MAC LIPPIES HAUL!

I've long heard about these, and how SO MANY raves about them cute gun bullets. I tried to avoid them just because I didn't want to follow the crowd, but realised I couldn't anymore. Im curious to know what these babies are all about, and I want to know if they are over-hyped!

So recently, I went on a Carousell-trade hunt. I have so many makeup products and extra duplicates that I decided if I needn't spend extra money, I wouldn't mind trying them out! BUT the thing about Carousell is that they are so many fakes out there! Nevertheless, I found resellers who seemed "trustworthy enough" (and also considering the fact I got lucky cause they didnt mind the trade!).

These are the few I've got, and here's how they look like when I just received them.

Do you spot the difference that I see? I've had this really bad feeling about this batch because they came from different resellers - but how can the same company make different looks of its packaging?

Do you see another 3 big differences in their barcodes? I got REALLY scared that I've received fakes sold as "authentic" and immediately whatsapp-ed one of my friends who was a fan of MAC Lippies- she owns many collected over the years.

Here is how they looked at the base of their gun-bullet packaging. Note the difference in print and emboss too. I was going out of my mind whilst trying to smell them out- I've heard how fakes were bad at copying the original packaging and they have very bad effects on one's lips. They smell like Vanilla Cream to me, not of the plasticky-fake sort of smell (If you get what I mean). BUT, we can never be too sure especially when the source is not known- I was not trading away my pricey authentic cosmetics for fakes!

Coincidentally, I was at a mall having dinner with TM (my bf) and mum-in-law, and there's a MAC store there. I made a quick errand to the store and spoke with the store manager - whilst she checked and I compared them to their originals (S$30 each) - and I realised one thing - their packaging weren't consistent too.

The manager explained - MAC is a multi-million international brand, and they have stores all over the world; which meant that there are gonna be different suppliers handling various big loads. Different areas in the world receive different items, though their ingredients stay the same. Different batches, have different emboss/print on them as well and mine, came from different parts of the world (lol). They get forwarded and stocked to/from different places so its normal. The plasticky smell vs Vanilla Cream smell though, she says.. "Is true".  Of course, I felt overly sensitive at that moment and smiled stupidly. I got worried for nothing.

Phew.

Enough said, here are the colours!
Left to Right: Limited Edition Viva Glam Gaga (Lustre), Honey Love (Matte), Kinda Sexy (Matte), Please Me (Matte), Candy Yum Yum (Matte), Impassioned (Amplified), Lady Danger (Matte).

I hadn't noticed that I traded for more Matte finishes than others, not that I mind! I really hate how some lipsticks left my lips sticky and uncomfortable.

Now to the lip swatches + wearability swatches! Please pardon the bad lip swatches (I have VERY dry and uneven lips, also.. it's my first time and I will try to do it better in the next round!) All of them are colour edited to match how it looks like in real life- NOTHING ELSE is edited! See my bad chapped lips?? Anyway, this is about the lippies... focus on the colours k? :D

Viva Glam Gaga (Lustre)-  Limited Edition - Cool Pink Tone
When I first opened it, I went "Oh this is very Gaga". I think I could carry this off when I had blond hair, but now that my black roots have already grown out, I don't think us Asians can carry it off very well. You will need a very dramatic eye look to go with this so you don't look "sick". This came of as a chalky application and you would need a few layers to even it out, and though its finish was "lustre" it felt more like a chalky matte to me. Sadly, I don't think things will work out between me and this new found love.

Honey Love (Matte) - Light beige toned with rose
This shade is well loved by all- it is so smooth and easy to wear, but I felt a little washed out after I saw the picture of myself. It is a bad idea to take pictures with a lippie without any makeup on right??? Well, a friend of mine was with me when I first put this on (with makeup), and she loved how it looked like on me. I however, think it makes me look like I don't have a mouth. Agree?? Nevertheless you can pair this up with almost anything- from a natural look to a dramatic one, its easy to match.

Kinda Sexy (Matte) - Neutral Pinky-Rose
This is also another well-loved nude colour. I like this more than Honey Love because it has the teeeeeniest hint of peachy pink to it. I foresee using this a lot.

Please Me (Matte) - Muted Rosy-Tinted Pink
This is your everyday pink that is just the right amount. It doesn't come off as "too much", yet it is still noticeable. An alternative to nude! I love this and I'd be using a lot of this too.

