April & May Carousell Beauty Haul + Freebies

Hey fellow beautyholics!

I actually planned to have quarterly updates on my Carousell beauty haul but I guess I couldn’t resist not sharing my great bargains any longer! Furthermore I’ve bought quite a number of stuff so if I don’t blog about it now, I’ll probably take forever to get this up LOL.

Scroll all the way down for some exciting freebies!

Click here to read my January-March Carousell Beauty Haul or
here to read my Carousell Beauty Haul 2013.

I’m actually pretty excited to write about my latest haul as I recently bought a new camera (not through Carousell la as I prefer to get gadgets from authorized retailers). In fact it’s a mini DSLR which I hope can capture every minute detail of the stuff that I’m photographing. Let me say first ah, that I’m not a professional photographer so please don’t expect super amazing pictures. But I will try my utmost okay! Haha.

Ok ok I’m yakking too much let’s get started! Once again, let me reiterate that everything I buy from Carousell is 100% authentic. My skin is rather sensitive so I CANNOT use fakes!

I shall begin with blushes and highlighters ‘coz those are the least exciting products of all hahaha. One of my favourite weird pastimes is going to Sephora to swatch everything I see on my hand and ever since owning my first Tarte blush in Blissful, I’ve been going back to test out all the other different shades. I do not have a particular favourite as everything seems to go well with my skin tone but I definitely prefer matte pink to peachy ones. However, you know the prices at Sephora can be really crazy… S$42 for one Tarte blush?! Na-ah, I’d rather spend my money on something else if there ain’t discount. So I turn to Carousell for all my beauty needs!!

Tarte Amazonian Clay in Blushing Bride (top) and Natural Beauty (bottom)

Tarte Amazonian Clay in Blushing Bride (top) and Natural Beauty (bottom) at S$20 each (RTP: S$42)

Tarte Amazonian Clay in Blushing Bride (top) and Natural Beauty (bottom)

Sorry for the poor lighting! Natural Beauty is a little darker than pictured.

Photo credit: shopping-district.net

Photo credit: shopping-district.net

I wore Blushing Bride (totally unintentional ok) for my cousin’s wedding and I absolutely loved how it flushed my cheeks! It looks very pigmented on the pictures but it definitely isn’t 🙂 It comes in a slightly bigger than palm-sized tub but it goes a long way! I’ve been using Blissful almost everyday since last November and I still haven’t hit pan yet LOL so it’s really worth every penny!

NARS in Orgasm

NARS in Orgasm at S$18 (RTP SS$42)

Whoop I finally found Orgasm at a super affordable price as others were selling at close to retail price for a brand new piece. I got this, BRAND NEW AND AUTHENTIC, at only $18 wtf!! Anyway people on beauty forums have been raving so much about this so of course I HAD to lay my hands on this baby! At first glance, Orgasm seems like a shimmery blush but it does not make my face sparkle after application. I would be SO disappointed if it’s really shimmery ‘coz I have oily skin. But it’s actually pretty matte, with very minimal shimmer enough to give your face a healthy glow!

Benefit Rockateur

Benefit Rockateur at S$25 (RTP S$46)

Benefit Rockateur

I am a terrible photographer. I hope you can see the shade haha.

Rockateur is a blusher in rose gold shade but to me it looks like a cross between a blusher and a bronzer because it contours and flushes my cheeks at the same time y’know what I’m sayin? 😛 It doesn’t give you very rosy cheeks for sure (unless you apply multiple layers la) so if you’re looking for a subtle blush for a mild sunkissed cheeks, this is an ideal choice!

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Pink Quartz

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Pink Quartz at S$20 (RTP US$42)

The shimmer brick acts like a highlighter not too harsh on my face (Benefit’s High Beam can really turn my face into a freakin’ disco ball if not careful). Sometimes I tend to use too much foundation which makes my face look too matte. Instead of reapplying the foundation, I find it way easier to give my face more glow by applying powdered highlighter (the shimmer brick in this case) on the top of my cheekbones, forehead, brow bones, cupid’s bow (the middle dip above the lips) and of course, the nose bridge to make my nose seem more defined and sharp 😀

Benefit Watt's Up!

Benefit Watt’s Up! at S$11 (RTP S$48)

Benefit Watt's Up!

Benefit Watt’s Up! sponge applicator

I guess the packaging is made to resemble a light bulb. Haha so cute hor?

I’ve reviewed the deluxe-sized Watt’s Up before and I was really satisfied with the end result. It’s a stick highlighter but the smaller version doesn’t come with the sponge applicator which is TOTALLY fine with me!! Coz I’d rather use my index finger. People who own the original size would understand – the applicator is completely useless, doesn’t blend the highlighter well like what it’s supposed to do especially when there’s foundation beneath it. Acts more like an eraser instead haha. Anyway, I use this instead of the shimmer brick when I’m in a rush because I’d need a brush for the latter! So yup, easy to apply and lasts a long time!

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl at S$10 (RTP S$48)

Another Benefit product which I got because it was cheap. This is like a sister (or maybe a twin) to High Beam and Moon Beam because it’s also a shimmery liquid highlighter. I read the description several times on Benefit.com and still don’t know what sets it apart from the Beams. Perhaps it’s only the tone – this gives a warmer tone than the rest.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Beige

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Beige at S$8 (RTP US$24)

It was brand new but I used it before I photographed it. I admit this was an impulse buy because it was only 8 DOLLARS. I’ve seen someone selling the same product at $40 la so of course when I saw this listing, I immediately grabbed it! Obviously shade is a little too light for me (I’m an NC35) BUT I found another way to use this! As an under eye concealer!

I’ll go back to basics and talk about my face make-up products!

Urban Decay All Nighter

Urban Decay All Nighter (old packaging) at S$30 (RTP S$48)

Urban Decay All Nighter (old packaging)

“..won’t budge for 16 hours..” “makeup … always looks just-applied.”

