Happy November!

November is a month of no long weekends (in Canada), it's cold, it's soon to be the Holidays but not yet... Long story short, it's not the best month of the year... Except, it the month when Sephora holds its annual Holiday Sale!  Depending on your status, VIB or VIB Rouge (i.e. your degree of beauty/makeup addiction), you get a certain amount of discount during the sale off your entire purchase (in the past, it's 15% for VIB and 20% for VIB Rouge).  For VIB Rouge, it starts this coming Friday, November 6, 2015!!!

Every year I take this opportunity to stock up on my vanity staples, while also purchase a few things that I'd like to try.  It's also a great time to get the holiday gifts ready.  So let's go over my shopping list / wish list this year for things to restock, things to try, and things to gift... and don't be alarm it might be a bit long... lol

Things to restock...

GLAMGLOW Stay Sexy Clearing Set (CA $76 / US $69)
Every year I would get their "Gift Sexy" kit, which usually does not have the full size Supermud, which is my fave.  But this year, they have this Stay Sex Clearing Set that features both Supermud and Supermud Cleanser, both of which I use religiously, so this seems like the perfect set for me.


Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (CA $60 / US $52)
I am currently 2/3 way into the Jumbo size.  It has been a staple in my routine for the past year and a half.  I can't see myself not using it, at least for the next year.  But I'm still debating if I should get the jumbo 2oz or just get the 1oz.


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (CA $27 / US $21)
My brow routine staples, which I always have a backup or two.  It has a tiny retractable tip for detail work.  It also has the best spoolie brush for brows, which is better than any other stand-alone spoolie brush I've tried, for brows anyway.  The best thing about it is probably the colour match for me (I use Ebony), until I find a better match, I'll always be restocking it.


Estée Lauder Little Black Primer (CA $27 / US $24)
This is a life changing mascara.  It separates my lashes, thickens and lengthens my lashes, and stays on all day (and also makes other mascaras stay put).  I don't know what it is but the formula is quite different than anything else I've tried on the market.  I do like to pair it with another mascara to achieve the most fluttery lashes.


Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara (CA $36 / US $28.50)
I haven't had this mascara for maybe a year, and I miss it.  It does a lot on its own, giving my lashes more volume and length.  But I'm very curious to see how well it works with the Little Black Primer.  Maybe it'll give me false lashes effect!

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter (both @eeenricaaa, so is Snapchat), you may notice that I’m currently in New York.  I’m visiting a friend here and it’s quite exciting to be back in one of my favourite city.  I’m really looking forward to explore NYC and, well, EAT!

I’m not the type of person that travel light when it comes to my makeup.  This time, though, I really tried to condense it and only bring stuff I would actually use on this trip.  If there’s anything I need though, there will be a Sephora nearby XD.  So let’s take a peek into my travel makeup bag before I pack it.

Makeup bag: SEPHORA COLLECTION The Vacationer (not shown)

Prep

Primer #1: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Primer #2: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer
Eyeshadow Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Eye Depuffer: Benefit Cosmetics Puff Off!
Eye Brightener: First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy: Brighten, Depuff and Smooth

Face

Foundation: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Macadamia
Concealer: Marc Jacobs Beauty Remedy Concealer Pen in 02 Wake Up Call
Under-eye Setting Powder: bareMinerals Broad Spectrum Multi-Tasking Face in Well Rested

Cheeks/Contour

Setting Powder/Bronzer/Blusher/Highlighter: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit
Cream Highlighter: Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter
Cream Bronzer: NUDESTIX Bronzing Pencil in Earth/Golden
Cream/Gel Contour: Rodial Eye Sculpt

Eyebrows

Brow Pencil/Brow Liner: BCL BROWLASH EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Greyish Brown
Brow Gel: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in Medium/Deep

Eyes

Cream Eyeshadows: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold & Cocoa
Powder Eyeshadows: Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No.7 - Plush Shadow in The Lolita 206
Mascara #1: Estée Lauder Little Black Primer
Mascara #2: tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara
Pencil Liner: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon
Liquid Liner: Kanebo KATE Super Sharp Liner in Black


Looking at the list, it might seem like a long list.  I guarantee you, all of the above, plus my skincare, fit into my makeup bag with room to spare.  I do find myself not using eyeshadow as much because I’m always running late lol.  But I’ll try to use it when we go out for a nice dinner.

What are your must-have items inside your travel makeup bag?

Until next time,





*Disclosure: Some of the products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

Just as I spring cleaned my apartment, in particular, my beauty collection, I got this email from Sephora basically saying

Hey Rica, we got a 15% discount for you! I know you want more beauty products...

