My First Chanel Bag: Classic Flap (Medium/Large)

This a well delayed post since it was purchased back in July. This bag was not purchased on a whim. It took several weeks of researching and a couple of visits to the Chanel boutique before I made the final decision that I want this bag. This was one of my "before I'm 30" goal. But Dan was such a sweetheart and got it for me because of the crazy price increases. It has almost doubled in price in the last few years so I can't even imagine how much it would be in the year 2020 when I have finally saved for it. I know I am so spoiled but I am very grateful.  

I chose this bag based on one thought. If I could ever own one Chanel bag which would it be? I was contemplating between the different sizes (mainly the Medium/Large and the Jumbo), the different leathers and the hardware. My final decision was the Black Caviar, Medium/Large with the Gold Hardware. It was purchased at the Chanel Boutique on Castlereagh St, Sydney. This has sentimental value as the old boutique may be closing down due to the opening of the new boutique in the new Westfields Shopping Centre. Personally, I like the overall feel of the old boutique which is why this bag would mean so much more to me. After all my first Chanel item was purchased there (classic CC stud earrings).  

I didn't take these photos until recently so all the pretty packaging (bag and ribbon) are not included since I unpackaged it at Dan's house and he has really poor yellow lighting in his room. 

 The house (box)

 The dustbag

 The beauty

 A closer look at the leather and CC clasp

 Interior lining

 The paperwork

The interior pockets

I've been loving this bag so much and so glad that I got it. I know the price is shocking but its classic, timeless and the quality would mean this bag could be passed down to the next generation and be loved and cherished.

SASA Haul

I picked up my SASA package today and was too excited to hold off this post for a few more days. This is just a "sneak peek" of what I got. I'll try and do individual posts on each item later on. Comment below if there is a particular item you'd like to see a review for. 

What did I get?

- Christian Dior Diorsnow UV Shield SPF50 PA+++ (Translucent)

- Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

- Attirer Cotton Pads x 2

- Jill Stuart Blush Blossom (No.3 Lady Amaryllis)

- Koji Eyelash Fix (Black)

- Jealousness 8 Pairs Box False Eyelashes (US-817 and US-806)

- My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Masks (10 Pieces)

- Beautymate Bright Up Nano Eye Mask (7 pairs)

- Nail Clipper (gift) 

NARS Danmari All About Cheek Palette

I've been on the hunt for this cheek palette and was under the impression that it has not yet been released in Australia since I did not see it on display on the counter. Out of curiosity I popped into Mecca Cosmetica (Myer Sydney) and asked about the palette that I have been searching for. At first the SA told me that it has already sold out, I was guttered. I then asked if she knew whether they were going to receive more stock in the upcoming weeks and she asked another SA. To my luck the other SA told us that they DID have a few palettes left and that they are kept hidden away under the drawer. Well, how is it going to sell in there? I asked myself. Anyways, the point of this story is "I GOT IT"! 

NARS is very pricey here in Australia. It was 115AUD but I got it at a 10% discount as I was a staff member of the department store. Now onto the photos and swatches!

Overall, I think the palette is great for travel and the selection of colours is great. You also get a bronzer and highlighter colour. I'm still uncertain on that last colour I swatched and doubtful that I can pull off a look using it but the other colours are great and should compliment my skin tone well. I have "Orgasm" already but I'm nearly out.

I might do some looks showing how I use this palette later on and comment on whether my love for "Orgasm" has remained unchanged or have I fallen in love with another colour in this palette. Who knows it might be the plum shade. Follow me and stay tuned.

Also, I just received my SASA order today but haven't gotten around to taking photos. I will make a post as soon as I can. Maybe tonight if I have time =)

Breakfast at Di Stefano

Enjoyed a scrumptious brekky with Dan today at Di Stefano Coffee Warehouse Cafe and Deli. I ordered the Eggs Benedict with Bacon. The bacon was crispy as I like it and the eggs were poached near to perfection. This plate stood no chance with me and was devoured with no hesitation. Mmm ...

She's on a spending spree!