Singapore, as most of you know, is such a HOT and HUMID country and the scorching sun can literally melt every single product on your face – how sickening! It gets really problematic and embarrassing for me when I had to be outdoors most of the time because at the end of the day, all my pores and blemishes would show, and my liquid foundation would turn patchy and flaky. I also do not like touching up my make-up in public. Thus I knew I HAD to get a face primer to hopefully retain 70% of my make-up.

Then I came across this product! The Carouseller was selling both All Nighter and De-slick at S$30 each. Getting both would burn a huge hole in my pocket so I read reviews and decided on All Nighter in the end. It is a face primer which helps to retain the make-up for up to 16 hours and so far, it’s been working really well on me! I’d say, about 75-80% of my make-up stays the same after 11 hours.

Urban Decay De-Slick (old packaging)

Urban Decay De-Slick (old packaging) at S$15 (RTP S$48)

Urban Decay De-Slick (old packaging)

“…ally against oil and shine!”

Then a few days later, another seller was selling this (used lightly twice but strangely it felt like a brand new one to me coz I had to pump several times before the product came out) at half of the price of my All Nighter! Yay a blessing in disguise!

De-slick is formulated to prevent your face (especially the T-zone) from becoming too oily which is also another essential to survive in this humid country. #woesofasingaporean

I use both before applying my make-up now and the result speaks for itself. Very satisfied with both products!

(Saw someone selling brand new All Nighter at S$15 argh, heart pain. Stopthinkingaboutitstopthinkingaboutit)

Moving on to the eyes! Whoop, my favourite section because it’s gonna be mostly about eyeshadow palettes! COLOURS ARE MY DRUG.

But first, let me show you what I bought for my brows!

Anna Sui Eyebrow Color Compact in shade 03

Anna Sui Eyebrow Color Compact in shade 03 at S$12 (RTP US$28)

Anna Sui Eyebrow Color Compact in shade 03

Very easy-to-use brow kit!

I had everything I needed to enhance my facial features EXCEPT for my brows! Honestly I was looking for Benefit’s Brow Zings (still looking for one.. hit me up if you’re gonna sell me one cheap cheap lol) or Gimme Brows but sigh, they’re more pricey than eyeshadow palettes on Carousell O_O Nonetheless, this Anna Sui one works pretty well too but the extreme left shade, which is supposed to define my brow shape, isn’t really pigmented so I had to “draw” several times before I could see the faded outline.

Anna Sui Mascara Base

Anna Sui Mascara Base/Primer at S$18 (RTP US$25)

Anna Sui Mascara Base/Primer

Pretty in purple

I first learnt about this product during my Anna Sui makeover last year. My eyes were semi-shut but I could feel the salesgirl-cum-makeover-artist using a mascara wand twice! So then I asked her what the first time was for and she told me that it was meant to make my lashes stay curled and mascara stay longer. I was impressed with the product as my lashes really remained curled the entire day! Not wanting to fork out money for the full price, I bought one from Carouseller who only sells Anna Sui stuff ZOMG (no negotiation allowed though sianzzzz but it’s still cheaper than retail) and when I met her she even handed me her name card with a big “ANNA SUI” printed on the front!! YES, LEGIT BUSINESS ON CAROUSELL OK! So who needs Isetan/Tangs when you have Carousellers that sell authentic and brand new products at a fraction of the price?!?

Anyway the primer itself is like an adhesive liquid to hold your mascara and is purple in colour. But no, it does not make your lashes purple! It kinda melts and blends into your lashes. *IF* it doesn’t, you can always coat it with a layer of mascara coz that’s ultimately what you’re gonna do right? Also, I feel that Anna Sui should improve on the packaging… Not sure if it’s me but it looks a little unfinished, like an outer layer has been torn off.

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette at S$32 (RTP US$55 / S$80) comes with a velvet-lined box

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

Gorgeous! I love Junkshow, M.I.A, Evidence, Midnight Rodeo and Deeper!

First impression: very luxurious, even came with a velvet box and the palette itself is made of heavy metallic material! I think this is probably the most value-for-money eyeshadow palette of all because it’s $32 for 15 BRAND NEW shades! I haven’t tried to do a look with this yet as most of the shades are rather bold and they are very inappropriate for my work (as a part-time tutor.. don’t want my students to get distracted by my eyes LOL)! I am very eager to try this though! Perhaps I will utilise this tomorrow since it’s my free day!

Urban Decay Smoked Palette

Urban Decay Smoked Palette at S$35 (RTP S$78)

Urban Decay Smoked Palette

All the dark shades you need to create heavily smokey eyes can be found in this palette!

Pro: Very pigmented. Con: Also very pigmented.

I love smokey eyes but this is unfortunately too dark for my liking. My eyes are rather small (typical Chinese la haiz) and the colours tend to make them look even smaller 😦 It’s also quite hard to control how dark you want the colours to be because they are SO PIGMENTED! I swear, just a slight dip (and I’m just dipping 1/4 of the brush into the shadows) is enough to turn your eye into a black pit.

Though I’m not very fond of this palette, I’m still keeping it because I believe I’d need it one day (deceiving myself) LOL. Actually it’s coz I like to collect palettes which I think you should be able to tell by now HAHA.

Urban Decay Alice in the Wonderland Palette

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Palette at S$54 (RTP S$88)

Urban Decay Alice in the Wonderland Palette

This picture doesn’t do justice to the palette. Trust me, it’s really very pretty in real life!

NOT an impulse buy because I actually contemplated for more than a month! Also partly due to the price la… I seldom spend so much on a palette one 😦 But the shades are just too irresistible. Now I understand why so many people requested for the comeback of this palette on Urban Decay’s Facebook page! It’s really that gorgeous!

Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette

Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette at S$60 (RTP S$88)

Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette

Vice 2 contains more smokey, neutral yet versatile shades very suitable for a classy night out. My personal favourites are Prank, Madness, Toxic and Ambush from this palette.

This was only released last September? I remember receiving a newsletter from Sephora about its launch at Ngee Ann City. Now you can hardly find any in stores! I think they discontinued the product or it’s entirely sold out since it’s a limited edition palette.

