Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge

Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge

I actually wanted to get the beauty blender-esque sponge from Walgreens (link), but I saw this at CVS and it was only $4.99! (The one from Walgreens is $7.99) I wanted to get this type of sponge to use with Rohto Hadalabo's BB Moist Emulsion that I recently got. 

I've only tried it twice, but I like how it makes the emulsion look more natural on my skin. The only problem I have with it is that it absorbs a lot of the product even though I soak it in water beforehand. 

Gmarket Haul #3!

I made a small order using the gift certificate from the Top Bloggers. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was having problems making an order because 'Error 709' kept coming up. I was finally able to place an order by using Internet Explorer 6 on a different computer (I had Internet Explorer 9 on my laptop). It's kind of sad how it worked on an older version of Internet Explorer than the most recent one, but if you're having the same problems, try it either on a different computer and/or an older version of Internet Explorer.


I also had another issue with shipping. My order had a higher actual weight than the estimated one so I had to pay more for shipping. I thought I could use my Cash Balance even though it didn't cover the whole amount and of course it didn't work. Don't take that chance lol! They always say how your balance needs to be more than what you're paying for and I knew that, but I tried it anyway. I tried to pay again with paypal, but the links weren't leading me to the payment page. I sent them an email and they cancelled the additional overseas shipping payment. I was finally able to pay by going to Shopping List and I saw the "Pay Now" link for the order:

Estimated Weight: 0.90Kg (23,300 won)

Actual Weight: 1.21Kg (additional 6,500 won)

Holika Holika order: Luminous Silk BB Cream #02, Bulgarian Rose Emulsion & Serum

Samples I received from Holika Holika

Holika Holika Luminous Silk BB Cream #02

Ah, the downfall of BB creams: trying to find one that matches your skin. Of course this one didn't, but it was okay because Holika Holika was having a 30% off sale and this BB cream only cost 9,030 won (~$8.18). If I keep this up, I'll be hoarding BB creams T_T. Even though this BB cream didn't match my skintone, it has a pump and a nice dewy finish.

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Serum, 50ml

(bought on sale for 11,900 won ~$10.77)

I absolutely love this serum. I wanted to try the Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose line because I love the smell of roses and I needed a serum and emulsion for my skincare routine. I like how this serum has a cap for the pump. The pump has good control. I use a small amount (as shown in the picture above) each on my forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. This serum absorbs nicely and doesn't leave my face overly greasy.

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Emulsion, 150ml

(bought on sale for 9,800 won ~$8.87)

When I was first using this, I found my face to be overly greasy/oily after application and in the morning when I woke up, but I believe that this was due to using too much product. It's hard getting the product out because it's housed in a glass bottle and the product is not liquid. I usually shake it out of the bottle or hit the bottom of it (like a glass ketchup bottle!) to get the product out. 

Etude House Happy Teatime Peach Tea Cleansing Foam

150ml 3,000 won ~$2.72

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Firming Eye Cream sample

I am way more excited for Korean beauty brand samples than American ones. lol.

I got this foaming cleanser from Etude House because in the book, Chizu Saeki recommended a "milky" foaming cleanser. All I need is a pea-size amount. It foams up nicely and smells great, but it does leave my skin feeling a little bit tight after. It doesn't bother me much since I'm going to tone and moisturize after anyway. It's pretty cheap since all I need is a pea-size amount. 

Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Lotion

I bought this after reading Chizu Saeki's book, "The Japanese Skincare Revolution". The book explains the "asian skincare routine" of layering products. Included in the routine is the use of a toner. I decided to get this one because it contains Hyaluronic Acid. Juju Aquamoist also has a similar toner, but I chose this one because of this review. 

All I need are two drops. Before I used to turn it upside down and back up really quickly to dispense the product, but I was actually pouring out more product than I needed. Now I just tip it over to let the product fall into my hand. A lot of people complain about the stickiness of the product, but it all depends on how much you actually use. If you put a lot, yes it's going to be sticky. Just use less -__-.

Overall, I really like this toner. I can't tell if my skin is more moisturized due to this because I've actually been taking care of my skin (cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, emulsion and all). I bought it at Mitsuwa for $15.99 and at 170ml, it'll last me a long time. 

Mini MAC Haul

Procrastinating right now. Rather blog than do my homework haha.


Picked up three items from MAC recently. I had credit from the Nordstrom's Cosmetic Trend Show event which I didn't use because I couldn't make my appointment. 

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother, MAC Sheen Supreme Lipsticks

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother, $30

I wanted to try out this item because I've never seen anything else like it. The Muse has a thorough review on it. It won't cover your pores completely, but I love how it gives the area around my nose a photoshopped look. 

Left: MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Bare Again

Right: MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Gotta Dash!

Bottom Left: Gotta Dash!

Top Right: Bare Again

I was checking out swatches of the Sheen Supreme Lipsticks and wanted these two colors. I love coral lipcolors, but Gotta Dash is more of a bright pink than orange. I love Bare Again. It's a "my-lips-but-better" color. 

Nordstrom's Cosmetic Trend Show 2012

I attended Nordstrom's Cosmetic Trend Show two weeks ago. I found out about the show when I went to the MAC counter in Nordstrom's. The show featured the new spring trends (coral, glowing skin, etc.). It was my first time going and we received a coral tote bag with a few samples. I was kind of bummed that we didn't get more samples. Inside were cards that we were supposed to bring to the counter to get free samples, but I was too lazy lol. We also got free Kara's Cupcakes! 

All in all, it was okay. The presenters were pretty much trying to sell us their products. The only product I was interested in was Smashbox's BB cream. I went to the counter to test it out and they have a good range of colors. The only problem was that it's 1oz. for $39. Yeah, not going to spend $39 on a tiny BB cream when I can get a bigger size for cheaper and with more skincare benefits.

Here are the samples I received:

I'm happy I did go to the Laura Mercier counter to grab this:

I can't wait to try this out! It leaves a lovely sheen.

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Skincare Set from prettyandcute.com!

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Skincare Set

$9.99 from prettyandcute.com

I purchased this set from prettyandcute.com because I wanted to try out the Bulgarian Rose line from Holika Holika and Gmarket was pissing me off. I wanted to use the gift certificate I received from the Top Bloggers to purchase stuff from the Bulgarian Rose line, but I was receiving "error 709" and the order never went through. I was finally able to complete the order by using a different computer with Internet Explorer 6. It's funny how it worked with an older version of Internet Explorer and not the most recent one -__-. Anyway, I'm glad I purchased this set from prettyandcute.com. It was only $9.99 (I also had a 15% off coupon), it's perfect just to try out the stuff, and it's great for travel!

It comes with Petal Skin (20ml), Emulsion (20ml), Pearly Blossom Cream (5ml), and Petal Moisture Mask (5ml).

I've only used it once, but the Petal Skin toner is very moisturizing! It has petals in it. I will definitely bring it with me when I'm traveling. The emulsion is the same size (20ml), but it's harder to get out of the container because it's thick. I hit it on my palm to get the product out and then rub my hands together and pat it on my face. It feels so smooth when I apply it. 

I really like the Pearly Blossom Cream. It's thick, but not too thick. It leaves a pink sheen that is similar to that of Etude House's Nypmh Aura Volumer and Moistfull Collagen Smoothing Ampule Primer. It's nice if you want that look, but I find it unnecessary especially if you are only using this product at night. Other than that, it made my skin very moisturized : ).

Last is the Petal Moisture Mask. I haven't used it yet because I'm not really into masks, but it has petals in it!  :D