Honey Aloe Essence. Overall, it feels like I just put a blob of honey onto my lips..

Etude House Wonder Pore Modeling Clear                       Correct me if I am wrong, Etude House is a Korean brand that have launched in Hong Kong recently. Their over all packaging is very cute, which attracts a lot of young teenagers/women to fall in love with it. With the wonder pore modeling clear, it states to:  deep cleanse pores, balance your skin's ideal pH level, minimize appearance of pores, refine the skin tones, control a large amount if the sebum, keep the elasticity of pores, and moisturize inside and outside of skin. Will definitely do a review on this later!

Left: I need you, Aloe! Mask Sheet

Right: BlackHead Remover Dual Sheet                    I also got some aloe masks and blackhead  remover dual sheet at Etude House.I really liked the their aloe masks. When I first removed the mask out of the packaging it feels very moist and hydrated. On the packing, it says the each mask contains 1000mg of aloe and serum which helps keep your skin hydrated, smooth and prevents acne.
 As for the blackhead one, its basically a black head remover sheet and a gel sheet that helps tighten your pores after removing your blackheads.

Left: Sasa Aqua Boost Moisturizing Eye         This came in a box with 20 little zip lock bags, and each zip lock contains 3 pairs of eye masks. So in total you get 60 pairs of eye mask for the total of $89HKD.                                                         

Middle: Nature Republic Snail Therapy 10,000 Hydrogel Eye Patch ($35hkd)                             I haven't tried this yet, but the sales sells this eye mask as tho it was magic. It contains snail skin that has the capacity of restoring tissue- eliminating wrinkles, scars and help fight cellulite and acne.                                                        

Right: DHC Eye mask ($60hkd 6pairs)

I brought this again because I liked how you can just stick on without having any gel-ly residual on your hands. Very convenient and clean!

-Bernice

The Regimen- Acne.org (first 5 days)

I've started using The Regimen 5 days ago. Before making this purchase I've read tons of reviews on this skin care routine and how ugly it would make your skin for the first few weeks to a month. For those of you that wants to know how these products work, do go to www.acne.org and it will explain on how everything works. 

The first day using the regimen I was quiet confuse because I didn't have a clue what was considered to be the "right amount" for myself. And I didn't get how you can really cleanse your face in just 10 seconds! But anywho, this regimen is pretty flexible because you can adjust it to the way you want, you do not necessary have to follow their routine daily. For instance, if you feel that the treatment is too much for you (making your face super duper dry)two times daily, switch it to once daily. If the moisturizer is not hydrated enough, add/ use your own set of moisturizer that you prefer.

2nd day: it's amazing how after using The Regimen on the second day, my 2 huge pimples is already dying.

4th-5th day: heck, my skin is crazily dry, wrinkles appearing on my forehead and no longer have a smooth surface on my skin...So for the past 3 days I've gone crazy packing hydrated facial masks onto my face. I had to repurchase my facial moisturizer and eye cream because the one I used to have JUST WASN'T HYDRATED ENOUGH. I find it funny that I have to buy a complete different set of moisturizer from before (From combination to dry). Feels as though I was purchasing it for someone else *laughs*.

I've also notice is that my face was a little bit swollen and red on the 4-5th day. It might because I put too much of the treatment? So I decided to cut down my treatment to just once a day rather than two and continue putting on masks.
*Sorry if I did scared anyone with my dry and wrinkly face. haha. Just want to let you guys see how I look after using the regimen!*

Oh yeah, as for the facial moisturizer, I switched to using Exten-10 from GoodSkin Labs (Image on the left). This can be found in Sasa cosmetic store which cost $400hkd. I really do not believe this moisturizer will make me look 10.4 years younger after 4 weeks... but what caught my attention was how its contains SPF 15 and works on combination/ dry skin! With the SPF 15, my skin can be protected from the sun.. especially after after putting benzoyl peroxide on my skin. First time putting it, I didn't enjoy the feeling of it... it feels very greasy in a way... but its probably because I have always used creams that are more watery type?

