Recent Drugstore Hauls: Priceline and Chemist Warehouse (Swatches + Microreviews)

I thought i'd just do some microreviews on my recent drugstore buys and swatch a few of them for you c: 

So most of you probably know this already but Priceline had a massive 40% off all cosmetics over 2 days last month. I wanted to pick up another healthy mix serum and try out the concealer from the same range but they didn't have my shade in either of those. Apart from that, I didn't go in there with the intention of getting anything in particular, which is always dangerous because it means i wander from stand to stand swatching everything...but here's what i ended up picking up, i don't think i was too bad :3 : 

L'Oreal Color Riche Le Smokey in Stormy Sea  

Ever since making the switch to liquid liner, i rarely use pencil liners anymore but i wanted a navy for my bottom lash line so it doesn't look as harsh as black. Because it is made for smokey eyes, it glides on smoothly and is easy to blend out. This liner comes with a smudge tip on the other side too. It won't stay put if you don't set it with a bit of powder/eyeshadow and it does start to disintegrate after a 5-6 hours. It looks great with a smokey eye for nights out but it's reminded me exactly why i don't wear pencil liners anymore.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Crystal Water

I usually hate shimmer in lip glosses but it's no secret i love anything iridescent so i didn't even swatch it when i saw it and i just bought it LOL.
This clear gloss is packed microshimmers that reflect pink and purple under certain lighting. It's really unique and i love using it on different lipsticks to give it a bit of dimension. It's so cute and wearable, i love it so much :3 It is very glossy but doesn't feel sticky on the lips (lipgloss pet peeve).
The only downside is its price (around $20 in Australia!). I probably wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't for the 40% discount and now you can get 50% off these at Chemist Warehouse c:

Bourjois Concealer Stick in 72

I kind of bought this on a whim because i really needed a new stick concealer for my blemishes. I didn't do any research before buying it but i was pleasantly surprised c:
It claims to have 2 pigments (yellow and white) making it suitable to hide dark circles AND imperfections. I really wasn't expecting it to work under the eyes because from past experience, stick concealers are normally too chalky/matte and sinks into fine lines. But despite its thickness, it's still creamy so it melts on the skin quite naturally. That being said, I probably still prefer using illuminating concealers for my dark circles because i like a product that brightens my undereye area. This concealer works great on blemishes. The tube form makes it easy to apply and touch up on the go. Coverage is buildable. It doesn't slide around or melt off but it does fade after 6 or so hours! Overall I'm pretty happy with it. I wouldn't recommend this to people with dry skin but it's great for oily/combination complexions.

Revlon Photoready Primer + Shadow in Watercolors

Swatched L-R: 1: primer, 2: lid, 3: crease, 4: browbone and 5: sparkle top coat. 

Dry swatches on the left, Wet swatches on the right

I won't lie, I'm a bit of an eyeshadow snob. This is my first and only experience with drugstore eyeshadows. I've just always thought they're pretty pricey for what they are and i'd much rather spend a little extra and get MAC or something. 

Colorwise, i love this palette. On the back of the palette, there's a diagram suggesting where to use each shade. The 'primer' is definitely a heavier powder but i think it's more of a base eyeshadow to allow layered colors to pop but doesn't help much with longevity or creasing. 

Texture wise, it's pretty mehh...when used dry. I found it powdery and there was fall out and the pigmentation was okay, needed to be built up. So i tried them wet and that was an entirely different story. Pigmentation was intense, the texture was smooth and blendable and it had a nice satiny finish. This palette isn't bad but i don't think i would have bought it at full price (around $25AUD i think?). I think this will be handy for traveling though!

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

I didn't need a powder, I've been using my Shu Uemura translucent powder for what feels like forever but it just never runs out. But then i played with this and oh my god, it made my skin feel velvety smooth PLUS 40% off $12.95? I didn't even hesitate. The packaging is pretty compact, a lot sleeker and smaller than my Shu Uemura one. I find it pretty messy though, because the powder is so finely milled, when i open the lid, i can see the powder particles (?) fly everywhere. it's also really hard to pick up just a little. I usually dip my Real Techniques brush in very lightly and then tap it in the lid before lightly dusting it on my T-Zone where i need to keep the oiliness at bay, i like my cheeks to still appear dewy ^^ I like that it feels very lightweight and it makes my skin look airbrushed as it softens a lot of lines.
This powder goes on translucent but a little goes a long way. If you use too much it will give your complexion a white cast! This is even especially evident under flash photography.

