Haul: Mamonde Brightening Sheet Mask

When I'm actually in Korea and there is easy access to Korean beauty brands I don't find myself particularly intrigued. Yet, when I'm in the States I feel like I've found a mini treasure when I see something like the Mamonde Brightening Sheet Mask sitting on the tiny beauty counter at my Asian grocery store of choice (currently being H-Mart in Wheaton! I'm not sure where else you would be able to get these.)

And so I got these on a whim last weekend even though I've already tried it before and didn't care for it. They're actually not that bad but the 'essence' that the mask is soaked in (and it really is soaked) feels a bit sticky on the skin. So even though there is no need to wash your face after use I find it impossible not to wash my face after using these. (I've noticed this is the case for most drugstore-level sheet masks) However, the skin does feel moisturized after use.

As for brightening I doubt there is any of that really going on but a girl can dream no? I want to believe that every little bit counts :) 

The girl at the counter was nice enough to include some Laneige samples: some eye cream and a hydrating cream. Shown above is the eye cream; one side is for the daytime, the other is for night. I'm loving the cute sample packaging!

The fresh-faced Song Hye Gyo can gaze over her shoulder all she wants- I'm still kind of dubious of the hydrating cream. I'm not sure I want to put on my face something with a longer ingredients list than a friggin Twinkie!

On another note, both Mamonde and Laneige are divisions of AmorePacific, the Korean company which has a luxury skincare/spa brand under the same name. You can consider Mamonde and Laneige the more affordable AmorePacific. AmorePacific is available at Sephora.

And no, I'm not affiliated with the company in any way although now that I think about it I had a chance to be affiliated since I went to a recruitment seminar of theirs once in college when my skin was nice and smooth and I didn't need miracle creams that are spelled creme as in creme brulee and not cream as in ice cream as if putting a french twist makes the product better which of course it does but it would be crass to acknowledge that... 

Rimmel London Royal Gloss in Peach Crush & Bubble Blush

Oh the sweet comfort of squeeze tube glosses. I picked up the Rimmel London Royal Glosses a couple weeks back and have been using them quite often. I don't really use these as a going-out lip gloss on their own though. They have no lasting power nor do they add much color to my lips. However, I've noticed they moisturize nicely so I use them when I'm just lounging around the house or want to add a little glossiness to lipsticks or lip tints.

Slanted tips + caps matching the color
Some caution is needed because the formula is watery- things can get goopy!

Peach Crush, which looks coral in the tube, is a kind-of-milky, kind-of-watery very sheer peach shade. I had hoped it would still give my lips a hint of peach but it really is basically a clear gloss on my lips. Peach Crush has a peachy scent but I find the scent less appealing than the sweet bubblegum of Bubble Blush. I think it's because there's a slight waxy scent mixed in somewhere- although I can't really pinpoint it. 

Bubble Blush is a lavender pink with slight shimmer (I could have done without the shimmer) This shows up on the lips more than Peach Crush but is still on the sheer side. It gives a slight pinky lavender tone to the lips. I love how this one smells- like bubblegum! I know I'm not exactly twelve but who says a grown woman can't enjoy some bubblegum smelling lipgloss?

True to its word! "Sweet tasting non-sticky lipgloss"
It really has a sweet taste :)

Click HERE for a review of Sweet Lust and Candy Rush (two other shades of the Royal Gloss) by the Makeup and Beauty Blog!

New: Chanel Cristalle eau verte spray

Click to open details on Chanel site

I'm in trouble. I haven't done much shopping lately (well not my regular load anyways) so my shoplist is already getting a little out of hand as it is 

and then I see this in my email! 

Fresh Eat Pray Love Collection: Eat eau de parfum

I have to be honest- I did not read Eat Pray Love. But I was still excited to hear that Fresh was releasing a special collection in time for the film. Fresh is one of my favorite brands ever and I find their fragrances rarely disappoint. Sugar Lemon was my signature scent for most of my college years and a still remains one of my favorite.

Fresh stores are limited mostly to New York and so I had to order online without having a chance to try out the scents (an endeavor I would not recommend in most situations.) However, based on the description I had a feeling I would like Eat so I went ahead and took the chance.

I love the patterns Fresh uses on their boxes- always pretty, always classy and clean

I'm so glad I did because I love it! (And they were sold out the next day.) Fragrances are hard to review because everyone's preferences are different and there is no method of conveying the critical aspect, the scent, of perfume through a computer screen, but here goes:

The scent itself is sweet but not overly so. I'm not a big fan of heavy vanilla scents (although I don't dislike them) but this just has the perfect hint of vanilla. The sweetness is balanced out with a citrusy zest. The scent ends up being light and refreshing and almost girly at the same time. (One caveat: the scent does not linger as long as one would like)

Here's what the official description is:

This sweet, effervescent scent indulges in Italy’s most addictive desserts and sensual wines. Notes of bright Italian lemon and basil are balanced with creamy textures reminiscent of cannoli and tiramisu topped off with sparkling Prosecco and Limoncello for the ultimate gourmand experience.

Top Notes: Italian lemon, basil, bergamot
Middle Notes: plum, red currant, rose
Bottom Notes: caramel, meringue, vanilla


mmm... wine... creamy textures: totally get that.

I guess another thing you should know is I prefer fresh citrus scents over anything else so if to you Sugar Lemon smells like household cleaner, you and I will not agree on what smells good, so steer clear of my recommendations. Just warning you.

In comparison with the more common 1oz bottles Fresh uses

I like the fact that these came in 1oz bottles which are shaped like 3.4oz ones. Although... I'm already wishing I had picked up another bottle. Unfortunately, Eat, Love, and the candle trio are all sold out on the website. You may still be able to track them down in stores if you live near a Fresh boutique in which case you're lucky and I envy you.. grrr