As for the eye cream, the sales lady suggested Nircanesque Contour des Yeux from Nuxe Paris-$300hkd (Image on the right). What it does is to make your eye area smooth (ex. less wrinkles fine lines..) and anti-dark circles (which I totally need!). I don't expect much from this eye cream but to make my eye area less dry.. since I've never tired an eye cream that can erase my dark dark dark circles. In general this eye cream is doing its job by keeping my eye area hydrated but definitely not curing my dark circles.

I ♥ Fall TAG

1. Favorite Fall lip product?
Revlon Lip Butter - 050 Berry Smoothie


2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish?
Neutrals


3. Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink?
I don't go to Starbucks much noadways, but if I had to pick a fall drink - Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte. 


4. Favorite Fall Candle?

Bath and Body Works - French Baguette 
Depending on your senses, I find that you either smell baguette or butter popcorn. Quiet strange! I burnt the candle in my room, and it was not overpowering at all. Hmm...delissssh! 

5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory
Boots cause they go with almost everything! 


6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze?

Preferably none! Gaah, I get scared easily... 

7. Favorite Halloween movie?
None that stands out for me. Any suggestions?


8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?
Really depends on my mood :p 


9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?!
Nothing.

10. What is your Favorite thing about Fall?
The colour of fall, especially the colours of leaves. :)


Link me your answers if you've done this tag!
- Bon

Off to Toronto for bern

Went to Toronto few weeks ago with my grandma to visit my relatives. It was just a short 4 day stay for me, so I was on a tight schedule.

I was not use to seeing so many highways in comparison to Vancouver! I don't think I can live here without a car! I bet busing would probably take longer in comparison with Vancouver.




Of course one of the most go places is wonderland!
Believe me, when it comes to rollercoasters I can't handle the ones that spins in circles. Those just makes me wanna barf.

Makes me feel dizzy just by looking up @@;;


It was fun hanging out with my cousins. They were very generous in keeping me company for the past four days :)!




















And of course we went to drink tea. How can you not go drink tea with a bunch of relatives!? Haha




















Weather in toronto was amazingly good during my stay. Couldn't help but having a BBQ day at my relatives place.

After seeing my relatives' dog, Captain, I can 100% guarantee myself that I m a cat lover. Captain was so tiny yet hyper to a point that I just didn't know how to react! Haha
























Last day before heading to the airport we went to Eaton mall to do some shopping. Its huge compare to metrotown! Haha I felt bad making my cousins wait for me while I go crazy shopping. They probably thought I was a shoppaholic =_=;;

I enjoyed my stay! But I missed home! And it's just 4 days!

IMATS Vancouver Haul

This year was my first time at an IMATS event! Had no idea how it would be like... 

Arrived there at 9:15am, and there was already a huge line up for make up for ever! They pretty much had the busiest counter! Lining up + swatching products + paying took a total of two hours. It was a crazy experience, kind of stressful if you ask me haha... 

Final purchases of the day

Royal & Langnickel Brushes 

Powder (BC101-S)

Contour (BC120)

All Over Shadow (C401)

Dome Shadow (C427)

Make Up For Ever

Mat Bronze (#20)

Lab Shine (S24)

Smoky Lash Mascara 

Can't wait to give these products a try! Will do a blog post about any products worth reviewing later on.

I would love to know what kind of products you picked up. Leave me a comment! 

- Bon 

July 2012 Glymm Box

Products:
(Left to Right)

• CYBERDERM: H20 HYDRATION & PM ANTI-AGE

• MANE TEEZE: SOCIAL BUTTERFLY HAIR PERFUME

Unfortunately, the perfume leaked half of the product by the time it arrived! The scent reminds me of vanilla candles. Not the type of scent I want to smell on myself throughout the day, so I'll probably be using it as a room spray.

• JOICO: K-PAK REVITALUXE

There has been too many hair products (conditioners) from Glymm box lately! I've hardly had time to try them all, so I can't say much at the moment.

• 25% ALL NAIL POLISH PROMOTION

• MEREADESSO: BEAUTIFUL BODY BALM

I am always searching for the best body balm! The full size product is actually quite expensive though, 200ML for $54! Hmm... we'll see if it's THAT amazing...

