HAUL: DECIEM The Ordinary Skincare

I've been wanting to try more DECIEM products so I made a little skincare haul on Hudson's Bay. It's hard to get everything on my wish list because as you may know, DECIEM - notably their line, The Ordinary - has been very buzzed about: it's affordable, and their ingredients and benefits sound pretty intriguing and effective. In Canada, you can get DECIEM directly from their website, Well.ca, and Hudson's Bay. They also have been opening up a bunch of stores all over the world! If you have a big wish list I suggest ordering through their website or going in-stores; however, I prefer to shop online because I get cash back on eBates (you can too - sign up here! Both Hudson's Bay and Well.ca are on eBates.ca). While there are still a ton of products I'd like to try, I was only able to pick up a few things that I thought would help with some of my current skin concerns.

Murale's March Fab and Free Promo Haul 2014

Here is what I hauled during Murale's Fab and Free promo for March 2014. This time's Fab and Free promo required you to spend $100, and consists of 27 samples (most are deluxe samples). Since I am in need of a new toner, and since I have been meaning to try the brand, 3LAB, I jumped on the chance and bought their Perfect Balancing Toner. It was perfect timing because Murale also had a separate GWP for 3LAB, which included their WW Eye Cream and 'M' Ultimate Lift Cream. (I hear a voice to beware of falling in love with these products - since they're so pricey!) To make my order over $100, I purchased a backup of my favourite eyelash primer, the Anna Sui Mascara Base (not shown).

B. Kamins Diamond Radiance Rejuvenating Cream, 3g

Benefit The POREfessional, 3ml

Bioderma Sensibio H2O, 20ml

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Day Fluid, 10ml

Clarins Extra-Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum, 10ml

Clean Warm Cotton Mini Rollerball, 5ml

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects, 15ml

Darphin Hydraskin Light, 15ml

Deborah Lippman Supermodel Nail Lacquer, 8ml

Estee Lauder Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum, 7ml

GlamGlow SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment, 10ml

Glow by Dr.Brandt Revitalizing Retinol Eye Cream, 2.5ml

Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Eye and Lip Cream, 3ml

Juice Beauty Stem Cell Moisturizer, 7.8ml

Lancome Advanced Genifique, 8ml

Monteil Hydro Cell Pro Active Cleanser, 10ml

NeoStrata Youth Factor GF Total Regenerating Serum, 7ml

Ojon Rare Blend Oil Total Hair Therapy, 6ml

Prevage Anti-agining + Intensive Repair Daily Serum, 5ml

Rivoli Rejuvenating Day Cream, 3ml

Rodial Bee Venom Moisturizer, 5ml

Shiseido Eudermine, 8ml

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, 1 set

Smashbox Photo Op Brightening Mascara, 4.9ml

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, 1ml

StimuLashFusion Enhancing & Lengthening Mascara, 4.25g

StriVetin Present Perfect Antioxidant Defence Lotion, 0.25oz

XO Nicole

Sephora F&F 2013 Haul (Hourglass, GLAMGLOW, Kat Von D, etc)

I went a little crazy with the Friends & Family 20% off sale (which, combined with the 5% cash back from ebates, I actually saved 25% off my order). I have also included a smaller Sephora order I made a while back because the Disney Collection Ariel Set the Mood Compact Mirror was back in stock.

From the Sephora F&F sale, I picked up:
Kat Von D Sinner Perfume
Kat Von D Saint PerfumeHourglass Ambient Lighting PaletteGLAMGLOW Super-Mud™ Clearing Treatment & Youth-Mud™ Tingling & Exfoliating Treatment SetMDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen

Thierry Mugler 500 Point perk - I feature this product in this post here.

The MDSolarSciences suncreen was a total impulse buy! I usually never spend too much on my sunscreen but I was very intrigued by all the additional benefits that this sunscreen claims to have. This claims to be suitable for acne-prone skin, which I have, and it also uses physical sunscreen blocking agents, which I prefer. If you noticed, I actaully purchased two of them... I was so excited about this product that I accidentally added two into my cart.

Edit: It looks like the Hourglass Ambient palette, and the GlamGlow set are permanently out of stock! No surprise there since the VIB sale is currently on. There is actually another GlamGlow set that is available. It is basically the same thing - it contains that same products and in same amounts - but the packaging is different, and it sells for a bit more expensive (here). Both that set and the one that I purchased have 1.2 oz of the SUPERMUD™ Clearing Treatment and 0.5 oz YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment, except the Tinglexofliate came in two squeezey tubes (0.25 oz each) instead of a small jar.