I've been very naughty and have placed several orders online which I am very excited to receive in the mail. It's the end of exams for me so I decided to treat myself plus I've been wanting to get some of these items for a while now. My CC is probably smoking up right now! haha

I will post up pictures and what not when I get them in the mail! Here's what's coming up ahead (please follow me/subscribe and stay tuned if you're interested) =)

- SASA haul (Dior, Jill Stuart, Beauty Mate, My Beauty Diary, Laneige and more!)

- Beauty Bay mini haul (Urban Decay and Paul & Joe)

- Sigma (2 brushes and Dry'n Shape) 

I will end with a FOTD ... Simple Smokey Brown Eyes

Eyes:

- MAC E/S in Shroom

- MAC E/S in All That Glitters

- MAC E/S in Twinks

- MAC E/S in Carbon

- Illamasqua Precision Ink in Abyss

- Stila Smugde Stick Eyeliner in Stingray

- Lancome Hynose Precious Cells Mascara

- Illamasqua Eye Brow Powder in Gaze

Face:

- Chanel White Essentiel Compact Powder Foundation in #30

- Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

- Chanel Highlighting Powder

- MAC Mineralised Blush in Dainty

Lips:

- YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Peach Passion

Update: Lancome Genifique Youth Activator

Earlier I did a first impression post on this product and I have now passed the 7 day difference period and my thoughts on this product has thankfully not changed. It purchased this in a set in Myer for $120 for the 30ml (1 fl.oz) less my staff discount. It came with deluxe sample sizes of the eye cream, day cream and night cream.

This is quite a unique product as it is not a serum but is worn before your serum and after your toner. I use a pump on my face and another pump on areas of concern and the neck area, day and night. I don't know what is in this but I feel like it has given my SK-II Whitening Source Dermdefinition serum a boost and has somehow accelerated its corrective power. My face has a luminous quality about it that I have not seen before.

After using this product for 7 days (a bit more) I have seen a visible improvement in my skin tone and texture. My skin feels softer and firmer to the touch, my pores seem slightly smaller and my expression lines on my forehead have reduced. I was skeptical about this product at first but now I'm glad that I gave in. I can't wait to see more results after long-term use. 

This is my own experience and I do advise you try and obtain samples if possible before purchasing this product as every skin reacts differently and it also on the expensive side. I'm glad my experience was just very positive.

YSL Shocking Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils

Finally, I got my hands on the YSL Shocking Eyeliner! I was devastated as my the city YSL counter had sold out and I couldn't find any site that would ship it to Australia but I happened to come across one at Castle Hill Myer. Actually, there was a bunch of them probably due to the lack of staff working at that store. I was ecstatic and was almost tempted to buy two.

I also included swatches above comparing it to my another felt liner which is by far the blackest one I own (Illamasqua Precision Ink). The top one is the YSL and the one below is the Illamasqua eyeliner.

Whilst I feel the YSL liner is not as intensely black as the Illasmasqua one I DO LOVE the fact that it dries matte and doesn't flake. The matte finish makes it different and definitely gives a more softer but somehow bolder look. It still is very black but not the blackest black I've come across. I am so happy with this purchase. I swatched it on my hand several weeks back and was impressed that it did smudge but was removed easily as it was to apply. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for an easy to apply matte black liquid liner that has staying power.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Small Agenda in Amarante

I am loving my new agenda. It definitely completes my Amarante Collection (here).

Dan got it personalised for me with my initials "K.T" and got me the LV Agenda Refills for 2011/12 as well. 

Also, the pen I bought was from Campo Marzio. It's refillable as well as it fits perfectly into the tiny pen slot of the agenda.  

First impression: Lancome Genifique Youth Activator and Eye Cream

I purchased the Lancôme Youth Activator 30ml set in the beginning of the week which also contained deluxe samples of the eye cream, day cream and night cream. I've alway wanted to try the Youth Activator but was discouraged by the extreme mixed reviews - it worked for some and did nothing for others. But two of my favorite bloggers/youtubers hollyannaeree and theraeviewer both love this product so I decided to jump in and try it for myself and to my luck I am not disappointed (so far). Some noticeable differences included improved softness, plumpness and radiance. The product claims to show results within 7 days but I started seeing results on day 2. I'm really impressed. 

