Topbox May 2013

Ta-daa! These are the things that I got for this month's Topbox:

Cuccio Colour Nail Lacquer So So Sofia

Lise Watier Stylista

Yaby Jungle Mist

Roberto Cavalli Perfumed Shower Gel

Although I haven't tried the Lise Watier lipgloss and Yaby eye shadow (on my face ofc), just putting on my hand feel as though it is very pigmented! I really liked the teal colour eye shadow, its a very gorgeous green to put on the eyes.

Been ordering Topbox for quiet sometime now but I still have not yet been super surprised by them yet. I hope they can do a little bit better on the next one!

Topbox April 2013

For this month's Topbox I was lucky enough to receive the Elizabeth Arden's Prevage PriveBox!

Inside contains:
PREVAGE Anti-aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum
Flawless Finish Sponge-on Cream Makeup
Beautiful Color Lash Enhancing Mascara
All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

Overall very satisfy with this month's box! I am looking forward to give it a try on the Prevage serum and the flawless finish cream.

I already gave a try on makeup remover. I liked how it is an oil based remover which can easily remove my waterproof mascara. So thumbs up for that!

The Body Shop: All-in-One BB Cream Review

This is a quick review on the All-in-one BB Cream from The Body Shop!
This BB cream comes in three shades: 1 as light, 2 as medium, 3 as dark. The BB cream originally cost $20 but with the 50% off, I got its for $10! *thumbs up*

The key figure of this BB cream is that its "Colour-Adapting", meaning the cream itself can change its shade to fit your skin colour. How it works is it contains pigment micro beads and when you start rubbing the cream into your skin the beads would burst and changing the colour. It doesn't actually "adapt" to your skin colour but its actually quiet cool to see the colour changing as you rub!

The coverage is fairly light in comparison to other BB creams such as Super + BB from Skin79. It would be great for those of you who doesn't like to put on that much make up yet have a bit of coverage. I am still recovering from my acne scars so just with this BB cream, it definitely didn't cover it perfectly (but there's always concealer as the backup plan!). One thing I feel it needs improvement on is variations of shades that is available. Even though I got the lightest shades out of the three, yet the shade is still too dark on me :( ! However, I really like how moisturize this BB cream is and doesn't make your face look super oily! With BB creams, your face can never look TOO CAKEY!

Overall, I would give this BB cream a 8/10.

Topbox March 2013

This month's topbox did not impress me that much. But it's okay I m cool with it!
So here goes....!

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Creme (25ml)
Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush (4ml)
L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil x 2 (3ml)
MaskerAide I don't want grow up Lift, Firm & soften Fine Lines

Few of my girlfriends also chose the regular Topbox rather than the privebox for this month. They each got a little something different in their box. One got the Chloe perfume, another got the Clinique eye serum or mascara.

What did you end up getting in your Topbox this month? Let me know because I am super curious!

                                                                                                                                            -Bernice

Valentine's D.I.Y Walnut Butter Cookies

Thought I would share what I made for my buddies for this year's Valentine's day.


                                                                 Walnut butter cookies

If you are interested here are the ingredients:

1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (outer skin) (optional)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups (295 grams) all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

I got this receipt from Stephanie Jaworski's website called Joy of Baking:
http://www.joyofbaking.com/ButterCookies.html#ixzz2KHmuqxYH

This is what I did...
First preheat oven to 350 degrees.
With room temperate butter, beat till its smooth then add sugar.
After the sugar and butter is fairly mixed, add egg, pure vanilla extract and lemon zest then beat them till they are mixed well.
Later add flour and salt and mix till it forms into a dough.

Form the dough into the shape you would like. For me, I just followed Stephanie's way. Making a rectangle cube and put it into the fridge over night and cut it into thin slice and bake them the next day. Like how she said, if you like them crispy, cut then thin and if you like them kinda chewy cut the thicker.

If you like to eat walnut, you can add a coat of egg white on top of the butter cookie and sprinkle some chopped walnuts.

And of course shove them into the oven for 12-15 mins depending your thickness. And woah-la! You got yourself some amazing butter cookies!

Happy Early Valentines Day everyone!

                  Bernice

Topbox February 2013

Woohoo! Guess what I got in this month's Topbox?

I was lucky enough to receive the Benefit Privé Box (Privé Box is basically a box that is filled with samples from one brand)!! I am very happy with this month's box since the box is totally stuffed with goodies from Benefit! Although I never tried any of benefit's, i find their packaging to be very attractive and cute.

So here is this month's goodies... Drum roll please...! *dom dom dom dom dom*

Benefit Benetint

Benefit The POREfessional Balm

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

Left: Benefit Dandelion Pressed Powder 

Right: Benefit Dandelion Ultra Plush Lipgloss

There was also a sample size of Benefit Fine One One, which can be use for cheeks or lip.