XO Nicole

Sephora Beauty Insider 500 Points Perk - Thierry Mugler Angel Perfume Set

Discover why this classic and unforgettable fragrance has delighted for over two decades. Get ready for a delectable, mouthwatering blend of chocolate and caramel notes, layered on in travel-friendly minis for body and hair.
-Angel EDP (0.17 oz)
-Angel Body Lotion (1.0 oz)
-Angel Perfuming Body Cream (1.0 oz)
-Angel Hair Mist (0.17 oz)

I've noticed that Sephora saves the best 500 point perks until the end of the year - Last year it was the Dior trio set (you can read about that here) - so pick this up while you still can! I don't think there is going to anything (fragrance wise) better than this!

XO Nicole

Sephora VIB Celebration Bag 2013

Sephora's VIB Celebration Bag is one of the latest perks for VIBs. Free with $35USD/CAD purchase, this "Celebration" bag comes with 9 samples, including some of which are deluxe samples. The bag that I received contained the following:

• Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional (0.25 oz)
• Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Dolly (0.07 oz)
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Nude (0.5 oz)
• Stila Lip Glaze in Apricot (0.05 oz)
• Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau de Toilette (0.04 oz)
• Sephora Collection Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 (0.17 oz)
• Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in N° 56 Queen For A Day (Gun Metal Mirror)(0.07 oz)
• L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (0.34 oz) L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil
• First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (1 oz) Boscia Bright White Mask

XO Je

Sephora Haul (feat. Kat Von D)

Ever since I have made the switch to BB cream and/or tinted moisturizer, I have been on the look out for a good powder to provide some extra coverage for the days that I need it. The Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation is a popular foundation for super high coverage, but since I am not a fan too high coverage foundation and also because the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation did not have any shades that match me perfectly, I passed on it. Just this year however, Kat Von D released a powder counterpart to the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation. Again, even though she has a wide range of shades to choose from, I still couldn't find a true match for my skin so I picked out two shades, Light 45 and Medium 53. Check out my post featuring these two products to get more details on the product. 

Check out what was in my VIB Celebration Bag here.

Featuring Sephora Beauty Insider 2013 Birthday Gift

It's finally my turn to haul the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift! If you guys haven't seen this, here you go! This year's gift is provided courtesy of Benefit cosmetics; it consists of a deluxe sample of their ever so popular They're Real mascara, and also a "luminous champagne" highlighter, Watt's Up!. I am especially looking forward to trying the mascara and seeing what the hype around the mascara is all about! Oh, and you can read about last year's Sephora BI birthday gift here - link.

XO Nicole

Featuring Sephora 500 Point Perk Summer Kit

I usually save my points until the end of the year because the 500 point perk is usually a more luxurious brand (think Dior, see my post here), but the point reduction for this kit lured in. Plus, there's a few months left before the end of the year to replenish the deficit (wink!). This kit is pretty complete - they did a good job thinking about the whole routine. First off, sunscreen and moisturizer, followed up with a nice primer (I was most excited for this Hourglass primer!), and BB cream. A mascara and a brow gel is also included. The only thing I could find to criticize is the makeup bag - I would have chose something that is brighter and maybe something that is made out of a waterproof material that would be perfect for bringing to the beach/pool.

XO Nicole

Sephora Haul (Illamasqua, Peter Roth Thomas, Becca)

Everything was telling me that I had to place this Sephora order! The major selling point was the limited time offer (ie. that weekend only!) in which the 500 Summer Kit point perk was reduced to 200 points. Click here to what was inside!

Illamasqua Hollow was in stock (you have no idea how many times I've received a back in stock notification only to come home to it being sold out that very same day).

PETER THOMAS ROTH Therapeutic Sulfur Masque Acne Treatment Masque - I desperately needed a new acne cleanser, mask or treatment. I ha ve REN'a clay cleanser in the basket but decided to put some faith into the mask for clearing my breakouts. Both these items were about $40 so I had to pick one. Plus, I'm always hesitant to spend a lot on cleanser.. or anything that almost immediately goes down the drain. If the mask doesn't live up to my expectations, I will definitely be giving the REN cleanser a go.

BECCA Luminous Skin Colour Ultra Sheer Foundation SPF 25+ - I have been using BB cream and tinted moisturizer for the whole summer so I wanted something that would give me a luminous glow. I went with this product because I thought its sheerness would be perfect for mixing with foundation/tinted moisturizers, etc.

XO Nicole

Sephora Haul (Clarisonic, Shiseido, Josie Maran)

I placed this order because I was running low on my Cover Fx Pressed Mineral Foundation powder. Although I love that Cover Fx provides great coverage without being cakey and the shade matches me amazingly, I was ready to try a new powder. The reviews on this powder are nothing but great so I had to try it out. 

Shiseido The Makeup Powdery Foundation (in shades O20 & O40) - What is cool about this product is that the powder is sold separately from the compact itself (although I believe a lot of Shiseido (powder) products are sold like this). I really like Shiseido for doing this; not only it is more eco-friendly, and I think it just goes to show how confident they are in their products to believe that customers will keep repurchasing. The case is sold separately for $8 CAD. I did not buy the case just yet because I wanted to make sure that I did like the powder enough to repurchase it in the future.