Currently Chemist Warehouse is offering 50% off the entire range of Maybelline, Revlon and Rimmel! While i resisted buying a Maybelline Vivid lipstick last month, i couldn't resist a 1/2 price discount. I am convinced it can't get cheaper than that...right? 

The colors i picked up were the colors i mentioned in my last post on my wishlist :3 - Color Sensation The Shine in Juicy Bubblegum and Color Sensational Vivids in Shocking Coral.

Swatched once and then heavily under natural night (left) and flash (right)

Juicy Bubblegum is a cute purple toned bubblegum pink. It's an easy and effortless pink thats gives a bit of brightness to the face. An easy everyday color.
Shocking Coral is a hot pink with very strong coral undertones. It is very intense and i had a bit of trouble capturing it on camera but it is so stunning. I don't have anything like it and I will definitely be bringing this with me back to HK for its summer. The lip swatch for Shocking Coral does not do it justice!

Both of these have a sheen to the finish. They're moisturizing and and sit comfortably on the lips but because of their satin finish, there is some slip to it. They aren't super long lasting but re-application isn't much of a hassle either.
Juicy Bubblegum is buildable in terms of color while Shocking Coral is incredibly pigmented in one swipe. Shocking Coral leaves behind an even stain and it's actually quite cute!

I absolutely adore the holographic casing of Juicy Bubblegum, it's SO me! I ended up picking up a couple of liquid liners as well because i'm all out of my believed asian liners ;c I've heard good things about master precise but i loved how intensely black the hyper glossy liquid liner looked so i bought that too. I haven't had a chance to try them yet. I already have quite a few baby lips but everyone keeps raving about Mango Pie and it was $2 so i thought why not.
Annnnnnnnnd that's it :3 Most of the products i bought were new to me and they were a bit of a hit and miss. I hope these microreviews helped c:
Before i finish this post, I thought i'd show you that i got my friend Mish a matching bunny phone case with me. We get strange stares when we're out together and we're on our phones.

What do you think of drugstore eyeshadows? Did you haul much from these discounts?

=('.')=

chloé

wishlist ♔ + a clumsy accident ;c

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

1. I'm having a hard time finding an iPhone 5 case i actually like. How cute are these! They're pretty pricey and a bit of a novelty. Although silicon cases are great for protecting my phone, i don't like that it tugs when i try to put them in my jean pockets. The second case glows in the dark though, which i thought would be pretty handy! It's meant to look like this:

2. My next shoe lust from Jeffrey Campbell. I love the cut outs in this, it's not over the top and still retains the form of oxfords, this would look so cute with the right tights/socks. You can't go wrong with black either!
3. Holographic oxfords, need i say more. This would look AMAZING with cropped jeans and some skirts + dresses with tights/frilly socks. Just thinking about it gets my heart racing.
4. Excuse my love for profanities but this is so girly and adorable, you can kind of get away with it. The font is absolutely perfect too. My favorite is this one and the one that says 'NOPE'. I have been looking at these necklaces for so long now but the shipping costs the same as the necklace...
5. + 6. I keep telling myself i don't need anymore lip products but then i see swatches/deals/new colors and i just caveee! the colors on this wishlist are 'Juicy Bubblegum' (Color Sensational the Shine) and 'Shocking Coral' (Color Sensational Vivids). Definitely need to take advantage of the 1/2 price Maybelline deals going on at Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist at the moment :3
7. Lastly, i've been wanting to try Lush face masks for a while now and this is the one i want to try first! It is meant to give your skin a deep cleanse, as well as soften it and calm any break outs c: it sounds like exactly what i need.

If you follow me on twitter/instagram (@chloe_e), then you will know already but clumsy me hit (more like smashed) my head on the corner of a shelf last week and it was bleeding everywhere! Luckily, i didn't need stitches or anything but it did leave me a nasty wound on my forehead ;c it doesn't hurt anymore but it is taking a while to heal and i really really hope it won't scar ;c
I have a cream for it and i have to wear a patch over it to help the healing process. I don't feel very fabulous with this silly patch so I've been keeping my make up to a minimum ;c moral of the story is: please be careful when you're around shelves, they're lethal!
Shoutout to Sue for visiting me at work on Chadstone VIP night last week, she's even more lovely (and tall hehe) in real life than i imagined ^^ Most of you probably follow her already but if not, you can find her blog here.