Candy Yum Yum (Matte) - Bright Pink/ Fuchsia
This is a popular favourite that will give you a dollish look! I feel that this fuschia will look good on many skin tones, and I can see why its a favourite! I like it too~

Impassioned (Amplified) - Amped-up Fuchsia
This is like a pink-coral-red mix for me, and I like how unique this shade looks! I would use this on a lazy day when I only have foundation and eyeliner on - just to get that flush of colour.

Lady Danger (Matte) - Vivid Bright Coral Red
Isn't this pretty? I've never owned a bright coral red and I have always wanted to! I see this alot on k-drama, and I find that it gives a very classy look to the wearer.

(Tip!) If you're wondering why my lips don't look THAT chapped even though I complain so, that's because I've recently been trying out a new product: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (S$27). It seriously does wonders! I've applied that in between lip swatches so the swatching would not burn my lips.

Hope this helped and let me know if you have any colours that you'd like me to try because you absolutely LOVVVVEEEE IT. Should I haul on MAC soon?

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Follow me on Instagram: shermaine.ng
Thank you for reading!

Morphe Brushes Online Haul (Part 2)

Hi! So I'm back with the 2nd installment of my Morphe Brushes (MB) Haul! If you haven't read the first part on falsies, magnetic palettes and eyeshadows, Click Here to read it. Enough of the wait.. here are the wonderful brushes I've bought!

In this MB haul, I've bought mostly brushes because I am looking for the perfect brushes for my mom. These brushes are synthetic (cruelty free, yay!) and are so affordably priced! The set on the left (look at that colour, I really like these!!) is the Set 680 - 10 Piece Vegan Brush Set - USD$45.99 now USD$22.99 (Click Here to view) I also bought some other brushes and I'd be talking/ comparing some of them later.

Some price comparisons to similiar sets:

Source Credit: Luxola.com

Zoeva Complete Set - S$196.99 (Click Here to view)

Source Credit: Luxola.com

Sigma Beauty Mrs Bunny Essential Kit - S$209 (Click Here to view)

From left to right:
Tarte Airbuki Bamboo Foundation Brush S$43,
Kent Kabuki Brush S$69.90,
MB S16 Deluxe Ultra Soft Kabuki USD$6.99 USD$4.89 (Click Here to view) ,
MB S18 Deluxe Pointed Kabuki USD$6.99 USD$4.89 (Click Here to view)

The Tarte's Airbuki bristles feel taut and firm - I use this with powdered foundations and they give me a HD coverage. The Kent Kabuki is really big and fluffy, but I have only used it once- it pricks my face and I dont think its suitable for sensitive skin types. These 2 brushes are on the higher end tier, when compared beside the MB Kabukis - see the price difference! I've used them too- so soft, not scratchy and they don't shed (I've only washed them once though).

In the Jar: The MB Vegan Tapered Blush Brush and Tapered Powder Brush beside my Zoeva 106 Powder Brush (Click Here to view). 

In front are the Kabukis for size reference!

The MB Vegan Foundation Brush beside the Sigma Beauty (SB) Mrs Bunny F60 Foundation Brush (Click Here to view).

A close up picture of all the other smaller brushes for you to compare! They are the usuals- nothing super special but they are very soft; I will talk about a few of my favourites and some of their comparisons.

From Top down: 
MB Angled Brush,
Zoeva 317 Wing Liner S$12.99 (Click Here to view),
Real Techniques (RT) Brow Brush (Part of their set- link later below).

The MB Angled Brush is like a hybrid between the Zoeva's and the RT's. The RT Brow brush is the "thickest" of this lot, so it makes picking up pigments and blending a dream, while the Z's 317 is very thin, making it perfect for a beautiful gel cat eyeliner. I use the MB Angled brush to do shadow application on my eyes like how I do with an eyeliner - just for a soft finish.

THIS! Nothing I ever own came close to RT's "flat but fluffy" Deluxe Crease Brush. You can pick shadow with the "flat side" of the brush and still be able to blend it! The MB's Oval Fluff Brush is like the ultimate dupe. Sadly, these brushes are only available in their sets and not sold individually.

Source Credit: Luxola.com

Real Techniques Starter Set - S$39 (Click Here to view/ buy)

These are the other brushes I bought individually!

From Top down: 
MB S18 Deluxe Pointed Kabuki, 
Kicho Foundation Brush (S$20ish, from SASA - I'll check again!), 
SB F86 Tapered Kabuki (bought in a set - I'll show it below),
MB Gunmetal- G8 Tapered Powder/ Blush Brush (USD$16.95),
MB Elite- E3 Precision Pointed Powder Brush (USD$16.99).