I have not seen any difference with using the eye cream but so far its kept my eyes hydrated. I have yet to try the day cream or night cream since I'm still trying to banish my dark spots from acne scaring and sun damage with my SK-II whitening products, so I cannot give my thought on these just yet. The Genifique is working very well in conjunction with my current skincare regimen.

This is just my initial impression as I'm only on day 4 of using this product. I'll do a proper review later on once I've had a good feel of the product. 

Onto another topic - I'm looking to purchase the Clarisonic Plus or Mia 2 cleansing system as Nordstroms now ship to Australia. My Myer store has been out of stock of the Plus (we don't have the Mia here) for a while now. Its also considerably cheaper in the US if I combine replacement brush heads into the same shipment. I'm still deciding between the Mia 2 or Plus but I'm leaning towards the Plus since I have blemishes on my body which I've been struggling to get rid off and I'm hoping the body function would work on that. Thoughts?

Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil 250ml

I am a firm believer in this product. It is definitely my HG when it comes to makeup removal. It's suitable for the eye area and it takes my makeup off like nothing I've used before, even waterproof mascara. I usually follow it up with my SK-II Gentle Facial Cleansing Foam and it works like MAGIC! No makeup residue (toner test) and it doesn't leave my face feeling stripped of moisture.

I used to use the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm which worked, but in my opinion was such a mess to use and unhygienic as it was in a jar container. This cleansing oil is contained in a pump bottle which makes it so much easier to dispense a sensible amount. You don't need very much of this. I dispense a to my fingertips, and apply it to a dry face starting from the nose outwards using a gentle massaging motion. I then dampen my fingertips and massage more until it emulsifies. I repeat the last step again and then rinse thoroughly with water and then followed by my cleanser. My skin is left soft and clean.

Even though my skin is quite oily and acne-prone I haven't found that this product has in any way reacted adversely to my skin. All-in-all I will continue to use it and repurchase unless I find something that is cheaper and works just as good, as this was quite pricey. I think I got it for about $75AU after discount (RRP $90AU). But then again, it has lasted me so long. I've used it virtually every day since I purchased it back in April and I'm just about half way through. So technically a bottle would last me just over a year. That's not expensive if you ask me, especially if the product works.

This product deserves my 5 star approval.

Neutral Look (mostly Chanel)

This is one of my favourite looks for that fresh and healthy glow. It just plays up my natural features with some really neutral shades. I used mostly Chanel products that I have purchased recently and incorporated some other products I already had.

Products used:
Face
- Chanel Base Lumiere Illuminating Makeup Base
- Chanel Mat Lumiere Liquid Foundation in No. 30 Beige Cendre
- Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Pot in Warm Beige
- MAC Loose Blotting Powder in Light
- Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base
- Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Ecrin 
- Chanel Lumiere Sculptee De Chanel Highlighting Powder
Eyes
- MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
- MAC E/S in Yoghurt (all over the eye)
- MAC E/S in All That Glitters (lids)
- Chanel E/S in Beige Lame (crease)
- Illamasqua Precision Ink Liner in Abyss
- Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil Liner in Black
- Loreal Telecopic Clean Precision Mascara in Black
- Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in Gaze
Lips:
- Chanel Hydrating Lip Treatment SPF15 (UVA/UVB protection)
- Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in Enivree

Wow! That looks like a lot of products but it doesn't take that long or much effort. The colours are quite neutral so you don't have to be as precise I guess. It takes me around 15 mins to achieve this look.

Chanel Christmas 2011 Collection

In my recent haul post I mentioned that I picked up the Lumiere Sculptee Highlighting Powder. This powder is the star product of the Christmas collection for 2011. I also purchased three other items from the collection that was also mentioned which were the Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Beige Lame, a Rouge Allure Lipstick in Enivree and the 6 Mini Brush Set.

Lumiere Sculptee Highlighting Powder

The intricate details on the powder itself is so pretty! I didn't even want to use it. It comes in the typical Chanel black compact and also features an angled powder/blush brush which is surprisingly usable unlike other included compact applicators I have come across.

The top layer of the powder is quite sparkly and glittery initially but once I managed to sweep it off, what was underneath was a finely milled highlighting powder that was not shimmery at all but rather leaves a more luminous finish.

