October Favourites and Least Favourites

So October has been crazy for me. There were sales everywhere! I bought a lot of drugstore makeup that had 30-50% discount. I spent hours at the makeup section trying out three to four shades of foundations on my face, trying out lipsticks in every colors, do swatches for all the eye shadows. And I had to hide all my purchases away from hubs cuz you know. Saving myself from a huge lecture. He still doesn't know how much I spent this month till this day though. Haha. That's it I'm banning myself from shopping till Boxing Day. I just hope I can make it through this time.   

So as a pledge to write honest reviews and such, not every makeup you buy will give you that feeling like you've made the best choice. Sometimes when you test at the store it looks great on you, but when you go home and try it out again, you feel like you've made a mistake. There goes your money down the drain. So instead of making glorifying comments on monthly favourites, I thought why not add in the least favourites as well so we can educate each other to become better consumers huh? 

Invincible Zinc Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 30+ UVA - UVB

This is a staple product for me. I don't ever, EVER leave the house during the day without slathering this on my face. If you haven't read my earlier posts, I mentioned that I have very bad freckles going on. I've been wearing sunscreen religiously for the past few years and little did I know I was wearing the wrong type of sunscreen (chemical), which actually can worsen my skin problem. So I found this product at a local pharmacy store, and gave it a try. Even though it claims to rub in well and dries clear, I find it to be not true. It still leaves a white caste on my face like how titanium dioxide does, which doesn't bother me at all since I know it sits on top of the skin to block the sun. 

Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Waterproof Powder in Nude

Got it during a sale at Chemist Warehouse. Love that it's big (means more product in it) and they're generous enough to put a mirror in it! In terms of the waterproof properties, I haven't really tested the product long enough to support the claim. But I think I've worn it 3 to 4 hours before I see any oil seeping through. I shall do the test soon, I promise! 

Mac Fix +

My first impression of this product was who would pay AU$27 for a bottle of water just to spray on your face? After reading a lot of reviews and did a LOT of contemplating within myself, I actually caved in and bought myself one. Just because I longed for that glowy dewy look that everyone is raving about. And thank god, it does the job! And I've been using it everytime I wear makeup, and I have a feeling the bottle can last me for at least two years. So not feeling too guilty about it!

Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer in Medium Beige

The best drugstore concealer to cover up those little dark freckles spread all over my cheek bones. There's no other concealers in my drawer can do the job as good as this one. I only use this for that kind of purpose, not to highlight or prep my eye lid. I use water-based concealers for that.

Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Powder in Sun Baked 

Love the size of this bronzer. I know it will last me forever. And it has a nice smell too. Reminds me of baby talcum powder. I also use it as an eye shadow on days when I want to have minimal eye makeup (like doing grocery shopping).

Okay, here comes the second part of the post which is..... 

The Least Favourites!!! =(

Revlon Colorstay Stay Natural Makeup Foundation in Natural Beige

I don't know what to say about this. Revlon used to be my favourite foundation of all time. It was the first foundation I've ever bought and people actually thought my skin was flawless and thought I didn't have anything on my face back then. They changed the packaging now, it comes with a pump (which is great!) but I have the feeling the formula is a little bit off unfortunately. My skin feels itchy after few hours wearing this. The finishing looks great on photos but in real life, it doesn't look like 'skin'. It does look like I'm wearing foundation. And the consistency feels a bit thick too. Wished it was lightweight but still able to maintain its full coverage. It would've been perfect for me.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blushed

Reviewed the lipstick over here few weeks ago.. The color is simple, it goes with anything and it doesn't accentuate the color of my teeth (I'm a daily coffee drinker, what do you expect?) My only complain is wished it's more pigmented on the lips. And the color from the label doesn't match the outcome of the lipstick, so I'm a bit disappointed on that. 

Loreal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur

Bought this for $20 I think. It's just an ordinary primer, you can get the same result with a cheaper alternative like Elf for $12. It does give a smooth base for makeup but did nothing major to blur out the fine lines I have under my eyes. 