I bought two shades because I was not sure how I matched – this is an online only product so I had no way of swatching and seeing it in person. 

Cleansing Brush Head Value Pack (TYPE: Acne- excellent for acne-prone skin types) I am down to my last Clarisonic brush head so I was happy to see that they offer this value pack of 4 brushes for $75 . Of course, I chose the acne brush heads. This is a great deal because one brush head is $29 CAD (and a twin pack is $48) .

When I placed this order (prior to the Sephora ChicWeek sale), they had a promo for a deluxe sample of the new Josie Maran Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil. I have been so curious about her products so I thought this was a great opportunity to try a product of hers.

Having made this haul, I controlled myself and skipped the Sephora ChicWeek sale, which is fine with me since I didn't have much that I wanted and needed to get. (Random fragrance rant ahead!) The only real thing I need is a new spring/summer fragrance. Last year, it was Marc Jacob's Lola. I was thinking about LaVanila Pure Vanilla but it does not lasts on me and I barely smell it throughout the day. I am really falling for Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. I love the bottle (hello, it's a pink grenade!) but at the same time, every girl out there wears it! I'm quite torn! 

XO Nicole

Drugstore/Whole Foods Skincare Haul

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner 

Heritage Products Rose Petals Rosewater Spray

Calgon Ageless Bath: Exfoliating Mineral Scrub and Soak -  Exfoliating your body is key to achieving a more realistic and seemless tan with gradual tanning lotion, which is my method for a sun-kissed glow in the summer. This scrub sounded like it would be really pleasant - "scrub and soak" - and it's a really large tub and it was on sale; I couldn't say no.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation - I searched high and low for Bourjois' Healthy Mix Foundation, specifically in SDMs because they are the only ones that carry Bourjois here in Canada, but it seems that they only have the serum version. I was desperate for a new foundation so I purchased this one anyway. I got this in the shade 52 Vanilla. Hopefully, the shade matches and that it won't turn out to be a hot mess on my oily skin. 

I am aware that Asos.com sells this in addition to the original/non-serum version but they are all out of my shade at this time. I contacted Asos about restocking the shades but they told me that they don't restock their items. I believe it was an automatic reply because I don't think that this is true for beauty products so I will be keeping my eye on the product page. This cost me $27 CAD whereas it only costs $19 ($17 for non-serum version) on ASOS and they ship for free.

XO Jenny

Drugstore Haul (Spring Empties Follow Up)

This shopping trip was well needed to replace most of the "necessities" that I have used up (see previous posts). Some stuff were extra but nevertheless, justifiable. Most of these items were purchased at Walmart with an exception to a couple things that were purchased from London Drugs.

Goody Classics Mini Claw Clips - I love these mini claw clips and must have them with me at all times. Needless to say, I break these easily and even though I can do with one missing claw, it always bothers me, I don't know why. I am glad that Walmart had these again (for a period of time, I couldn't find them anywhere or they were too expensive). This pack costs $4 CAD and comes with 9 clips.

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil - The two organic lip balms that I finished up  during last semester left me wanting something more exciting. While people may not think Burt's Bee is exciting, I was really looking forward to trying their lip balms because I have never done so. London Drugs was having a Buy 1 Get 1 promo on this duo pack so I decided that it was a sign for me to finally try them. Of course, I get tired easily and need something new so I am not anticipating that I will use all four chapsticks by myself, unless they're life changing - which I am doubtful.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Face Powder in Translucent Light - I've gone through 2 Dream Matte Powders (by Maybelline) and so I was ready for a change. I decided to try this powder because it had good reviews (on MakeupAlley) and because it is made by PF, I thought it would have good ingredients. Though I have never really tried PF products before (because it is quite pricey for a drugstore brand) but I was under the assumption that they had this kind of a philosphy. However, this product contains parabens (as does the Dream Matte powders), but every powder that I have looked at (that are also affordable/from the drugstores) contains some kind of paraben so I guess I will have to live with it. I also wanted to try Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder but that does not come with a puff or a mirror. The puff and the mirror is essential for me in a pressed powder because it's the one face product that I am most likely to bring with me so I want it to have dual-function.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Expert Face Brush - I got overly excited when I saw that London Drugs now carries the individual brushes (both LD and Walmart initially only carried the collection sets). We all know that I do not need anymore brushes, especially buffing/synthethic foundation brushes because not only do I have my Sigma brushes waiting for me to use but also because I don't even wear foundation on a day to day basis - though I have recently been longing to buy a new foundation. I guess this was a sign of my itch to start wearing foundation again.

Aveeno Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer - This was crazy expensive for a drugstore moisturizer but because I have been breaking out for some unknown reason, I wanted a moisturizer that would help with my breakouts. This moisturizer has salicylic acid in it.

Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening System - Trying a new whitening system/impulse buy (I was initially going to buy Crest Whitestrips but this was on sale so I took that as a sign...)

XO Jenny

Kiehl's Recycle and Be Rewarded Event 2013

Kiehl's celebrated Earth day with their trade-in event again. It ran April 16th to 28th (sorry this post is a day late!). When you bring in empty skincare or makeup containers, jars - what have you, to be recycled, you received a little "starter kit" gift. This year, the gift consisted of the same makeup pouch that was given out last year (although it felt of lower quality) and a few sample packets. It was definitely a downgrade from last years goodie bag but it's all good because it's all voluntary and it's a win-win situation either way. According to the email, all items that they receive will go to Cascades Recovery to be turned into flower pots, park benches and tables! So cool - check it out!

The little pouch came with sample packets of the 

Abyssine Lotion + SPF 15

Abyssine Cream + SPF 23

Abyssine Serum +

Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

(The Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado was extra!)

Kiehl’s also partnered with Alanis Morissette to create a limited edition label for Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (and the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream). 100% of the net proceeds from this LE cream went to Evergreen. Love them for this! Get more info about it here!

XO Nicole

Lancôme GWP 2013 Haul

So, I caved and made a semi-big haul on Lancome.ca. I was on my reading break and we all know that when I am not using my laptop for assignments and homework, I am shopping. Little did I know that I would have ended up on Lancome's website, shoving everything I have been wanting into my shopping cart. The fact that there were two special offers going on (well, three if you count the double cash back on ebates) didn't help either. I just received this package the other day so unfortunately, this particular GWP promo is over, however, Lancome has many frequent promos at department stores too, so keep an eye out for those. The main thing I really wanted from Lancome was their Blush Subtil Powder Blush in Miel Glacé. I know I have banned myself from buying anymore blushes but I just wanted to this one to complete the collection. I have been bored with my range of shades and was always looking for something more natural and easy to apply. Miel Glace, according to a lot of reviews I have read, is a go-to and a must for those with pale skin! I threw in their Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base because I am running out of my Shisedo one. I always thought their holiday fragrance mini set was great to try out some of their other scents (I love La Vie est Belle!). When you order on Lancome, you get to choose a free sample and I chose Génifique. The second promo, as mentioned earlier, was a deluxe sample of their Bright Expert treatment, which was a great treat because the full size (30ml) retails for $78 and I got this 15ml sample with no charge! :)

A review and swatch post will be coming up soon when I get a chance to try this out!

The GWP (I will have a separate post featuring this) included:

• Renergie Lift Multi-Action Day Cream
• 3 Lancome Makeup Brushes
• Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector: Wrinkles-Pores-Evenness
• Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
• Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow - Daylight, Exhibition, The New Black, Trendy
• L'Absolu Rouge Advanced Replenishing and Reshaping Lipcolor Pro Xylane - Crushed Rose
• Lancome Cosmetic Bag

XO Nicole

Featuring Real Techniques Brushes by Samantha Chapman Core Collection Set

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman are finally available in Canada at London Drugs! Ever since I heard that people were spotting these at London Drugs, I tried tracking them down at all the closest stores near me but they were never to be seen, which was expected. Finally, after what seems like a long time - after which probably everyone has picked up at least one of the three sets, it was my turn. The sets were back in stock and I snatched up the Core Collection. The Real Technique brushes are not only affordable but people have been saying that they are really soft and high quality. I prefer synthetic brushes because I feel like they pick up product a lot better and are always soft on the skin. The thing two brushes I wanted to try most were the blush brush and the contour brush but only the sets are currently being sold at London Drugs; the sets are the core collection, travel essentials, starter set. I believe they are all $19.99CAD each, which makes any of the sets worth it as you are getting at least three brushes (these sets are even more inexpensive than some more unknown/unpopular brands found at the drug stores). So, since none of the collections has the blush brush, I opted for the core collection because luckily, it had the contour brush as well as brushes that I knew I was going to use a lot. I am actually really glad that this set also comes with a "detailer brush" because it looks like it would be so perfect with concealer in terms of allowing precise spot concealing! I think the case is also a great bonus. It is actually not just a random case to roll or store your brushes in for travel but it can stand your brushes up for when you are applying your makeup! The only negative opinion I have about the brushes based first impression is the packing. I am not a fan of the different colours, the aluminum and the black bottoms because I think they make the brushes look a bit cheap but I can live with that if the brushes deliver  Look out for a review soon!

From the official Real Techniques website:

• includes 4 full-size brushes + case:
• detailer brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition
• pointed foundation brush: Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage
• buffing brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation
• contour brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish
• panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand
• ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free extended 
• aluminum handles are light and easy to use

What do you think about Sam's brushes? What are your favourites?

XO Nicole