Can't wait to try them all!!!

-Bernice

OOTD #1

Did some online shopping at Aritzia for the first time. I've gotta say its the first time I've seen Aritzia having such a big sale. *faints* I am officially bankrupt after this...

 Grey Knit Sweater from Artizia 

It was originally $95 and reduced to $39.99! 

Red Knit Scraf from Zara

White Long Sleeve from Artizia

Grey Legging from Artizia

Long Boots from Aldo

Floral Bag from Ans

I am in love with how Aritzia did on their packaging. It was wrapped beautifully! Makes me wanna buy more.... EEK!

Am I the only one that went crazy over the Big Sale at Aritzia or what?

-Bernice 

Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Review

I couldn't stand using my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner anymore and I wanted to switch to a liquid eyeliner. Don't get me wrong, I like how long lasting the BB gel eyeliner. But for some reason it takes me forever to apply it. So I end up going on to sasa.com to look up what kind of Japanese brand liquid eyeliner is available. After reading some of the comments and price range, I end up wanting to give it a try on the "Kiss Me Heroine Make" liquid eyeliner.

The liquid dries pretty quickly after applying and it's a dark solid black. I like how the brush itself is very thin, making it easy to apply even to the thinnest line. I tired rubbing it with my finger and there was no sign smudges *thumbs up*! Although I have never cried when wearing this eyeliner, I tried putting a few drops of water on it and its still perfectly safe! However, when water + rubbing = eyeliner completely erased.

Have anyone tried this liquid eyeliner? Let me know! 

-Bernice

Topbox January 2013

This month's Topbox is Clinique's beauty box featuring repairwear laser focus.

I've never tried Clinique's skincare products before so I am pretty excited.

From Left to Right:

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo- 02 Like Mink

Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector (7ml)

Rinse Off Eye Makeup Solvent (60ml)

Clarifying Lotion (30ml)

I really like the duo eye shadow, a very neutral colour that I would use for sure! I also like how the exterior of this case is a mirror. Good to carry on the go!

Was this month's box a yay or nay for you? Let me know!

-Bernice

After one month using The Regimen from Acne.org

I having been using The Regimen Skincare routine for about 1.5 months now. I have to say this product work/ did not work for me. Sounds confusing ay? Let me explain myself.

For me, I realize my breakout continuously came from the left side of my face (near the ear). So I thought maybe it's because I always use the left side to talk on the phone or sleep on dirty bed sheet. But what became weird is that I am getting pimples around my mouth area as well. So I took a guess that hygiene isn't the main cause but actually a symptom of what my body need attention of. For those of you who watches bubzbeauty's video on "What is your acne telling you" ( heres the link to her video: http://youtu.be/ztXsSx0_87I or down below ) would probably have a better understanding of what I am talking about. Like how bubz say, our face is like a blue print that indicates our internal health. But believe me, I didn't bother to do research on what it means to have acne on the chin or cheeks...etc.

Instead I end up going to acupuncture to see what's wrong with this horrible breakout. After going to see the Chinese doctor for weeks, the doc managed to diagnose the cause of the pimples. Its mainly due to what I eat and what time I go to bed (like 1-2am =_=). I am the type of girl that likes to eat and drink things that are cold(ice cream, cold Drinks, fruit salad, sashimi...you name it), especially in the summer. Having to intake cold stuff at a regular base is actually very harmful to your body, especially for women during the time of the month. And its important to be in bed by 11pm (I know it sounds like telling a kid to go to bed) because that is when our body needs rest and regulate itself and trying to get all the toxins out.

Any who back to the Regimen! So when I said the Regimen didn't work on me its because it does not help me PREVENT the pimples from forming. However, the benzoyl peroxide (bp) did help me shrink/ dry up my acne once it appears on the surface of my skin....(evil!). I would recommend to stop using BP once you are sure that your acne is cure because its too strong for our skin- especially if your skin is thin. One thing that scares me is how BP acts like a 'bleach'. Which makes sense on how it helps clear out blemishes. I wouldn't say my face got whiter, but other than noticing my pimples and blemishes going away a lot quicker, I notice the pillow sheets I had been sleeping on obviously got whiter *shiver*!

In conclusion, the Regimen is worth a try (if you wanna cut to the chase, I say stick to the treatment-BP) but don't necessary put your hopes high that it will 100% cure your acne problem. It might work for me (kinda) but doesn't necessary work on you. After all everyone have different types of skin, right?

As you can see from this picture, I still have some pimples underneath my mouth and cheeks. And thankfully some of the blemishes can still be covered with makeup. But I do hope that with the aid of acupuncture and the regimen, I wouldn't need to apply foundation to cover up my whole face!

Hope this review helps a bit and let me know if you have tried The Regimen from Acne.org !

-Bernice

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!