I couldn't passed on this promo, so naturally, I made a trip to Sephora the day the sale started for VIB Rouges (shamefully, I'm still a Rouge) and browse through Sephora.ca.  After a week, I have finally gotten everything.  From old favourites to new purchases, here's my, again, not-so-small haul...

It has been a couple years since Benefit brought out They're REAL mascara that tops the best selling charts in the makeup world.  Today, Benefit launches a brand new mascara that promise to "hooks, lifts, and curls lashes" and last for 12-hours long—Benefit Roller Lash (CA $29 / US $24).

It's time for some Holiday Giveaway!  This time, I'm giving away a gift set by Benefit called Pretty Parfait.  It contains 4 of Benebabes' favourite products:

• They're Real Mascara
• Gimme Brow
• The POREfessional (mini)
• Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer

This kit has a $98 value!  And these are definitely some of my favourite products too... Case in point, I use Benefit Gimme Brow almost every single day.  If you need to try one thing from Benefit, I would totally recommend Gimme Brow!  This giveaway if opened for 2 weeks (from November 2, 2014 to November 30, 2014 @ 11:59PM).  For more details about the giveaway, please refer to the Rafflecopter widget below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!


x Rica

Who (what) is your biggest makeup nemesis?

For me, it is my own oily skin.  I don't know how many times I end up look like a grease ball by 5PM.  Even when most things work on others, I seem to always be out of luck.

So I have taken the "Mission Makeup Stay Put" very seriously.  I tried and tested many different kinds of makeup primer out there that cater to oily skin.  I finally found 3 that I would call my faves and keep going back to it...

Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector (CA $44 / US $36)

It's been over a year now since I last raved about this product but this is seriously DA BOMB in oily control.  The silicone primer texture dries down super duper quickly.

The application takes a bit of time to get used to: Dispense a small amount on your fingers, warm between your hands, and pat it onto your skin.  Like I said, since it dries down quickly, I would apply area by area, starting form my t-zone.

I definitely won't squeeze a lot out and then apply to my whole face in one go.  I tried it, it looks flakey, never again.  It is really matte though, so if you have combination oily skin, you may want to stick with T zone only; and skip entirely if you have normal/normal-to-dry skin.

It's my study time again, so I've fallen into a makeup routine (or rutine) lately... I vow to change my it up starting today, but not before I give it the spotlight it deserves because these products have been amazing to me.

Summer is half way through!  Enjoying the sun or not, thanks to the invention of bronzer, ladies from the Great White North, too, can get instant sun kiss glow.  There are so many beautiful bronzers available this Summer (literally, the designs are out of this world).  I have round up a few that you need to go to the makeup counter now to stare at, adore and swatch!

Launch of the Most Innovative Eyeliner

Benefit said it's their biggest innovation in history.  After 5 years of development, the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner (CA $29 / US $24) is finally launching globally this Friday on June 27, 2014!  

I was fortunate to have previewed and tried the product before its release.  It is probably the most unique eyeliner I have ever used.  Believe me when I say I have tried a lot of liners, but never have I ever seen an applicator like Benefit's patented Accuflex tip.  The gel formula comes out from within the applicator with just a few twists.  The flexible tip is designed to be lash hugging, which allows you to get as close to your lash line as possible.  It also gives great control that you can get the line as thin as your like or as thick as you like.

From L to R: They're Real Mascara, They're REal Push-Up Liner, They're Real Remover, Simone ;)

The formula in this liner is phenomenal.  It's smooth, creamy, and pigmented, which are basically what you would want from a gel liner.  The staying power is out of this world.  It stays put all day (even on the waterline) and it doesn't smudge.  To take it all off, I would use the They're Real! Remover (CA $22), which has now become my holy grail eye makeup remover.

When Benefit comes up with the concept of They're Real Push Up Liner, they want to create something that is fool proof and easy to use.  That woman can apply it in seconds.  I find that it is very easy to get a one stroke liner.  The trick is not to drag or push too hard, and to also ensure that there is enough product on the tip to apply.  That way you will get a smoother and quicker application.  That being said, also be aware not to twist up too much; but if you do, not to fear, you can just wipe the excess product on the back of your hand and dip it when you need it.

Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes / Folded Eye Lids

I can do a regular winged liner, no problem, and with this, it just makes getting ready in the morning so much more faster.  However, the regular winged liner doesn't necessarily look good on my eyes with my eye shape.  I got a chance to sit down with Benefit Canada Regional Education Manager Maddox Lu (@maddox_thinks) to pick his brain and get some tips on how to apply this liner on my hooded/folded eye lids.