What's on your wishlist at the moment? 

=('.')=

chloé

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Khaki, Rosewood and Antique Rose (Swatch + Review)

I've been wanting to try these Burberry eyeshadows for so long after seeing Tiffany from Will Work for Makeup always rave about them. Time and time again, i would walk up to the counter and swatch them on the back of my hand and walk away because the price tag was just too hefty for a uni student like myself. 

I made the decision to stay in Melbourne and do summer school, work and save instead of going back to Hong Kong last summer. 4 months of working and studying during summer was such a drainer, she knew how sad i was about not being able to see my family back home so she spoilt me with lots of beauty goodies when she got back from Hong Kong, including these :3 

The fact that it doesn't come in a plastic packaging makes all the difference...suddenly my Chanel eyeshadows don't seem that luxurious. 

The shiny, gunmetal compact housing the eyeshadows is super sleek and each packaged in a faux-velvet pouch. The pouch, the case, as well as the eyeshadow itself, are all embossed with the iconic Burberry plaid. Inside is a large mirror and a sponge tipped applicator. The compact snaps shut with a magnetic clasp. Overall, it's a heavy and sturdy case.

My mum picked up 08 Khaki, 09 Rosewood and 10 Antique Rose. All 3 of these colors are such suitable colors for autumn/winter; appropriate as we are entering the colder months in Australia now c: 

08 Khaki

Khaki is a cool green-greige. I love green but it's not a color that can been worn easily on the eyes. This is such a stunning color and pairs well with both the colors below as well as on its own as a smokey eye.

09 Rosewood

Rosewood looks pretty dull in the pan but when applied, it actually gives such a nice dimension and complexity as it looks different when it catches different light and on different skin tones as well. It is a light taupe that leans rosy-pink. It has a soft and subtle sheen that isn't too over the top; melting into the eyelid so beautifully. 

10 Antique Rose

Lastly, Antique Rose is sort of in the same family as Rosewood. It is a deep muted mauve-taupe that pulls slightly rose. Super stunning. Here they are swatched in the same order, in natural light and under flash:

I'm going to keep this short because you've probably seen many reviews already but the quality of these eyeshadows are unequalled. Online swatches/reviews does not do justice to this product at all!
I have no idea why these are named "Sheer Eyeshadows" as they are the complete opposite. Perhaps it is because you can easily blend out a sheer, effortless wash of color over the eyelids or layer to build the intensity that you desire. Either way, the ultra-finely milled eyeshadows have superb pigmentation and the texture is velvety to the touch. The buttery softness means makes blending a dream.
Despite how soft these shadows are, I had no problems with fallout. Once blended, they seriously stay put for the rest of the day. I wore them for a good 16 hours the other day and at the end of the day, it still looked as fresh as when i first applied it.  

The Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow formula is by far the best i've ever used. The Burberry eye shadow shade selection is quite natural but they are all so beautifully done. Most of the colors can be used as a stand alone wash shade but they also combine seamlessly together. I don't think you can ever really go wrong splurging a little extra on neutrals because you know for sure that it is something you'll always use and come back to.
Long story short: these are incredibly finely milled, have excellent pigmentation, flawless blendability and extraordinary staying power. 
The only downside is, because the cases are quite heavy, i wouldn't say they're very travel friendly. I am already itching to add a couple more to my collection (Midnight Brown and Mulberry)...greedy much :3

Let me know if you guys have any other Burberry makeup recommendations c:

Which brand does your favourite eyeshadow formula? 

=('.')=

chloé

OOTD: Clueless?

shirt: H&M, cardigan: mums, skirt: thrifted, shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

This year is the year of 21sts for me and most of my friends; this week alone i went to three of them. Each time i attend one, it gets me even more excited for my 21st but that's not until July ^^ I went to a 90s themed 21st on Friday night and it was such a good theme. It reminded me what a fun decade the 90s was for fashion - full of denim, knee high socks, high waisted pants, scrunchies, oversized sweaters, crop tops, plaid and daggy caps. Funny because a lot of these are coming back in fashion. 