Got this from a really friendly person who just lives across the road hehe. It was brand new with box so it felt like I bought it from Sephora. You can create quite a number of looks with this palette. Will blog about my looks one day if I remember to take selfies -_-

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette (2014 version) at S$30 (RTP US$36 and not available in Singapore yet. Previous version retailed at between S$60-70! The tin is supposed to be in pinkish hue lol. My colour correction made it blue omg sorry.

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

Like the previous version, it comes with 3 sets of shades catered for different styles. Have tried “Fashion” (last row) and loved the look!

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

A closer look.

Another really gorgeous palette of neutral colours suitable for everyday look. It comes with a guide that teaches you how to create a look for “Day”, “Classic” and “Fashion”. I did the “Fashion” one and it transformed me into a model. LOL ok very lame please ignore.

But yes, if you’re looking for a small and compact palette besides Naked, buy this (when it’s launched in Singapore, or just buy online la easy)! It’s also good for vacation as it definitely won’t take up a lot of space in your make-up bag!

I will find time to review this properly one day because I really recommend this to everyone!!

Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette

Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette at S$28 (RTP US$46 / S$60+ if I remember correctly)

Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette

REALLY PRETTY SHADES!!! (Colours enhanced to show true colours)

Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette

A closer look…

Another palette that was launched not too long also and is no longer available in Sephora omg WHY?! But doesn’t matter la I will only get it from Carousell anyway. Hahaha!

Rebel 9 to 5

Rebel 9 to 5

Too Faced is probably the best high-end palette for make-up beginners or barely intermediates because so far all the TF palettes I own come with an instruction manual! So of course, this has one too (forgot to photograph) and it also teaches you to do 3 different looks: Rebel 9 to 5, Pretty Rebel (the only look that makes use of the very outstanding Totally Fetch) and Rebel Rocker. I followed the steps for Rebel 9 to 5 and got a really nice smokey look!

Lorac Pro Palette

Lorac Pro Palette at S$60 (RTP US$42 and not available in Singapore)

Lorac Pro Palette

Upper row are matte and bottom are shimmery

Probably my most expensive purchase from Carousell to date together with the Vice 2 palette (not counting the Nintendo Wii I offered and paid for by my boyfriend but that’s another story Lol) but yet the most used and versatile one by far. I absolutely love this palette, even more than my Naked palettes (1, 2 and 3 combined sigh) because it has all the neutrals I would use in one. Furthermore it has an entire row of MATTE shades! Nowadays you can hardly find any palettes even with 30% matte lor!! And the shimmery ones are also very pretty!! Just look at Gold and Pewter!

I was reluctant to pay for this at first but I succumbed to temptation in the end because as mentioned, it’s not available anywhere in Singapore and other Carousellers were previously selling it for at least S$75 with absolutely no negotiation, bitches. Yet were able get buyers within days. With this kind of demand, confirm plus chop must be a very tokong (awesome/powerful) palette. It’s also a pretty rare find on Carousell.

However it’s S$60 without the primer and box. It’s 一分钱一分货. Seller (not a very pleasant experience as well but she appeared apologetic so I’ll let it go~) claimed that it was brand new but looking at the exterior (it’s the same rubbery material used in NARS product, very easily dirtied), I doubt so but the shadows looked untouched when I got it. I’ll just think positively and consider it to be brand new lor.

Ultimately, this palette rocks and that’s all it matters.

Now, for the lips… Also tied with the eyes for my favourite category. Too many pictures so I’ll just spam them from this point onwards lol. All the MAC lipsticks should retail around S$29.

MAC Ruby Woo

MAC Ruby Woo at S$23

MAC Russian Red

MAC Russian Red at S$20

MAC Ruby Woo (left) and Russian Red (right)

MAC Ruby Woo (left) and Russian Red (right) for a matte finish.

You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between Ruby Woo and Russian Red just by looking at the pictures to be honest, coz they are really similar. You need to swatch it to see the contrast. Russian Red is a lot darker and deeper whereas Ruby Woo has slight blue undertone and is also brighter than the former. I love both! They give me the very sultry look and fuller lips hahahaha.

Sadly boyfriend doesn’t like it when I apply lipstick and he used to forbid me in doing so. It took me AGES to convince to revoke his ban. He now allows me to wear lipstick BUT only in nude shades -_- So all these bold colours can only be used when I’m not with him.

Guys… *shakes head*

MAC Saint Germain

MAC Saint Germain at S$15

MAC Morange

MAC Morange at S$15

MAC Saint Germaine and Morange (Amplified Creme)

MAC Saint Germaine and Morange (Amplified Creme)

Saint Germaine was an impulse buy coz I’m a sucker for anything pink and true enough it doesn’t really go well with my skin tone. 😛 I’m waiting for the day I get fairer so I can pull off such bright colours 🙂

I got Morange because I plan to do an oriental look one day (maybe next Chinese New Year) and orange hues are a must!

MAC Innocent, Beware!

MAC Cremesheen – Innocent, Beware! at S$15

Got this since it’s nude a.k.a Boyfriend-approve.

MAC Ultra Darling

MAC Sheen Supreme – Ultra Darling at S$18

This has a very glossy finish and thus very moisturising on the lips. I’d say this can be considered as a My Lips But Better (MLBB) lipstick!

MAC Paramount

MAC Satin – Paramount at S$18

I LOVE, LOVE THIS. This maroon with a slight hint of deep plum lipstick is one of my favourite lipsticks for this haul! It is also semi-shimmery. Actually I’m starting to like anything that has purplish/deep plum tones because I feel that dark colours really complement my skin tone! And it shows who I am as a person. I’m an introvert with unfathomable thinking *cackles*

..Which reminds me, who is as excited as me for Lorde’s MAC collection??! I AM OMG I HAVE TO GET HER LIPSTICK.

MAC Infused With Glam

MAC Dazzle – Infused With Glam at S$10

Love the colour but too much “dazzle” for me. I would only apply it once and spread it all over my lips with my finger or brush to even out the shimmers.