Ombré Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Beige Lame

This colour is quite comparable to MAC's Rich Flesh from the N Collection several years back which has been my HG contouring shadow which I have been having a hard time finding a replacement for since it was a limited edition. Whilst it is quite glittery in the pan as shown in the picture it doesn't apply sparkly at all, which is perfect for me since I love using medium brown just to add depth to the crease of my eyes for an everyday look.

Rouge Allure Lipstick in Enivree

This lipstick is a rosy pink with a slight peachy undertone which is quite flattering on my skin tone. It has pink reflectives as well which I really like. It applies semi-opaque with a beautiful sheen. It gives my lips that perfect shade of rosy pink without it being too bright or overwhelming.

The final thing I picked up during my visit was the travel brush set. The thing that attracted me to this set was actually the cosmetic case that it came in. On one side is the separate areas for the included brushes and on the other, a zip pocket for the few essential makeup items which I find really handy. It keeps my makeup away from the brushes so any residue on the bristles don't dirty up the packaging on my makeup compacts etc.

I was advised by the makeup artist that these brushes are not machine manufactured and are made the same way as the full sized brushes only with a shorter handle.

As I mentioned, in the brush set you get 6 mini sized brushes:
- Angled powder/blush brush
- Foundation brush
- Eyeshadow brush
- Smudge/pencil brush
- Eyebrow brush
- Lip brush

Overall the quality of these brushes are definitely of higher grade than the MAC equivalent that being the short editions (SE). However, I only find them useful as touch up brushes as the quality is not exactly the best. I'm trying to get my hands on the Sigma brushes but haven't yet justified a reason to buy more brushes! To be honest I purchased the Chanel brush set because I needed a travel powder brush and was looking to purchase the larger version alone but the SA convinced me to purchase the set plus I loved the cosmetic bag it came in. What a sucker I am for all things Chanel!

All in all I am pretty pleased with the items I purchased from this collection. The colour scheme of the more neutral colors are right up my alley. All are very wearable and easily mixed up with other colour I already own but I've been wearing them together every day since the day I got them. Shows how much I love them! I am honestly considering getting backups but my recent hauling episodes have left my pockets empty and Chanel is so expensive here in Australia, I just wished I gave Dan a bigger list to get for me overseas duty free =(

I might post a FOTD using the Chanel products I purchased if I have time. Exams are creeping up on me once again...

Chanel Haul

I recently acquired these items on several separate hauling episodes. Some were also gifts from my dear boyfriend from his latest trip to Hong Kong.

I was immediately attracted to the glitz and glam of the Chanel Makeup Studio in Myer Sydney City. And if you know me once I'm in there's no stopping me!

Of course I did not buy this all at once because that would be crazy, even for me. I pretty much bought a whole face of makeup hehe..

Okay I won't keep you waiting for longer.

What's in the haul-bag?

- 6 Mini Brush Set (LE)

- Lumiere Sculptee De Chanel Highlighting Powder (LE)

- Mat Lumiere Longlasting Luminous Matte Fluid Makeup SPF15 in 30 Beige

- White Essentiel Light Reflecting Whitening Compact Foundation SPF25/PA+++ in 30 Beige Cendre

- Base Lumiere Illuminating Makeup Base (I initially wanted Le Blanc De Chanel but the SA in HK gave Dan the wrong one)

- Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

- Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in 417 Beige Lame

- Joues Contraste in 68 Rose Ecrin

- Chanel Allure Extrait De Gloss in 51 Insouciance and 52 Genie

- Chanel Allure Lipstick in 197 Enivree

I might post a review later on after I've used them for a little longer.

I highly recommend getting the Lumiere Sculptee Highlighting Powder before it sells out. I'm a NC30-37 for reference and it is definitely my HG highlighting and perfecting powder. It really makes my skin look flawless with a few sweeps. I'm considering buying a backup.

Perfection Lumiere and the Natural Finish Loose Powder is next on my hit list.

I am definitely hooked!

xox

K.

Baby you're never alone

 

"My love will follow you

Stay with you

Baby you're never alone"

Never Alone - Adelle

Louis Vuitton: Monogram Vernis Poch-Clef

Danny and I ended up exchanging our Anniversary presents early, once again (its actually in August). We went to the Louis Vuitton shop supposedly "just to look" but he surprised me and got me the poch-clef to add to my Monogram Vernis family/collection. I already own the zippy wallet and the Brea MM in the same colour, Amarante.

