I do not know where to start introducing; in a way, this post doesn't require much introduction. The photos speak it all. I will link our previous swaps at the end of this post. Let's jump right into what she spoilt me with this time!
First off, let me begin with the skin care treats she surprised me with.
40 Carrots Retinol-Rich Skin Care, or 40 Carrots, is a totally new brand to me. Although I roughly remember Tao has talked about it in her videos before, I do not know what to expect! Carrot + Mango Moisture Splurge is a moisturiser that smells and feels amazing. Carrot + Cucumber Eye Gel says it can wake up tired eyes - that sounds good!
Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion - looks like an interesting instant-effect serum to me~
Ahava Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask - I'm currently testing out several items from Ahava, and this is a great addition to my brand exposure. Look out for my review coming up!
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength - Been using mandelic acid products among other things to exfoliate currently, so I may need to test out this peel later. :P
Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask - Heard much great things about this mask from beauty bloggers, I even had a moment almost purchasing this off certain website. Happy to have receiving this from Ari!
Pacifica "Hawaiian Ruby Guava" Body Butter - Smells delicious~
Liv Grn "Earth" Eau de Parfum - A heavenly melon scent, I'm almost out of it!
Crabtree & Evelyn "Citron" Age Defying Hand Remedy - Out of the many scents of Crabtree & Evelyn, this is one of our common favourites, Citron. Glad to have one more tube of this!
Various perfume samples - Diane von Furstenberg "Diane" Eau de Toilette, Hanae Mori "Hanae Mori" Eau de Toilette, Emilio Pucci "Sole 149" Eau de Toilette, Escada "Especially Escada" Eau de Parfum, Lancome "La vie est belle" L'eau de parfum, Gucci "Gucci Guilty" Eau de Toilette, Bvlgari "Jasmin Noir", Bvlgari "BLV Eau de Parfum II".
My current favourite is Lancome's La vie est belle, which reminds me a lot of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb, and Bvlgari's BLV EDP II, a very fresh unisex, light fragrance.
From Target, Up & Up Cotton Rounds (100 pc) and Rite Aid Renewal Exfoliating Cotton Rounds (80 pc) both has micro-bead surface on one side, and hexagon-pattern 'smooth' on the other. Both made of 100% pure cotton, in USA.
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal "005 Nude" "004 Taupe" - Trying them out, first impression, the Nude is a better option than the Stila Kajal (I had an old topaz one) to use in the waterline, as it has a more long-lasting, drier texture.
I told Ari I wanted to try the American exfoliating cotton rounds, along with the Rimmel Scandaleyes (cheaper in the States than from UK), so I kind of requested these. However, I did not at all expect that she would spend extra shipping in shipping the cotton to me - the mailing fee is way more expensive than the cotton itself - silly girl, you don't have to do this for me!!
Beautyblender - My first authentic one! Tried it with a liquid foundation once, and a few times with blending concealer. It does have potential to live up to the online hype!
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss "227 Ocean Sunrise" the lighter pink, and "233 Rosy Dawn" the darker pink. Am I the only one who find Sunrise and Dawn coming in the same mail very thoughtful and sweet? :) Also, both pinks are colours I will definitely wear!
Tokidoki Arte Palettes in "Vegas", and Stila Collectible City Palette "No.5 Sensational in Sydney" - Haven't tried these out yet, aren't they so pretty (while wearable) in the pan?
Tarte Girl Meets Gloss 5-piece maracuja gloss collector's set includes five full size glosses in "Bubbly", "Curious", "Preppy", "Chic", "Sparks". Tarte Ten limited-edition collector's palette has ten eyeshadows and a dual-ended eyeliner (brown/ black). The compact comes in a sturdy magnetic case, including a big size mirror and a soft round crease brush. On the instruction/ description/ tutorial card, it is said that the eyeshadow pans can be refilled. Interesting fact: both the lipgloss set and the eyeshadow palette are made in China! That's new news to me.
Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint "Enchanted" is a similar jumbo lip crayon like the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. Same facts: they are both made in USA and has a minty kind of scent. This Tarte one though, is much more moisturising and glossy/shiny. Like!
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Clinically Proven Natural Mascara (3 ml sample) is made in Italy. I've yet to find time to test this out. It does say increases lash volume by an amount of 424%!
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| From left: matte soft beige/ shimmering violet/ shimmering silver gray/ matte almost black/ vivid shimmering gold/ deep shimmering forest green/ vibrant shimmering copper/ deep shimmering chocolate/ vivid shimmering amethyst/ vivid shimmering teal |
Bite Bite Size Discovery Set of 5 - "Retsina" "Musk" "Shiraz" "Fig" "Pomegranate"
Last but not least, the cutest lipstick set on earth, from a lip brand I adore very much, Bite! These babies are super cute in their mini tubes and, together, a handy tin. I will find a lot of uses out of these flattering, comfortable shades~ :)