Maybelline Fit me Blush in Light Nude

It's okay but it didn't blow me away. I recently purchased a blush palette from BH Cosmetics which I think was better value for money and I get more blush pans and options for almost the same price (without shipping). But yeah, the packaging is cute though. Travel friendly. That's all.

That's it for this post, I hope it's not too boring for you to read. And I hope this mini review is somewhat useful for you. If you like this post, feel free to comment below. I would love to know your thoughts. Till then, thanks for reading and see you soon! Oh and have a nice weekend!!

Bh Cosmetics Haul!

These are the items I *naughtily* purchased from the website. The prices are just too good to be true but the shipping cost to Aussie was about $15. No other words but URGH! It's not fair!! But after watching countless videos of these stuffs on Youtube, I just know I had to get them. I spent about $44 including shipping for these items which is not too bad right? No? Sigh.

I think I'm done with eyeshadow palettes for now. I might look into Australia's brands at Priceline. Some are still quite pricey though, I just have to look out for their promotions. Hopefully the quality is at par with Nyx and Bh Cosmetics.

Till then, see you in my next post =)

my best friend

Last week in KL, my best friend Diana threw a birthday party for her child. My bestfriend and I have been close since we were babies as our parents were family friends. Since we didn't have any sisters, we treat each other like sisters. I still remember she used to sleep over at my house when we were small. She even slept in my parents bedroom with me that's how comfortable she was in my family.

Us on my wedding day

Like sisters, we get into fights too. But we can't stand be angry with each other for a long time. Give us few hours and we'll be playing again with no hard feelings. But at 8 years old, she told me her father wanted to send her to her grandmother in Kedah. I was devastated. After she left, we wrote to each other quite often. At that time, it was really expensive to make interstate phone calls. I still remember getting scolded for making long phone calls which accelerated our phone bill. Hence, we resorted to writing letters to each other. We never failed to keep in touch and tell each other what's happening in our lives. Sometimes we just rant to each other with no real updates. And mailing a letter to her would only cost 20 cents. And I always had to walk about 10 minutes from my house to the nearest post box so I can drop the letter off.

Fast forward 20 years later, both of us are married and had to do the long distance thing again. Thank god for the technology, now we can message and make free phone calls every day. It feels nice to be able to see her child grow up through my phone and see how blessed my best friend is with her little family. The only thing I regret is not to be able to attend her very first birthday party last week. And I'm sure I'm going to miss many more birthdays in the years to come.

On the bright side of things, hey, at least you get to visit me here in Australia right. I'm still hoping for Saffiya to play with my future kids (God willing) or maybe become a big sister to them. Nevertheless, even though I'm far away, just know Aunty Sarah is just a 'Whatsapp' away. Hope to see and play with you next year when I go back for holidays Fiya.. :)

Saffiya with her presents. Envy much? I know I am

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Retails at AUD$18.99

I picked this up at My Chemist store last Saturday. Few brands were having a huge sale and Revlon was one of them. Foundations worth of $39.90 went down to $20, buy one lipstick and you get another for free. It was crazy.

And I can't help not to beat myself up for stocking up on so many Revlon foundations at Priceline's sale last month. I could've saved at least like $20 but yeah whatevs. 

Note to Sarah in the future: Wait for My Chemist October Sale Next Year!!! Only buy Revlon foundations and you get better deals on Maybelline at Woolies!! =P

Anyway,

If you're still here let's get to the swatches.

Left - Blushed
Right - Smokey Rose

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Blushed

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Smokey Rose

side by side comparison
L: Smokey Rose
R: Blushed

Pros: They both feel hydrating, I feel comfortable wearing them. 

Cons: Show signs of creases especially Blushed Lipstick. Also, I feel the pigmentation is not that excellent. It could be better. 

Conclusion: Not so satisfied with my purchase and looking for a good drugstore lipstick that are very VERY pigmented. Do you guys have any suggestions? Would love to know your thoughts.