It was the last piece in the store and he didn't want to wait so we got it. He knew I wanted one because I'm saving up for a Chanel Classic Flap in medium/large and my wallet would take up most of the limited space inside it. I would've got a smaller wallet but it didn't make sense as I have a fully functional wallet and I love it to death. It fits everything you could possibly need in your wallet without any bulging.. The poch-clef is the perfect size to use with any of my smaller bags as it holds my essentials. It can fit my driver's license, student ID, bank card, credit cards, notes and small change. The key holder/hook doubles as a hook to attach to the inside of any Louis Vuitton (attach to the D-hook).

Onto photos ...

Introducing my LV family - The Amarante

Latest addition - Poch-clef

The back pocket

Inside the zip compartment

The key pouch hooked into the inside of my Brea bag.

Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream Review

Hello, it's been a while.
I previously blogged about this BB cream in my beauty haul post in April.  So, I've been using this BB Cream for 2 months now and I am quite confident that I can give a complete review of it since I've had a good feel of its "benefits" or whatnot.

I have tried their other Signature M BB Cream and THAT I did not like whatsoever, so I was a bit hesistant at first to try another one from their range especially when I haven't seen many reviews on it. I went with my instincts and tried it for myself. Anyways, to the review.

Product:

Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF27+ in no.23

Price:

$36.90AU from Missha

Review:

The product claims to improve skin tone and has whitening/brightening effect. Whilst I did experience an improvement in skin tone and brightness I cannot however isolate these results as a direct benefit of using the BB Cream as I have made changes to my skincare routine which too included whitening/brightening products from SK-II. I believe it did contribute but my skincare was probably the major factor.

One thing I can conclude is, this is the only BB Cream that I have used that has not caused me to break out and provides the best fit (colour and covering) for my skin. I'm an NC30-35 and have blemishes (mainly acne scaring) with redness around my nose area and shade no.23 provided the perfect coverage that looks lighter and more natural than your foundation.

I also found that the oil control was decent but not incredible I did see oil come through approximately 3 hours of wear but I have a very oily T-zone (and I mean it!).

The thing I liked most about it is definitely how easy and quick it is to apply in the morning. It also provides sun protection in the one step.

How I use it?
After my skincare routine and primer if desired, I dispense a small amount (half pump) to my fingertips and applying on using a gentle tapping motion concentrating more on my areas of concern. To set the BB Cream with my Laura Mercier Mineral Powder.

Overall:

Would I purchase it again? Probably yes.

I think it deserves 4 out of 5. It serves its purpose as an alternative to a medium coverage foundation but whether it delivers its promises about improving the tone and brightness of your skin is still questionable.  

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I wrote up this post some time ago but just never got around to uploading and editing it. Plus, it is such a ritual for me to blog during exam time and uni just to de-stress and escape from the pages and pages of notes that sit infront of me.



The Italian Forum

After my only mid-sem exam (hallelujah to that!), Danny and I went to Sapore in The Italian Forum, Leichardt. I've been here once before but it was Danny's first time.

The Bruschetta

Oysters .. My favourite !

Pasta platter - fettucine carbonara, prawn penne and beef tortellini boscaialo .. The prawn was my pick !

This is the nerdy me. Glasses on and hair up!

Zara and More ! (photo heavy)

Zara just opened it's first store in Australia in Westfields Pitt St, Sydney. So I knew I couldn't make it for the opening day but by the second day most of the things I liked have ran out in my size. Of course I couldn't go home empty handed after the early wake up and all the pushing and shoving. I only managed to pick up a basic black dress. I'm going to return again when the crowds are less frantic and hopefully scoop up some more things.

The line as we left Westfields. Thankfully we didn't have to line up :)

I love the tagging system! It tells me what sizes the item is made in so I don't need to rummage through a rack to realize they don't make an AU6 or XS.

I also purchased a few other items that day. My Aunty and I were so bad convincing each other to buy everything we set our eyes on =P

Also, my recent purchases from ASOS which I have delayed to post =)