sephora vib sale

It's that time of the year again! Here is a quick review of what I picked up this year. 

1. Benefit Cheekathon Palette. This palette is absolutely a steal! It comes with five full size blushes/ bronzer at the price of two. Although I already have the "Rockateur" blush so I am not sure whether to keep this or not, this product is definitely great for those who have been wanting to try Benefit's box blushes. 

2. Anastasia Glow Kit in 'That Glow'. My complexion has a neutral/yellow undertone so I decided to pick up this warm/bronze-toned palette over the pink one. This is the first Anastasia's non-brow product I have tried and the quality definitely does not disappoint. The powder is creamy, pigmented and the shimmer it gives off is natural and on-point. 

3. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea water Foundation. This foundation is light-weight and hydrating, which makes it perfect for those with normal to dry skin who don't need much coverage. It is just unfortunate that it does not work with my skin type, returning!

4. Sephora Airbrush foundation. After hearing all the hype about this product on Youtube, I decided to pick up my very first Sephora-branded product and I was pleasantly surprised by how well this product applies. It leaves the face a beautiful airbrush and flawless look while allowing your skin to peek through. Some people may find the spray messy to work with, but I like to apply it with my towel hairband which hides my hair line entirely.  So tempted to pick up their airbrush blush as well! 

5. Hourglass Ambient bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light/ Ambient Light Blush in Incandescent Electra/ Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light. Hourglass has always and will always be my favorite high-end makeup brand. Their price points are steep but I am a sucker for the natural luminosity their products leave on your face. Been so obsessed with the bronzer, it seriously gives off the most beautiful summer glow. 

6. Nars blush in 'Madly'. Best kind of everyday, apricot-toned blush. Try it if you haven't!

7. Urban Decay All nighter Makeup Setting Spray. One of my HG products! This is perhaps my third or fourth repurchase. I don't use this every day, but this is the one product I always go for whenever I need to have my makeup to stay in place stay all.day.long.  

8. Too Faced Hangover Hydrating Primer. As it says in its name, it is hydrating and it prolongs the wear of make-up. It also has a hint of coconut smell! 

9. Laura Mercier Blemish-less Foundation Primer.  I am not quite sure whether this primer makes my foundation stays longer, but I do notice my blush/ bronzer do not budge at all when I have this primer on. Also, the blemish-less formula is perfect for my skin type, it has not broke me out so far.

10. Laura Mercier Powder Puff.

11. The Original Beauty Blender. I have the black BB and thought it was an average product. I rarely use it. But I did not know until recently that the black and pink BBs are made for applying different products. Sure enough, I picked up the pink BB and it is definitely a lot bouncier than the black one. It is not as stiff and it applies my liquid products (foundation & concealer) perfectly! Highly recommend this over the black one if you are thinking of picking up one of these beauty blenders.

Soooo...that was quite a splurge but I think I am all good on makeup until the next VIB sale comes around! :$

the perfect getaway

It's been nearly 10 years since I moved to Vancouver and I can't believe it took me so long to visit the beautiful Okanagan. My boyfriend and I had a short stay at the Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon, BC the past few days and can I just say... this place is absolutely breathtaking. The infinity pool, saunas & spa, and that lake and mountain view you just can't find elsewhere. I just came home and I am dying to get back there already. Highly recommend to my fellow Vancoverites who are seeking for a short getaway.

basics 101: white tanks

As the weather's been getting warmer, I have been curating some of the "best" white tanks I can find on the market, in terms of quality and affordability. I love neutrals, and white tanks have always been the number one staple in my summer wardrobe. A good white tank is incredibly versatile. It can create an effortlessly chic look, and can also be dressed up if paired appropriately. 

I have been eyeing on the Aritzia's Murphy blouse for quite some time, and I was so happy to find a dupe in Forever 21 for a fraction of the price! This tank has thick straps that can easily cover any undergarments, with a v-neck that is not too high or low. Although it is from Forever 21, it is lined so it can be worn with or without cami tanks underneath.

Turtlenecks have been a huge trend last winter, and this trend seems to be able to make it to this spring with a small tweak. This garment I found in H&M is made of light-weighed cotton. The neckline sits quite a bit lower, while maintaining that turtleneck silhouette, it won't make you feel stuffed under the hot weather. Also, the crop length makes it perfect for pairing with high-waisted jeans or shorts.

Another one of my favorite finds in Aritzia. Although there are more affordable options for this simple crewneck style, this Wiltona tank from Talula stood out to me because of its supreme fabric. It is soft and stretchy, and the fabric is thick enough to cover any undergarments- an important thing to look out for when shopping for white tops!   

Dressing up the same tank top. Here I paired it up with a side-slit midi skirt from Zara and heels from Nine West. 

Happy spring shopping!

wishlist: travel essentials

1. Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack. Been eyeing on this backpack since it came out. Seems a versatile piece that would easily go well with any travel outfits, also great for some hands-free shopping ;)
2. Rayban Flash Aviators. My good ol' pair of classic aviators have been good to me the past few summers, it's about time to get an upgrade.
3. Adidas Stan Smith. Just a pair of white kicks for summer- comfy and practical.
4. Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini bucket bag. Definitely has a love-hate relationship with this one. I am obsessed with its silhouette and colour, yet it might be the one item that I will never be able to get my hands on...

What are your fashion travel essentials?

vacation planning

(Joel Robuchon Restaurant, taken in Tokyo last summer)

I'd like to consider myself as a travel junkie. Growing up as a kid, my parents have always brought me to travel to somewhere new every summer. I have grown fond of exploring new places; I enjoy both the excitement and uncertainty of what's to come. I love everything about planning a trip, that includes spending my time to research about the city, plotting a schedule, and even packing my bags!

After months of planning, I have finally confirmed my trip to Asia this late spring/ summer. My destinations for this trip include Hong Kong, Taipei and Osaka. Accommodations in Asia can be expensive, especially in big cities like Taipei and Osaka. I decided to go on airbnb to try my luck, and I was pleasantly surprised by how chic and modern some of the options are... I would move in in a heartbeat!