Boing! Boing! It's Spring Time!

Actually it has been spring for the last couple of weeks but 

I forgot to mention about it. The weather has been somewhat funny. One week 

it was scorching hot  and the week after that it was freezing again. The last 

few days have been really cold but I'm loving every second of it.  I'm a winter girl. 

I just love that there's not much sun and you don't get sweaty easily. 

But I'm also looking forward to see the flowers bloom and to be able to 

exercise without feeling extremely cold (I have put on weight during winter and

 I think now is the best time to shed 

those pounds off) And yes, I'm trying really hard to change the way I eat now.

 It hasn't been as healthy as what I was used to 2 years ago.

But what's the point of changing now if we plan to get pregnant next year right?

I'm going to be fat anyways...

I might as well focus on losing weight after I give birth!

Haha.. hubs gonna be super paranoid if he reads this..

Anyhoo,

since we're entering spring I think it'd be fun to write about things that I'm

really looking forward to in this new season.

beautiful flowers

strolls at the park
longer evenings

soft pastel clothing

purple and pink eye make up

less coffee

more green tea

cotton and blazers

chiffon tops on hotter days
cardigans on cooler days

more exercise less binging

Sovereign Hill trip with hubs

exploring melbourne

meet up with friends

sandwiches and fruit salad 

learn more about editing

photography

warm weather

Thanks for reading and hope you're as excited as I am for this new season! :)

10 Signs To Know If A Guy Likes You

#throwback 2013

I'm sure this is one of the few things we (girls) like to talk about when we like someone. 

The guy that we have a crush on, the one who makes our hearts skip a beat. 

He's in our thoughts everyday and we can't help but to analyse every single thing about him that'll give us clues if he feels the way about us.

Sweetie, this is the most painful stage of the relationship and 

I'm sorry you're going through this but I'm just so glad I'm over it. Oh man all 

those weeks of guessing and quizzing.  Some cases can even go up to months!
Months of sleep deprived and overanalyzing things.
Some like to be straightforward, some like to beat around the bush. It's the latter that inspires me to write this post actually.
There's a thin line between the sincere one and the one who are testing the water.
And that's why I come
up with this list. And just to be clear with you. I'm not making this up. This is based on real life experience. Based on mine and also some people I know (which I'm not going to reveal their names obviously). But if you want to find out more, keep on reading.

1.  He will find a reason to call you. It can be from asking about your general well-being to things that he can google himself but decides to ask you (eg. exhibition/concert dates)

2. He'll try to make you feel comfortable when you guys talk. He knows you're nervous or you might feel like he's way out of your league but slowly he manages to make you feel as worthy as him.

3. He's always smiling when he's around you. And keeps on glancing at you. Oh yeah, he's into you. Don't get confused with a sleazy smile though. More like an innocent smile.

3. Watch out if he's nervous. If he's not, he might think you as a friend. Or he just wants to have a fling.

4. He would organize activities with his friends so that he can invite you to hang out. Every week. It has to be every week. If it's once a month, maybe he just think you as a friend.

5. He would bring you to meet his trusted friends. He might not bring you to meet his clan but he'll bring you to meet his best friend, that's for sure.

6. He will try to impress you. It could be anything from paying for meals on your dates, play the guitar, or talk about stuffs he's good at. Wait, even flirty guys like to do all these. Scratch this. Not really a strong point.

7. He would talk about his future plans and goals. He's also hinting a woman like you in it.  Guys who are not looking for commitment would definitely avoid this. This is a good indicator that he's being real!

8. He would subtly say what he wants in a marriage down the road. He's not being too direct but he's actually hinting. It's a good sign.

9. He would phone you for an hour at night before you go to sleep even after you guys have hung out for a day. Because he can't stop thinking about you. He even calls or text you first thing in the morning.