I've never thought that I could find something softer than my F-series Sigma Kabukis. Well done, Morphe! The Elite collection are seriously the softest brushes I've ever come across, and even though they are pricier than the other brushes available on MB, they are well worth the money. The Elite collection are also Limited Edition (not confirmed as of now), so grab yours just in case! But no matter what, I still love them all (in this picture)- they are the softest of the gazillion brushes I own. (I show only the good stuff I like, so I have LOADS more I just set aside and dont talk about because nehhhh they dont work for me).

Here is how Sigma's 5 Kabuki looks like, just in case you want to have something to refer to:

Source Credit: Luxola.com

Sigmax® Kabuki Kit 5 Brush Set - S$117 (Click Here to view/ buy)

Left to Right (Top down):
SB E40 Tapered Blending Brush S$25 (Click Here to view),
Zoeva 228 Crease Brush S$14.50 (Click Here to view),
MB 23 Round Blender USD$11.98 USD$5.99 now (Click Here to view)

All of them are super soft, and I use all of them diffuse shadows- they do it really nicely. However, I feel that the Zoeva one might be a TAD bit more flimsy than her other two sisters. Not that it affects performance greatly or makes a huge difference though. Alright, last brush design that I wanna show you!

Left to Right (Top down):
Real Techniques Accent Brush,
M213 Smudger Brush USD$1.99 (Click Here to view)

This is a really really teeny tiny brush to add details, and I like to use it to add a pop of colour right below my bottom waterline. I dont think I need to say more!!

Lastly, discount codes. Read Part 1 Here for discount off Morphe Brushes site! Also, I have discounts on Luxola, but I won't be sharing them on the site as its a personal discount code- feel free to contact me to ask about them though!

I hope this review helped! Comment below / email me your favourite brushes!! Don't hesitate to ask me anything - I'll try my best to answer them! Ciaoz~

Morphe Brushes Online Haul! (Part 1)

Happy girl is happy!!!! Here is another online haul that I mentioned in my previous post: the MORPHE BRUSHES (MB). If you haven't already read my post on my recent GC Haul, click Here to read it!

Disclaimer: I am not an affiliate nor am I sponsored by MB, ZPALETTE and MG. However, I am an affiliate with MM (falsies) - but that is because I stock my falsies in huge amounts and so I get a discount for them. I truly believe that MM has the widest variety of falsies for much more affordable prices than what I usually see in Singapore. BUT I have not used my affiliate links in this post. All opinions are my own.

These babies arrived like this, in a box. I didn't snap a picture of the box because it was just a regular brown carton box. I got to know this brand through one of my favourite instagrammer/ blogger Naye0na. Click Here to see her blog on more reviews of Morphe items.

First up, are their falsies. These sell at USD$1.99 each, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on these because of how similiar they looked when compared to my favourite falsies. I bulk buy my favourite falsies so they usually ship to me at discounted rates, but MB's falsies were still cheaper?! I tried looking for reviews for MB's falsies to no avail, so thought I'd do one with pictorial references for you my dear friends!

See how the (left) Ardell Demi Wispies (USD$15.99 now USD$9.95 for 4 pairs which translates to USD$3.75 USD$2.49 per pair) are similiar to the MB's #DW Black, and Wispy Black. Also, similiar to the Red Cherry Eyelashes in #48 Black (USD$2.99).

MY FAVOURITE-EST-EST. The Red Cherry Eyelashes in #217 (USD$2.99). This is the pair that most people always ask "Where did you do your extensions??" They feel like air on my lids, don't make me sleepy (if you lash ladies get what I mean??!), and they get so close to my lashline that people often ask me if they're real. SEE HOW SIMILIAR THEY ARE? Even their code numbers, and how they feel so feathery similiar to the touch too (Though Morphe's is a TAD BIT stiffer, but still soft compare to all the other synthetic falsies!) ! See it for yourselves, and try guessing which one's which too!

<< Left, Red Cherry #217. Right >>, the MB's #217 Black.

 I will buy MB's from now onwards- for the fact that I wear #217 almost daily so thats cheaper for me on the whole, but these take an entire month to ship to me. If you're in a hurry, or would like to try an array of designs, then I will recommend getting from MadameMadeline because its cheaper to get a large variety from MM- and they reached me in a week too. Speaking about lashes.. Let's talk about eyeshadows next!!!