Maddox said the best liner look that suits hooded eyes the best is the "Hook" liner; as well as those with folded lids, droopy lids, "Asian eyes" (disclaimer: not trying to generalize but a lot of east Asian would have some type of folded eye lids).  Basically, if you see a broken line when you have your eyes opened with a regular winged liner on, then you will be able to benefit from the "Hook" technique.  There are a few simple steps:

Step 1: Draw a thin line like you would normal do from the outer corner to the inner corner because we want a thicker line in the outer corner.

Step 2: Align your eyeliner from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eyes to find the ideal angle.  Then, create a wing by pressing the Accuflex Tip down on your lid.

Step 3: Fill in the wing.  And when you open your eyes, you would see a broken line because of the shape of your eyelid.

Step 4: Stare straight into your mirror.  Take the wing and connect straight across from wing to your crease, just a small line.

Step 5: Look down and connect downward from the end of the new line you just create.

Step 6: Fill in the line and you're done!

Before...

After...

Maddox gave me a lesson on this technique and demonstrated on my left eye.  I then tried it out on my right eye and got the same result too.  It might take once or twice to get used to but it's definitely a brilliant technique.


This technique is not only great for hooded eyes, but also "droopy eyes" and "Asian eyes" (most of us tend to have a fold on our lid, myself included).  It will work well too if the corner of your eyes points downward.

Okay, sounds like I need it, now what?

Well, the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner is launching this Friday on June 27, 2014 worldwide and they are hosting launch parties across Canada (check their Facebook page to see if it's coming to your Sephora).  In Toronto, it will be held at the Sephora inside Toronto Eaton Centre.  Benebabes will be in store to help you with your liner on both Friday and Saturday (June 27-28, 2014) from 11AM to 9PM.  Guests will get a special gift if they purchase their They're Real Push Up Liner on those two dates (while supplies last).  If you're planning to go, a little bird told me there's a special secret happening between 3:30PM to 4:00PM.  If you're around, don't miss it!

Until next time,


x Rica




*Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

By now, you might already know about my lip balm obsessions (here, here & here).  I especially love tinted lip balms because they are the best gift to a lazy girl who still want something to make their lips pop.  Naturally, you know I'll be there ready when Benefit Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balms (CA $22 / US $18) are released.

I have never talked about my skincare routine before because I constantly switch up my routine that I couldn't even keep up.  I do realize it's a bad habit of me, I just can't resist the urge to try new things (it's the beauty blogger in me).  But recently I find myself going back to products that I finished up, so I guess it's safe to say I'm finally getting happier with my skincare routine.

It's a day early, but Happy Valentine's Day!  Believe it or not, I rarely celebrate Valentine's Day.  My friends called my man lucky because he doesn't need to get me a gift or flowers.  But I'd be lying if I say I don't care for the romantic stuff, roses and chocolates.  At the very least, I would have to put on some Valentine's Day themed makeup.  Here's how I'm gonna get that...

It's a few days early, but... Kung Hei Fat Choy!  Happy Chinese New Year!


There's a Chinese saying that says the entire year's work depends on its beginning.  It's so true, which is why we make new years resolutions, to prepare ourselves for a great year ahead.  I might not be able to help with all the plans you have ahead.  But for beauty-wise, let me share a few of my favourite tips to help you kickstart the Year of Horse with a few of Benefit's bestsellers in Asia.

Still trying to figure out what to wear to tonight's countdown?  Well, my go-to last minute festive look is always bold eye liner and lips.  Check out a few of my picks:

Eye Liner

Stila Art of the Fine Line Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Set

Want to have some fun with your eyeliner and make sure they stay all night long?  This Stila set comes with 4 of their bestselling felt-tip eye liner along with a look card to help you achieve the party look you're looking for.  You'll have the choice to try out the midnight blue, the dark brown, and the moss green shade out, or all of them together. And Stila knows a black liner is every girl staple, so this set comes with a full size of the black shade.

RiRi Hearts MAC Superslick Eyeliner

Loose glitter might be messy to deal with when time is tight.  A better alternative might be glitter liner.  The RiRi Hearts MAC Superslick Eyeliner in Pisces Persuasion is a option.  Unlike traditional glitter liner, it comes with a felt tip applicator, which offers a greater coverage in this one swipe.  Like its name suggests, the formula is super slick that it glides on smoothly with very fine pearlescent glitter.  It's perfect to make your eyes pop.

L to R: Stila Dark Brown, Moss, Midnight, Intense Black & MAC Pisces Persuasion