Some of you might have already seen on instagram but I went as Cher from Clueless because i owned 'half her wardrobe', so my friends told me. I was really surprised because they were right LOL, i already had everything except her plaid skirt. I thought it would be difficult finding it but i was surprised at how easy it was to find a yellow plaid skirt when i went thrift shopping. I got super lucky because it was perfect and really cheap too :3 

This was the look i was channeling, excuse the horrible quality screencap:

Her oufit actually has an amazing matching plaid jacket but there was no way i'd find one for me so i just went without. I also went in a shirt instead of a t-shirt coz it was pretty chilly that night. I've fallen in love with my mum's cardigan, it's so soft and warm. I refuse to give it back.

I love dress up parties and i love that people get so into it at 21sts. I am having a joint 21st with my friend Mish and it's definitely going to be a dress up one! We really have to get onto planning the event and getting people to save the date :s That's all from me for now! c: Find me on instagram/twitter @chloe_e

Do you guys like dress up parties? Do you get into it?

=('.')=

chloé

Rimmel Lasting Finish Mattes by Kate Moss Lipstick in #106

I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS LIPSTICK. 

ok now that i've got my outburst out of the way... I love the Kate Moss lipsticks from Rimmel. I love how pigmented and creamy they are, i love how the packaging is so slick, i love the colors in the range. I just really love them. So when i heard that a matte line was released, i HAD to check them out. Loving the red matte packaging too c;

Originally after seeing the swatches online, i only intended to pick up the vampy red color but when i saw #106 at the stand, i was instantly drawn to it. I really wasn't sure i would be able to pull it off but after swatching it on my hand, i just to buy it. I'm actually not sure if this is a color that's available in other parts of the world because i never saw it on UK BBlogs? 

#106 is a deep but bright fuchsia pink with a berry undertone. I noticed that the lipstick smells really fruity, it's not unpleasant but a bit strong for my liking. The pigmentation is great, a couple of swipes and it gives an opaque coverage. I'm normally quite skeptical when it comes to matte lip products because it always tends to accentuate any dry patches but I find that this lipstick goes on quite smoothly and evenly. With that being said, it's not hydrating but it doesn't dry my lips either. It wears pretty comfortably on the lips. Before putting it on, i still need to prep my lips with a bit of lipbalm but not too much that the product slides around. 

It is definitely a long lasting lipstick but when it fades, it doesn't fade pretty. When i don't eat, it stays all day but i definitely have to reapply between meals. I've gotten into the strange habit of drinking my coffee with a straw because i don't want to mess up my lipstick. The baristas at uni aren't even surprised anymore. Here are a couple of low quality iphone selfies i took when i was wearing #106 :3 

These lipsticks has to be one of my favorite 'drug store' products. It is so affordable and i love the feel and finish of them. This color in particular, i'm just so in love with it. It is so vibrant and adds a great pop of color. Never did i think i would wear a color like this but everytime i've worn it, someone has complimented me on it and i've been asked a few times what lipstick it is too. I think it is a really wearable color for such an attention-grabbing shade. I think that this color will get a lot of use because it is well-suited to winter AND summer c: 

I actually also bought the vampy red from this matte range as well (can't remember the number) and i wanted to do a post with all my Kate Moss lippys but i packed them away with all my other make up in storage for when we move house ;c I'm not sure how long it will be before they get unpacked, let me know if you'd actually like the read a post/see swatches on that though c: 

Voilà! I'll leave you guys with a gif i made. I was playing with my make up instead of studying and tried the double liner look :3 

That's all from me for now, hope this week has been treating you guys well! 

=('.')=

chloé

OOTD: One Hundred and One Dalmatians

sweater: ASOS, jacket: thrifted, leggings: H&M, hat: SSUR x Clot, bag: Nasty Gal, socks: eBay, shoes: Underground UK

As much as i love my make up and make up posts, i actually think that OOTD posts are my favorite and i really wish i could do more. I love getting ready to go out everyday. It is just such a fun process.

I wore this out for house inspections with my mum and lunch with a friend. For the next couple of months, my posts may be a bit erratic because i'm moving house! I'll try and update when i can and queue them.