This is what I bought. I CONTROLLED MYSELF SO WELL -pats self on back- I usually can't control myself when it comes to eyeshadows, believe me! I find that it's quite miraculous that I just bought 2 colours when they cost me only USD$2 ~ 2.29 each. YES! You've heard me right! They cost me about USD$2 a pop, and for their quality I'm pretty sure I'd pay more for these. Actually, there were more colours I wanted but they've been OOS for some time! So I couldn't wait and checked out (oops). Then, I bought myself their magnetic palette to store the eyeshadows too, and quite honestly the packaging reminds me of Makeup Geek's (MG).

Palette first:

This is how the Morphe Brushes Magnetic Palette (28slots) - (USD$9.99) look like beside Z Palette's Extra Large Palette - (USD$28), showcasing HALF of my MG eyeshadows. *flaunts* I bought my Z Palette from Luxola, but they discontinued it. I forgot how much I paid for it, but MB stocks them too. I will be linking most of the items I've talked about down below at the end of this post. So back to the topic:

Honestly, I was looking for a palette to replace my Zpalettes (I very poor liao, I need cost-effective stuff!) However, no matter how much cheaper this actually is, I don't think this fits my bill. Why do I say that?

1. Because I have SO MANY shadows, I like my palette to have a see-through window so I can tell which colours are in which palette.

2. My shadows are expensive, and as you can tell- they are almost always full. The last thing I'd want is for them to play 'survivor' during my constant travelling. I broke my contour/ bronzing palette once, and I cried for a week. CUI.

Then again, even though the plastic feels ABIT flimsy, it clasps tightly shut and holds the shadows well. So, if you don't need a window like I do, nor do you need to travel with it often, then it'd be a better choice to choose MB's ! I tried shaking the palette upside down when I've put some shadows in. The magnetism is good, so (luckily) nothing fell out!

Thickness of the palettes, in case any of you need reference. 

(Above - Z Palette XL, Below - MB 28 slots)

Okay, enough of the wait- Eyeshadows!

(Left- ES80 - Breakfast At Tiffaneez, Right- ES70 - New Moon) on UD1.0 skin under natural light.

I've heard about how wonderful these shadows are - and now that I can feel them, they are creamy and pigmented to the touch. My colours were true to how they look - it is what it is. I've edited this picture to make it as close to how it looks in real life too. (But please don't scold me if they don't match for you :( , because different computer has different screen resolutions.. I'm using the MacBook Air 11")

I heard that the single shadows are of better quality than their big palettes, and that is the reason why I chose not to purchase the big ones though they cost like half the price for each single colour. Just thought I should mention this too, in case you wanna know. BUT, I don't know if that is true. You may still want to purchase it to try (:

Interior of the MB 28 slots - so chio (pretty) right?

Same size as MG shadows, and the purple so pretty too right??

Buy Caitlin Rose (purple metallic) to support a cause! Click Here to read more/ purchase.

So it's 3am here in Singapore, and my eyes feel heavy from today's work+gym combo. I will be posting the 2nd installment of the MB Online Haul soooooon, I promise! To end this post, here are the links/ discount codes to the items I've mentioned! Don't feel obliged to use my links though, just thought I'd share the good stuff (;

Falsies
MadameMadeline - Browse your own design- Click Here.
Ardell Demi Wispies - 4 pairs set. Click Here.
Red Cherry Eyelashes in #48 Black - 1 pair. Click Here.
Red Cherry Eyelashes in #217 - 1 pair. Click Here.

Empty Palettes
MB's Magnetic Palette (28 slots) - Click Here.
Z Palette XL - Click Here.

Eyeshadows
MB's ES70 New Moon Eyeshadow (Pewter) - Click Here.
MB's ES80 Breakfast at Tiffaneez (Tiffany Blue) - Click Here.
MG's Caitlin Rose (Purple Metallic) - Click Here. Please support for a cause!

Discount Codes
MB: Use ADOPTLOVE (Case Sensitive) during check out on MB's site for 10% off! Naye0na spends these commission on dog rescues, so you'd be using it for both a discount and a good cause! Win-win! She's one of my favourite girls, who does such wonderful things. Please support!

MM: Use FREEBIE during check out on MadameMadeline's (falsies links above) site, and get a free pair of falsies for purchases USD$20 above!

MM: Use 2007 for 13% off entire order.

MM: Use MYDISCOUNT for 10% off Specials Page.


Let me know in the comments below (or my email if you're shy!) if you'd like me to do any reviews of certain products! If you own MB items, please please tell me how you feel about them too. I'd love it anyway, even if you just drop by to say hi (:

Goodnight xx.

Gerard Cosmetics Online Haul!

Firstly, Disclaimer!!