MAC Candy Yum Yum

MAC Matte – Candy Yum Yum at S$22

Another very daring colour like Saint Germain.. Well, you know why I bought this. But I prefer this to Saint Germain coz the pink in this is really cute!

Mac Relentlessly Red

MAC Retro Matte – Relentlessly Red at S$17.50

Relentlessly Red is a “bright pinkish coral matte” lipstick. Gives you a very cheery colour, see also happy. It’s a perfect combination of red and pink – very gorgeous shade!

MAC Flat Out Fabulous

MAC Retro Matte – Flat Out Fabulous at S$17.50

This is a flat out purple lipstick for adventurous days! I actually need more guts to put this on than super red lipsticks. How common is it to see people wearing unusual coloured lipsticks on the streets?

MAC Lady at Play

MAC Mineralized Rich – Lady at Play at S$19.90

With Lady at Play on

With Lady at Play on

Another MLBB lipstick and also very moisturising! The lipstick tube is also very cool coz it has a magnetic closure!! I love it when manufacturers put effort in the packaging.

MAC Delectable

MAC Mattene – Delectable at S$15

Another MLBB lipstick! Wore this out to meet boyfriend and he didn’t notice anything so I guess it’s also boyfriend-approve.

MAC Dazzle - Sheer Seduction

Limited Edition MAC Dazzle – Sheer Seduction at S$18

MAC Dazzle - Sheer Seduction

So pretty!!

This was from the Temperature Rising collection and probably retailed at more than S$29 coz the box and lipstick tube are really different from the others. Tube is made of rubbery material a la NARS! As this also has “Dazzle” finish like Infused With Glam, I’m just gonna apply once on my lips.

With covers

Some with covers

Bobbi among the Macs

Bobbi among the Macs

Bobbi Brown Fall Lip Palette

Bobbi Brown Fall Lip Palette at S$18 (RTP unknown)

Me

Me

Yup

Yup

Looks like nothing on my lips

Looks like nothing on my lips (and yeaaa my hair damn nice here. If only it’s this nice every day)

Another impulse buy and kinda regretting it. Don’t know what made me buy this since I’m not really fond of Bobbi Brown lip products. Upper row is gloss while bottom row is cream and I’ve tried it once. Not really fantastic. Even the darkest shade didn’t quite show on my lips.

Limecrime in Poisonberry

Lime Crime in Poisonberry at S$14 (RTP US$18)

My FIRST Lime Crime lipstick. Seriously if you guys want to know what’s trending, just take a look at the listings on Carousell. Popular items tend to be listed up a lot and Lime Crime is one of them, even though this brand is not available in Singapore at all. Can you believe that I didn’t know of Lime Crime’s existence before joining Carousell? I don’t! Because Lime Crime lipsticks are really amazing even though I don’t use bold colours often. It’s VERY pigmented and long-lasting! Now only if I have the guts to pull off bold colours! I should go pluck up my courage!

Topshop in Whimsical (left) and Brighton Rock (right)

Topshop in Whimsical (left) and Brighton Rock (right) at S$10 and S$5 respectively (RTP S$19 each)

Topshop has some nice colours but they are rather dry! So I’m just gonna stop at 3 (I have one more which I don’t bother featuring).

NARS Damage

NARS Damage at S$18 (RTP US$24)

This looks matte but it’s actually glossy! I incorporate this into my daily look.

Anna Sui Lip Rouge G in shade 500

Anna Sui Lip Rouge G in shade 500 at S$6 (RTP US$27?)

Yes, I bought this brand new lipstick for only S$6! This also gives a glossy finish. I usually alternate between this and the NARS lipstick above on my neutral days.

Tarte FRXtion Sugar Exfoliator and Lip Balm

Tarte FRXtion Sugar Exfoliator and Lip Balm at only S$2.50 (RTP US$15)

Another impulse buy but it’s just $2.50. I’ll take it as a trial fee hahaha. This Tarte product has in fact already been discontinued. Maybe that’s the reason for the low price.

Surprise, surprise! No Urban Decay this time round.. coz nobody’s selling it 😦 So I bought 3 from Sephora HEEHEE. Share them with you another day!

Last but not least, fragrance!

Benefit Laugh With Me Lee Lee

Benefit Laugh With Me Lee Lee 30ml EDT at S$15 (RTP US$36 / S$50+)

My second favourite Benefit EDT after Ring My Bella. I love how Benefit named their fragrances after girls – how cute! This has a very nice jasmine scent and is also very versatile. I alternate between this and Bella when I run errands.

Benefit My Place or Yours Gina

Benefit My Place or Yours Gina 30ml EDT at S$15 (RTP US$36 / S$50+)

This EDT really lives up to its name coz the moment you spray this on, you feel like a complete vixen LOL. This fragrance makes you feel like a slut (in a good way.. or should I say seductive. Ok wrong choice of word) and if your man is a frequent clubber and the easily-turned-on kind, he’ll definitely love this. Unfortunately… I’m such a good girl so I rarely reach out for this perfume.

Anna Sui Forbidden Affair

Anna Sui Forbidden Affair 50ml EDT at S$18 (RTP S$74)

Anna Sui Live Your Dream

Anna Sui Live Your Dream 30ml EDT at S$20 (RTP S$37.50 on sg.strawberrynet.com)

Other day-to-day fragrances I’d use to preserve my Benefit fragrance. I’ll be so sad if my Benefit EDT runs out!

Marc Jacobs Daisy

Marc Jacobs Daisy 50ml EDP at S$35 (RTP S$132)

THIS is the ultimate great deal. You guys know how expensive Marc Jacobs perfumes are. Last year there was this hype about Daisy and practically everyone on Carousell was searching for it (hence many fakes appeared). I think the craze has died down now so when the seller listed this up, not many people offered! I was very surprised to see it still available after 45 minutes. QUICKLY grabbed it as a back up for my existing EDT which Boyfriend bought for me at the airport. I shan’t elaborate much on this fragrance. It’s really nice-smelling, like daisies 😀

Vera Wang by Vera Wang

Vera Wang by Vera Wang 50ml EDP at S$15 (RTP S$80)

Another high-end fragrance which I was really surprised to see on Carousell at such a low price. Apparently the seller (a very nice working lady) got this as a wedding gift and she sold it cheaply coz she didn’t want to switch fragrance. Ok so YAY another luxury perfume added to my collection!