10. At the end of the date, you won't even shake hands. Cuz you're both are just so nervous and shy!


What a trip down to memory lane. It gives me butterflies in the stomach
when I think about all these again. I was lucky to find someone who was direct though
and we are able to tell each other what we want
in a relationship. But before him, goodness. I'v actually felt like giving up. Nevertheless, I know some genuine guys who can't really express
 in this kind of way for the fear of rejection. I think. Or they just like to take it slow.
Who knows. What I know, they're happily married now with their awesome wives. Anyway, hope this post is useful for you and hope to see you again in my next post! :)

Mount Hotham Trip Part 3

Previous posts of the trip can be found here: Part 1 and Part 2

My hubs said my previous post was too long and it it made him cringe to read it. Now I'm gonna try to summarize the whole thing as short as possible ok?

Still Day 1 *LOL*

We checked into our room at Alpine Heights. It wasn't that far from the Hotham Central but it was quite challenging to walk on the snow with our heavy bags. I almost slipped once or twice because of the icy snow but thankfully I managed to get back on my feet *flex biceps* But once we got to the main entrance of the chalet, we had to sit for a minute to catch our breath.

#Tip No 1: Call Alpine Heights Accommodation and ask if they can pick you up at the Tourist Lounge or Hotham Central. 

We checked into our Room #21 and it was facing the white mountain where people go to ski. It has a king size bed, tv, two one-seater sofas, a coffee table, a cupboard and a kitchenette. The kitchenette has plates, bowls, cutleries, microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle and a big supply of coffee and tea. We rested in the room for a bit and by 5.30 pm we went downstairs to pick up our skis and gears. Then we went to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

View from the balcony

Our room

Day 2

We woke up early that morning. Had breakfast in our room. About 9.20 we put on our gears, held on to our ski boards and walked towards Hotham Central. It was the most uncomfortable footwear I've ever tried on. I felt like a robot, taking big steps and when the boot hit the ground it made that bass sound effect. I think it took me about 30 mins to reach there. 

Once we got there, we stood at the Level 1 for Beginners area and wait for the instructor to come. 

The lesson was great. At first I did feel awkward while trying to balance myself but after few hours of practising you'll just get the hang of it. Hubs tho, was not as graceful as me. He fell like ten times then he gave up and wanted to go home. We did take a photo of us together though before he left.

Lol, he looked so moody here

After he left, I got on the lift and it took me to the top of the mountain. It had an amazing view. There was this South African lady who was kind enough to guide me when to hop off from the lift. It was really nerve wrecking but I managed to jump off the lift and skied down the hill without falling down. I didn't go that fast during the lessons earlier so I was quite shocked that I get to pull through. Hehe.

I really felt gayat up there. I didn't want to go to the edge of the mountain, I was scared I would fall off! But the view was soooo incredible!! And it was so quiet and peaceful up there. It took me about 30 minutes to reach at the bottom of the mountain just because I stopped twice to take photos and videos. Then I had to take off the ski boards from the heavy boots and walked towards the chalet. It was the hardest walk I've ever experienced in my life. I can't take off the boots cuz my feet will get so cold. Plus, I had to carry the poles and the ski boards too so there's no way I can carry other things with my hands. Once I reached home, my whole body was so in pain. I think I burnt 10 thousand calories for that whole day alone cuz I was so hungry after that!

After we had some rest, we went outside of our chalet and took some photos and videos for memories.

Oh we even get to build a snowman too!

Actually I did. He just sat behind the camera and watched me built it. Boo!

Day 3 : Boring day. Basically we got up and packed our stuffs and left Mount Hotham at 9.30am. We reached Melbourne around 3.30pm. Thats about it. Oh I also cried on the way back :P

Here are the montage videos of the trip.

Part 1

Part 2

Hope you guys like this entry. It feels like I brought you along with me for the ride. Thanks for reading this entry and I hope it's not too boring for you!! Till then, see you in my next post. Have a nice day! :)

XoXo

Sarah

twitter: @ssarahs9

instagram: @sarah.powderpurrfect