Any thoughts on this month's products?

- Bon
instagram@tallbee

My Big Day!

I had been waiting for this day for quiet awhile now...
And it is finally here. My graduation day!
I wouldn't say I have worked hard to earn this degree but at least i tried not to get kicked out.
I was grateful that majority of my close friends came and felt a lot of love from my family and them.
Without further a due, here are some of the pictures.

bff & moi

bff & moi

my lovely honger group

Photographer: cahiroki @ instagram

                      daddy cheng

Thank you everyone for making me who I am... =')

-Bernice

May 2012 Glossybox

Received my glossybox yesterday. It seems to me that glossy likes to have some sort of repetition in each of their box. What I meant is, in March there's Aveeno lotion, and in April there's Aveeno daily moisturizer and Sebastian hairspray. Now in May, there's Sebastian's shampoo.  

What attracted me this month is the boxx cosmetic cream corrector which is a cream corrector that gives the skin "a natural and flawless velvety finish". I have a lot of blemishes from pimples, so can't wait to give it a try.

Other products include: 

Curel Foot Cream

Simple Eye Makeup Remover

Simple Facial Wash Gel

Sebastian Professional Volupt Shampoo

-Bernice

Sabah Trip!

Picture overload time =)

Lion Cut

Last Saturday I brought my cat, Cheesecake to "The Groom Room" for lion cut. I was pretty excited for Cheese because I've never seen him being all shaved up. It was basically for my own entertainment purpose (I know I m an evil person).

So this is my cat's "before" look.







But on the other hand, I brought Cheese there because he's getting too furry and all tangled up! Since this was my cat's first time getting the lion cut, the store owner (Jay Jay) told me that after getting a lion cut, I would have to come back every 6 months. Hearing that, all I can see is money flying away from me. haha.

After grooming, I couldn't help but kept patting Cheese! Because his furs were so comfy! The good thing was that Cheese SEEM pretty satisfied with his lion cut. But the bad thing was that Muji, my sister's cat, kept hissing at him...

His "After" look

I love touching him now. *shiver* I sounded like a creep here =_=;;

-Bernice

Here's the link if anyone is interested in bring their cat or dog for grooming: http://www.thegroomroom.ca/

April 2012 GlossyBox

This month I didn't really have a lot of high hopes towards what's within the box...
I was somewhat annoyed that the box arrived late AGAIN. I understand they've just launched but its important that they send their products to customers on time!

So here are the products for this month *drum roll*:

1. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
2. Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Shower Gel (got it in Apricot scent)
3. Wella Brilliance Conditioner Fine to Normal
4. Wella Brilliance Treatment Fine to Normal
5. Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara
Bonus: Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm











The first item that I saw when I open the box was the AVEENO daily moisturizer, I literately couldn't help myself from frowning and saying "AGAIN!?" out loud. I mean, I don't have high hopes for this month's box but minimum I was hoping for more alternatives to try out different products from different brands...

I just wish they won't out put so much hair products into the box.. since I can't really use most of them with my sensitive scalp.. more make up products would be nice for a change!

-Bernice

follow me on Instagram: bernicelovescheese

April Haul

Beauty Blender 

After reading all the raves, I can't help but to give it a try! 

Whitening Lighting

I've always been bothered that my teeth is a bit yellow since I love drinking coffee! 

This product seems more simple than white stripes so we'll see how it goes.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (Light)

Laura Mercier Concealer (#2)

Color Tattoo Eyeshadow (Bad to the Bronze)

Swatches

Maybelline, Laura Mercier, Color Tattoo

The Laura Mercier Concealer looks very orange in the swatch, but it blends nicely onto the under eye area. The texture is very creamy and less drying than the Bobbi Brown Concealer. I used to really enjoy the Bobbi Brown Concealer, but recently it hasn't been working out!

Stila Eyeliner (Topaz)

Perfect colour for the bottom waterline.

Sephora Airbrush & Mineral Brush

I have been using the Sephora Airbrush for liquid foundation. It gives a nice smooth finish and the foundation is less likely to look cakey. 

Have you tried any of these products?

- Boni