That’s all for this batch of haul! I know your mouth must be gaping in horror. HOW MUCH IS MY DAMAGE? Don’t know, don’t bother calculating. I believe in #yolo hahaha and I believe in retail therapy! Probably the reason for being so happy-go-lucky and sane in this stressful society is that I shop a lot! 😛  If I’m not shopping for cosmetics, I’m probably shopping for clothes. Of course, you gotta know your limits.. or get a naggy and observant boyfriend like mine.

I do look like I camp on Carousell 24/7. Nah I only camp 12/7. LOL Ok not at all, only access the app when I’m on the go (which is very often) or when I’m bored. I guess I’m just very lucky to be able to clinch so many great deals when I’m on the app!

* * *

OKAY here’s the highlight (yeah after a kazillion images I’M SORRY).

(ADV) ARE YOU STILL WITH ME??

3-for-3 Giveaway

I hope my purchases (all real one hor I can show you my depleting money in my bank HAHA NO I’M JOKING) have enticed you to join Carousell (review here) if you haven’t! If you aren’t a member yet, GREAT! Coz this is the RIGHT TIME to join to attract hungry shopaholics like me! Can you imagine how much you’d earn from me if you were the one selling everything above? LOL.

If you’re already a member but have been inactive all the while, it’s time for you to GET BACK ON!

Carousell is giving away FREE 3 months’ digital subscription to any of SPH Magazines’ fashion and beauty magazines (Her World, CLEO and more!) if you post 3 listings!

Simply follow these 3 simple steps:

3-for-3 Giveaway (Open to Singapore users only)
1. Download the Carousell app + Sign up for a Carousell account (or Log in)
2. Upload 3 listings* in the ‘For Her’ or ‘Beauty Products’ category
3. Wait for your redemption code & instructions on how to redeem your free subscription!

*Listings must be uploaded by 28 May 2014 11 June 2014 (extension granted!). Redemption code and instructions will be sent to users after 11 June 2014.

This is a giveaway okay, not a contest, which mean you’d definitely get it if you do as instructed!

carousell2

Do you have any Carousell hauls to share? Leave your blog link below! I’d love to see it too 😀

Thanks for reading!

(I won’t be revealing my Carousell username any time soon since I buy more than I sell. But if you recognise your item here and know who I am, feel free to say hi! :D)

Read also:
Carousell Review
How to Spot Fake Urban Decay 2 Palettes on Carousell
How to Spot Fake MAC Lipsticks on Carousell
Exposed: Urban Decay Palette Counterfeit Preorder

How to Spot Fake MAC Lipsticks on Carousell

Hello guys! I’m back with another “How to Spot Fake” post specially for the Carousell community but I reckon this will also come in handy for the penny-pinching online shoppers who buy frequently on eBay and Duriana.

Click here to read How to Spot Fake Urban Decay Naked 2 Palettes on Carousell.

If you had read my last haul post, you should know how much a lipstick junkie I am lately. But I only use certain brands such as Urban Decay (you guys know that I’m a UD fanatic), Benefit, Anna Sui and MAC, especially Urban Decay and MAC lipstick as their shades are to die for. I have no issues with buying Urban Decay lipsticks off the net because their Revolution line is probably too new in the market to spawn fakes. However the problem comes when purchasing MAC ones because counterfeit MAC lipstick sales is so rampant on Carousell! I had to be extra careful when buying them and thank god I haven’t gotten any fakes so far (I hope).

Singaporeans! Find out how to buy from maccosmetics.com here!

I have personally seen some users ignorantly buy fakes because the seller assured that they are authentic. And if these buyers don’t like what they bought, they resell them and pass them off as authentic ones again. It’s like a vicious cycle. Many a time, I wanted to leave a comment to clarify, but I guess many users take offense to that so I held back most of the time (except for a few occasions when I was terribly moody and wanted to confront someone lol gangsta). So instead of leaving truthful comments on every misleading listing, blogging about it seems to be more feasible since I know many Carousellers visit this site.

Google “fake mac lipstick” and you will get more than 2 million results but I will skip the size and swatch comparison since you most likely are going to pay before touching or viewing the product, and only list and elaborate on 2 simple steps to avoid purchasing counterfeit MAC lipsticks on Carousell.

1. Ask where the product was purchased from

To me, it is more credible if the seller elaborates on which MAC outlet she bought it from, and when. Highly unconvincing if seller claims that she bought it from a reseller who does preorders. Once again, NEVER buy branded stuff through preorders if you don’t know the source as 99.9% of the time, the products are inauthentic! Sellers can assure its authenticity all they want (but it’s always along the lines of “Supplier claims authentic”) but at the end of the day, when you realize that the product is not the real deal, are they going to refund you your money? Of course not, who are you kidding? Maybe half the amount for the nicer sellers, but definitely not the full sum.

However, if seller honestly tells you that she is unsure of its origin (because it was a gift), you can still probe further by asking for a…

2. Picture of the bottom label

The label is a round sticker found at the bottom (duh) of the lipstick. It is not a demanding request so go ahead and ask for this very important additional picture. Some ethical sellers would have probably known about this as I have also seen some voluntarily attach pictures of it on their listings.

For a clearer explanation, I am going to use my own MAC lipsticks to compare against some blatantly fake ones on Carousell.

Images are for illustration purposes so please don’t get offended if yours is used here. Please note that I am only familiar with MAC lipsticks so please do not use this guide to identify fake MAC foundations, blushes, etc, as they may differ in terms of packaging.

On Carousell:

@noor.shahirah.5 but seller makes known the inauthenticity of product so kudos to her!