I'm a scaredy cat and I don't wish to be involved in any legal issues or blog wars. I'm just here to share how I feel so, please take a moment to read the right column 'Disclaimer' >>>>

Before you read this post, I thought you should know that I am in no way affiliated to Gerard Cosmetics, and these products are bought with my hard-earned money. All opinions are genuinely my own, and this post contains no pictures that are edited/ photoshopped.

THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEEEEEEEL SO EGGCITED TO SHARE WITH YOU THIS RIGHT NOWNOWNOW! This morning, Mr Postman came along and dropped me a package of - GERARD COSMETICS (GC)!!!! I've made this order a month back, under the influence of one of my favourite youtubers Manny (click Here to watch that video). I'm obsessed with highlighters this season, because highlighters brings out such a glow on my face without feeling oily (I mattify ALOT- I have oily skin!) So during the stressful exams period, I took some emotions out on a retail therapy on some GC and Morphe Brushes. This post is about my haul on GC so I shall do another post on MB another time (:

I stay TOO FAR from all the goodies in the states, and GC took slightly longer than the usual time needed.. BUT IT'S WORTH THE WAIT (Free shipping from Gerard too yaz!) Let's just put away all this anxiety and lemme show you the deal yo!

Here are the goodies I bought:

Star Powders in the shades Marilyn and Lucy - Retails at USD$36 each.

Ingredients stated: Mica, Jojoba Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Kaolin.

May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxides.

Colour Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss in the shade Cocoa Bean - Retails at USD$24 each.

(Ingredients not stated on packaging nor website)

HOLD YOUR HORSES BABE! Yes, I know they look super gorgeous and yes, I could link you to buy them! But! They have a special deal right now, and I have some discount codes so let me do it for you later, right at the end of this post.

How they look inside:

Look at that gold reflective packaging *wipes drool* - and I really like that they included plastic flaps to keep the insides clean and hygienic. I don't know if they help protect the powders if they fall to the ground though, and i dont wanna know!!! ☹ Their mirrors are VERY clear - clear enough to spot your concealed zits, sigh.

There is a mirror beside the lipgloss (I'm so sorry I didn't capture it ☹), and I felt that it was very handy too (for touchups). However, I caught myself worrying if they would scratch. I guess, a pouch would suffice for that. Upon untwisting the cap, it glows from the inside, purrrrrfect for night touchups in dark places. They dont have a switch though, and could be irritating when you have proper lighting for application. But I can't deny its a really nifty design and I really like that it's so unique.

There was just one thing I didn't like about the packaging: how the pretty gold reflective surfaces capture my fingerprints.

Swatches & Application:

Swatches from left to right: Lucy, Marilyn, Cocoa Bean.

With Natural Lighting

With Flash

GIF Insert

Here is how I look with foundation, 

a little of eyebrow pencil and eyeshadow taken under direct flourescent light.

Here is how I look with Lucy (Left pic), Marilyn (Right pic) and Cocoa Bean:

Close up of Cocoa Bean (Sorry it frayed abit):

Honestly, I feel that the face application photo did not do justice to the highlighters because I capture all these pictures with my Sony Z3. I really should consider investing in a good camera when I can afford to! I felt that the Marilyn was lighter in application and more of a golden sheen when comparing it to theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (SGD$36.90), but abit of a heavier application when compared to Laura Mercier Highlighter 01 (SGD$52). 

Cocoa Bean was really pleasant for me besides some bleeding (some lip liner beforehand should do the trick!). It's tasteless and creamy, and didn't feel heavy nor overly sticky on my lips, though, not transfer-proof. I personally don't like glosses because they bleed easily on me, but I just wanted to try this colour because it was so similiar to Lime Crime's Velvetine in Salem.

Alright that's all folks! Please remember to follow/ subscribe, share and comment!
Follow me on Instagram: shermaine.ng
Thank you for reading!

Last hiao pictures for you :]

Tonight going out dinner with my boyfriend with uneven face glow LOL.

Here are the links I've promised you:

Click Here to buy my set (Choice of 2 highlighters and a gloss) at a discounted rate.

Check out with code: LizzyGlow to bring it down to $45.

Click Here to buy the 2 starpowders at a discounted rate.

Check out with code: LizzyStars to bring it down to $36 (that's buy 1 get 1 free for you!)

Other additional discounts:

WWLD (35% off entire site)

Mannymua (25% off)

Mannylip (Discounts the '3 lip-bundle' further by 45%)

Manny4you (45% off "just4you" bundle!)