We're in the process of getting our current house in top notch shape for house inspections to sell it as well as look for a new home. It's a bit stressful on top of uni and work but I've been saving heaps of tumblr photos for room inspiration and it's getting me so excited c: 

I've moved about 8-9 times in my life, a couple of those times were across countries, you think i'd be good at packing everything up by now! I don't even know how so much stuff manages to fit in my room. It's a super long process sifting through everything but it feels so good to just chuck out/donate/give away the things i don't need anymore and downsize everything. 

Anyway, i was super in a rush when i asked my mum to take these photos and i didn't manage to capture the bag at all :c This is the bag that was featured on my wishlist in this post. I've received so many compliments wearing it out and I'm in serious love with my bag :3 

How amazing is the hologram?! I feel an obsession coming on...Do you own anything hologram? 

=('.')=

chloé

I've Got Mail: Rosy's Garden, Kuma Crafts, I'm Your Present

Arpakassos + Macaron throw + Flan iPhone case from Rosy's Garden 

You might have noticed the ridiculousness that is my iPhone Case, i don't know i just love it! You guys should check out her store if you like cute things because she stocks heaps of cute stuff from Japan. This is also where i get my arpakassos! She's the nicest seller and she's very prompt with communication and enquiries c: a lot of times, she throws in freebies as well! 

Sailor Moon Eternal Compact Necklace from Kuma Crafts

I had wanted a Sailor Moon necklace for so long but my problem was that a lot of the ones available are made of really tacky plastic and look more like toys than accessories :c I fell in love instantly with all the Sailor Moon necklaces on Kuma Crafts even though they are a little pricey. 

Everything is handmade and it feels so sturdy and not cheap at all.  All the crystals that she uses are Swarovski and when you see it in person, it is just stunning and so worth the money! I get complimented everytime i wear this out and to work/uni. 

If you wish to get one and it's all sold out, don't be discouraged because she often sells out and makes more for restock c:

Whole Lotta Rosie Headband from Crown and Glory 

The minute i visited Crown and Glory website for the first time, i wanted everything but i knew that i wouldn't need 1000000000x flower crowns. But now that i've bought one...i want more D: 

Earrings from I'm Your Present

I love this store. This was my second time purchasing from I'm Your Present. The first time i purchased an acrylic necklace (featured in this post). The owner makes really adorable jewelry and custom clothing!

 Sweaters from Brian Lichtenberg

The first time i saw the feline sweater in Olivia's outfit post, i knew i needed it. I died a little inside when i saw the price and that was without shipping too. But i'm the type of person who can justify a purchase if i love it enough and if i know i'll get a good use out of it (This was probably why i went for the black sweater instead of the white one). At the end of the day, it's my own hard-earned money.  I. Love. Sweaters. I love sweaters and beanies and scarves and everytime i see a new sweater i like, i get all giddy inside. What really made me bite the bullet was when we decided to get our friend one of these sweaters for his birthday...and i told myself since shipping will be so expensive anyway...might as well buy one for myself? ...or two? 

ANYWAY. These jumpers (do people outside of Australia call sweaters jumpers?) feel amazing. They're my favorite type of sweaters. It feels super soft to the touch and the inside is fluffy so it's really warm. I'm SO excited to wear them!

xx merchandise from xx online store

I went to see the xx a couple of weeks ago and oh my god, they were incredible. I've been waiting 3 years to see them now and the day finally came. I kind of collect tote bags from gigs so imagine my disappointment when they didn't sell them! In fact the merch in general was really average. I've seen some really nice xx merchandise online so i did some digging and found my tote bag and ended up picking up these pillow cases as well with some of their lyrics printed on them.  I also bought a set of pillow cases for K too because she missed out on the gig :c 

Lastly, my friend recently sent me this as a gift and ahh it is the cutest thing ever! I don't think it's something i would have bought myself personally but now that i have it, i love it. It's almost too adorable and girly LOL.

The purpose of these "I've Got Mail" posts isn't just to show you the things i buy but it's also to share with you where i shop online. If you can't tell already, i love little Etsy/storenvy/online sellers. Although it can be slightly more expensive than your average store, their range is much more varied and unique. A lot of times, i find their products better made and better quality as well. People are always asking me where i get my accessories or clothes because it's not things they see around often. 

I'm not sure if you guys actually enjoy reading these posts but i hoped that it was fun for you to look at anyway :3 

=('.')=

chloé