@n**r.sh****ah.5 – Seller makes known the inauthenticity of product so kudos to her! This is one of the more obvious ones.

@shoppingcart - "Bought from another carouseller, she claim that this is ori(ginal)"

@sh**ping**rt – Description reads “Bought from another carouseller, she claim that this is ori(ginal)” – A classic example of blind reselling as mentioned above.

@rugrat - Another user who also makes known the inauthenticity of the product.

@r**at – Another user who also makes known the inauthenticity of the product.

Apart from the first picture, you can’t really tell the authenticity of the lipsticks unless you compare it with a genuine one. For my example, I’ve included one of different finish to give you a better idea.

Finishes from left to right: Dazzle, Mattene, Amplified, Sheen Supreme, Cremesheen, Retro Matte, Matte, Mineralize Rich, Satin

Finishes from left to right: Dazzle, Mattene, Amplified, Sheen Supreme, Cremesheen, Retro Matte, Matte, Mineralize Rich, Satin

Just a close-up

Just a close-up

Another close-up

Another close-up

Can you spot the difference?

Well, first of all, the genuine ones do NOT have the brand “MAC” printed again on the bottom label and this is consistent throughout different finishes. Even with some difference in the lipstick packaging (i.e. Mineralize Rich comes in a more luxurious tube), the bottom label still does not bear the brand name. What it has are just the name of the shade and the finish.. which brings me to my next point.

Fakes do not tell you what finish (e.g. lustre, matte, satin) the lipsticks give you. They just have the shade name and the serial number. Hence, do not assume that the lipstick is authentic just because it has a serial number as ALL fakes have one! It’s not that difficult to print some random numbers on the sticker after all! On top of that, genuine serial numbers seem like they are embossed on at random places, unlike those on the fake ones which are typed and aligned according to the shade name. Also, the serial number of genuine MAC lipsticks changes from time to time depending on their batches so don’t be alarmed if yours doesn’t match with those on Google Images!

I’m not sure if you can tell.. but the typeface used on the fake label is also rather tacky and lazy. It’s something that I’d notice at the first glance. Obviously the manufacturers couldn’t be bothered to bold and reduce the size of the serial number. It’s in the default Arial font.. a font which is used mostly by fake factories.

However, counterfeit factories are raising their game these days. They are able to make 1:1 imitation, so close to the original item that even I got deceived! Check out the fake MAC lipstick I bought off Carousell below for (thank goodness) S$5:

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I bought “Viva Glam Cyndi”. Dang, even the box looks exactly like the original. How not to be duped?!

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Wow, seems like these people no longer use stickers! They PRINT the names on the box instead! Just like the original!

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On the other side of the box

The sticker shown above got me a little suspicious, but I’ve seen authentic MAC products sold outside of Singapore with silvery stickers like this pasted on the box, so I closed my eyes on that. The exact same sticker is also pasted at the bottom of the lipstick casing! Furthermore, the sticker satisfies all the criteria of an authentic MAC lipstick: (1) it does not have a MAC logo, (2) the finish of the lipstick is stated and (3) batch number is emboldened and aligned differently from the rest! OMG WHAT. OK IMITATORS, YOU WIN.

By the way, I am not blaming the seller for selling me an imitation. In fact, she did express her uncertainty about its authenticity since it was gifted to her but I took the risk and bought it anyway! I’m actually glad to have bought it because only then would I be able to see and touch a fake MAC lipstick. This post lacks credibility without firsthand experience right?! So here I am, with a fake MAC lipstick that cost me S$5! Ouch. That’s two packets of chicken rice.

It was mailed to me and when I tore open the envelope, the box was already distorted even though it was carefully bubble-wrapped! This never happened to me before. Ignoring those minute details, I excitedly removed the lipstick from the box. Then, I took off the lipstick cap and immediately, I was greeted by a strong plasticky smell and a DISLODGED lipstick bullet! I was like wtf?!?!

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How the dislodged bullet looks like and it’s VERY DISGUSTING AND SMELLY. I tried to put it back into the casing but it was too soft to withstand my touch/grip/whatever (I swear I held it gently enough), thus making a dent on the bullet!

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The lipstick casing isn’t of very good quality too! Look how easily they can be detached from each other! It’s made of thin, light plastic.

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A closer look at Cyndi’s signature. Quite convincing, dotcha think?

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The bullet fell out NICELY and definitely wasn’t pulled out because why? There isn’t any trace of lipstick in the casing! Omg, use a better and stronger glue, won’t you?!?

Now, let’s do a quick comparison between this and an authentic MAC lipstick! I know one common way to distinguish a fake is to compare its weight and size against an authentic one. But I’m really all about convenience and that method is definitely too troublesome for me. So I did something else which could tell me the results in a snap of the fingers!

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Fake on the left, real on the right. You won’t be able to tell which is fake just by looking at their sizes!

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The cap! Clearly, the logo on the fake one is fading.

fakevsrealmac

Watch the animation! I’m sorry that it’s a little slow-mo but I can’t seem to change that on Photoshop.

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In conclusion, the cap of a fake MAC lipstick would not be able to fit onto a real MAC lipstick nicely as it is too loose. On the other hand, the cap of a real one will not be able to fit onto a fake at all. Fakes are made a little bigger than the genuine ones!

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In general, this is the crap I bought.

Hope this is useful information to you! If you have other ways to spot fake MAC lipsticks online, do leave them down in the comments below 🙂

And yes, most of the lipsticks shown in my collection above are my latest haul 😛 Will do a review on them in my next Carousell haul post!

May is the Month of Weddings!

Hello everyone! School is officially out for me so I would be updating this space more regularly until the new school term starts in August! (Yup, a 3-month break for me)

I haven’t been writing about my life so here’s one about some happy events I had been to this month although May hasn’t ended yet.

Last month, I received a surprise Facebook invitation from a secondary school classmate whom I had not spoken to for a long time (if you don’t include birthday wishes on her wall). Syamilah and I were in the same class for the last 3 years in Hillgrove before we graduated. The last time I saw her face-to-face was on the day we received our ‘O’ level results in 2008 when we were only 18. Blessed with good looks and pretty deep dimples on both cheeks, I remember her as a very prim and proper, prudent, refined and faithful Muslim girl who hasn’t changed a bit (in terms of character) through the years. Now 24, my dear “Mylah”, as I affectionately call her, has found her lifelong partner and was ready to transition into her next phase of life :’)

The wedding reception was held at the block beside Teck Whye LRT on 4 May and only a handful were invited from my cohort. It was a wedding celebration not just for one couple, but three (the other two were Syamilah’s brothers’)! Apparently it’s normal to have more than one couple in the same Malay wedding reception but held at different time slots – how cool! But I almost went for the wrong session if not for my mom’s reminder haha. All of us arrived about 10 minutes late but we were in time to catch the kompang performance which we would always hear from a distance away and never had the chance to watch it (unless you’re some thick-skinned aunties like those we encountered at the wedding, “crashed” the wedding, see-see-look-look for a long time and walked away -_- Pretty sure they ate some food at the buffet too).

Arrive in time to catch the Malay kompang performance, an important part of a traditional Malay wedding.

Arrived just in time to catch the Malay kompang performance, an important part of a traditional Malay wedding. The bridegroom and bride are king and queen for the day!

A wedding reception for 3 couples!

A wedding reception for 3 couples!

A make-do photobooth for us to take polaroid pictures! We took 2 pictures, one of which had to be pasted in the newly wed's guestbook.

A make-do photobooth for us to take polaroid pictures! We took 2 pictures, one of which had to be pasted in the newly wed’s guestbook.

Group shot, first take.

Group shot, first take. With the rest of the ex-Hillgrovians from the same cohort: Isabel, Veron and my bff Xiaoqing! We were given props as you can see.

Group shot, second take!

Group shot, second take!

Oh, did I also mention that it was the first Malay wedding I had attended? I had no idea what to wear, how much to give and what to expect at the wedding thus I did my homework prior to the wedding and found this really useful site! Click here to read if you’re going to attend your first Malay wedding as well 🙂

Even though the minimum sum to give as stated on the site is $10, I gave more than that because being Chinese Singaporean has taught me to be less buay pai seh (shameless) and more generous. Also, contrary to Amy Cheong’s belief, it is equally pricey to have wedding at the void deck with each typically costing about $10,000? Because most of the money goes to the decorations. Oh gosh! Want to have simple wedding also cannot. So yeah, giving $10 is being really cheapskate.

Also, unlike Chinese weddings, the money (in small paper envelopes) should only be given before you leave or after you are done eating! I totally forgot about it and gave it to the hosts (bride’s parents) when we arrived. This eat-first-pay-later tradition gives me the impression that Malay weddings are not out to make profits, though it may not be the case.

I also spent like an hour in front of my closet deciding on what to wear to the wedding. Bearing in mind that it was a traditional Malay wedding where you’d expect other Malay guests to be in their baju kurungs, you definitely can’t go in provocative outfits because it’s just showing disrespect to the hosts. Well, not saying that I have many revealing clothes… The most revealing one I have just bares 1/4 of my back ^___^ And I haven’t worn it out yet cos I’m rather conservative myself -_- I picked the most cheerful and conservative dress which wouldn’t make me sweat buckets in this extremely hot weather – a Lilypirates number purchased 2 years back! Never got the chance to wear it cos it’s too flare for my liking (tends to make me look fatter than I already am) but I couldn’t bear to sell it cos the colours are so pretty!

Anyway, hungry me devoured the buffet lunch before I realised I hadn’t taken a picture of it, so no pictures of the food I’M SORRY!!! Haha but it was great with the right amount of spiciness! Malay cuisine has always been one of my favourites! If I were in a canteen with only a Malay and a Chinese stall, I’d definitely go for the former! Drinks however were a little diluted with too much artificial flavourings though but that’s not a huge problem for me.

Stayed for about 45 minutes and left before the next session began! 🙂

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Rusydi!

Congratulations once again, Mr and Mrs Rusydi!

On 10 May, which was yesterday, I attended my cousin’s wedding lunch and dinner reception at Chijmes and Hilton Hotel respectively. Jiamin 姐姐 was the bride and is also one of my closest maternal cousins who tried to coach me in badminton and Math when I was 12. Despite my constant failure in both, she had never once lost her patience and temper at me 😀 I doubt she remembers any of this now since it happened a really long time ago but yup, it’s still etched in my mind! She has an older sister who got hitched 3 years ago on the special date 11 November 2011 and I got to be one of her bridesmaids. Didn’t blog about that as I wasn’t that active on the blogosphere then (i.e. lazy), oops!

Back to her wedding at Chijmes, the wedding procession was held at the multi-purpose hall which was really breathtaking! The arched ceiling and stained glass window fit into my description of my ideal church wedding. After that, we had our lunch at the French restaurant beside it. It was a French buffet and boy, all the dishes were really good! Boyfriend kept going back for the dessert – not sure what it’s called but it’s like a small cup of mango pudding – while I really loved the lemon butter cod fish. Enjoyed the couscous as well!

Boyfriend was having a massive cough so I told him to put on a face mask. Imagine the solemnizer asking if anyone on the ground disapproves of the marriage and then he coughs. That's be super awkward.

Boyfriend was having a massive cough so I told him to put on a face mask. Imagine the solemnizer asking if anyone on the ground disapproves of the marriage and then he coughs. That’s be super awkward.

Half-awake smile. Someone told me that I looked gloomy that morning :(

Half-awake smile. Someone told me that I looked gloomy that morning 😦

Chijmes chapel. We came late so we were seated at the back.

Chijmes chapel. We came late so we were seated at the back.

Most of my pictures are taken using camera and I’m too lazy to transfer them to my phone so…. #benjiamin

Nice, fairytale-like wedding photos!

"I now pronounce you man and wife."

“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

Signing the certificate of marriage

Signing the certificate of marriage

Getting ready to be photographed with the official marriage cert!

Getting ready to be photographed with the official marriage cert!

Marching in once more with cute Kiera (flower girl) in front.

Marching in once more with cute Kiera (flower girl) in front.

"Thank you new dad and mom for raising such a wonderful and beautiful daughter. To express my gratitude, I want to reward you with a pair of plane tickets..." "to other parts of Asia.." "...Southeast Asia." Lol.

“Thank you new dad and mom for raising such a wonderful and beautiful daughter. To express my gratitude, I want to reward you with a pair of plane tickets…” “to other parts of Asia..” “…Southeast Asia.” Lol. As one of his friends said, spoil market groom!

The loving stare.

The loving stare. Congratulations once again, Mr and Mrs Ben Tan!

Awesome French food at Chijmes!!

Awesome French food at Chijmes!!

Returned home after lunch to get changed into my evening outfit (lol I know). I picked a Love Bonito dress which I bought in January during my short stint in the company supposedly for Chinese New Year. But knowing that many girls would be wearing it since it was such a popular piece, I abandoned the idea. I bought the petite version because I like my dresses to be above-knee length but it turned out a little too short for my height HAHA. I had to remind myself not to bend forward as doing so would expose my butt huggers (even though I was wearing safety shorts… you know guys’ imagination can be really wild sometimes).

Unpleasant face of the day. Leftover breakouts from exam period *cries*

Unpleasant face of the day. Leftover breakouts from exam period *cries*

A rare #ootd shot that wasn't taken by myself. Had to persuade boyfriend to take for me coz he is always so reluctant to do it -_-

A rare #ootd shot that wasn’t taken by myself. Had to persuade boyfriend to take for me coz he is always so reluctant to do it -_- In Petite Parisse Neoprene Dress from Love, Bonito. Please pardon my frizzy hair.

While waiting for the doors of the grand ballroom to open...

While waiting for the doors of the grand ballroom to open… Doing what we do best.

It was my second time at Hilton Hotel, which I remember for its super creamy and thick American Cheesecake. I felt that the banquet was not too bad, but not phenomenal at the same time. The dish that I enjoyed the most was the starters because the chicken in beancurd roll was really good! Actually I kinda love anything that is wrapped with beancurd roll.

Marital Bliss - Sesame Prawn Toast, Sze Chuan Garlic Pork, Jellyfish and Coralline Seaweed, Five Spiced Chicken in Beancurd Roll, Japanese Top Shell with Abalone Sauce

Marital Bliss – Sesame Prawn Toast, Sze Chuan Garlic Pork, Jellyfish and Coralline Seaweed, Five Spiced Chicken in Beancurd Roll, Japanese Top Shell with Abalone Sauce

Marital Bliss - Five Spiced Chicken in Beancurd Roll

Marital Bliss – Five Spiced Chicken in Beancurd Roll. MEGA LOVE!! Don’t tell anyone I took more than 1 for myself lololol.

Braised Lobster Soup - Enoki Mushroom, Shredded Chicken and Crabmeat

Braised Lobster Soup – Enoki Mushroom, Shredded Chicken and Crabmeat

Hilton Signature Empress Chicken

Hilton Signature Empress Chicken and many many herbs

A chunk of Hilton Signature Empress Chicken

A chunk of Hilton Signature Empress Chicken. One of my faves that night!

Steamed Live Marble Goby (Soon Hock) Teochew Style

Steamed Live Marble Goby (Soon Hock) Teochew Style. Don’t really like this fish cos there’s not much flesh 😦

Drunken Live Prawns in Hua Diao Wine - Served with Dang Gui and Wolfberries

Drunken Live Prawns in Hua Diao Wine – Served with Dang Gui and Wolfberries

Prawnssss

Prawnssss

Stir-fried Scallop with Asparagus & Honey Beans in Chef's Signature Sauce

Stir-fried Scallop with Asparagus & Honey Beans in Chef’s Signature Sauce

Braised Baby Abalone & Seasonal Vegetables with Bai Ling Mushroom

Braised Baby Abalone & Seasonal Vegetables with Bai Ling Mushroom

Fried Udon with Dried Shrimp & Black Pepper  & Golden Mushroom

Fried Udon with Dried Shrimp & Black Pepper & Golden Mushroom. By the time it came, it was already cold. I felt like I was eating Soba instead haha.

Flower girl and boy who happen to be the cutest siblings.

Flower girl and boy who happen to be the cutest siblings.. and of course, my niece and nephew. Seth is the most sociable, intelligent and likeable boy ever!

Boyfriend's ootd and his about-to-cough look. I bought him the skinny tie!!

Boyfriend’s ootd and his about-to-cough look. I bought him the skinny tie!!

My apologies that most of the pictures are of the food I ate and not of the newly-weds, because I couldn’t get a good angle from where I was seated 😦

There was also a photobooth (is it a trend nowadays at wedding receptions? Hehe) near the entrance of the ballroom. I wanted to take pictures there but there was a long queue 😦

The banquet ended near midnight with Or Nee (yam paste) as the final food item. It was the bridegroom’s favourite dessert which is coincidentally mine as well! In the hot dessert category at least… Ice Kacang is still the best. 😀

Warm Yam Puree  & Ginko Nuts with Pumpkin in Coconut  Jus

Warm Yam Puree & Ginko Nuts with Pumpkin in Coconut Jus. I actually loved it despite people saying that it wasn’t sweet enough. I think it’s very sweet leh!? And excuse me, I have a sweet tooth too! If only it didn’t come with so much ginko nuts!

And that’s about it! Now that most of my same-generation and older cousins are married, I am starting to feel the heat from relatives. I feel that marriage is a private affair and should not be anyone else’s business so I really hope and appreciate that people would stop asking me the question and pressurizing me into ending my bachelorette life!

“WHEN IS YOUR TURN??”

HOW ABOUT NO, NEVER HAPPENING??

Kidding. Later boyfriend scold me.