Don't you hate it when your nail polishes chipped the next day after you applied it?  I do.  If you're a follower of nail trend, you must have heard of Shellac or other gel polish, that are supposed to provide a shiny manicure that lasts for about 2 weeks time and wouldn't chip.  But going to a nail salon to do it every month, or worse, every other week, is a pain.  Not to mention the price to get it done by a professional manicurist is quite hefty.  So you would happy to hear, there are now quite a few at-home gel nail polish system.  SensatioNail by Nailene is one of the newer ones.

SensatioNail Starter Kit

I first talked about SensatioNail when I posted my haul from Chicago.  I purchased the starter kit and two polishes.  Now I've only had it for two weeks, so I won't be reviewing it, yet.  But I thought I would run through how I give myself a clear manicure.

I'm showing a demo on my pinky, here's a before:

Manicures usually look shiny right after you apply it.  But after a while, it starts looking dull.  Like the other day, my new gel polish, which is supposed to be real shiny, was looking dull... like this...

Before: dull nail =(

There are different causes to it, you might have smudge the topcoat a bit, it might be the quality of the topcoat, but more than often, there's oil on your finger nail.  It can be from your hand cream (I experience this a lot), touching your face (the sebum on your face), or any other source of oil.

Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and Sephora teamed up with NARS and had a little special offer for their V.I.B.'s, and giving them a 3 piece NARS mini gift with $35 of purchase.  Since I was running low on my cleanser, I thought it's a good time to get it now.  And here's the NARS V.I.B. gift bag....


V.I.B. stands for Very Important Beauty Insider, which basically translate to "beauty enthusiasts who spend quite a bit of money at Sephora", or in my case, "shopaholic who spends WAY TOO MUCH money at Sephora".  When they first introduced this V.I.B. system, it wasn't that great.  For a year or two, there were only 15% off sale, which regular B.I. will get it too, just maybe a week later.  But since last year, they have really been boosting it up.  Giving out nice gifts like these to attract people to buy more, which is pretty evil lol.

Anyway, back to the topic, there are 3 NARS minis in this goodie bag: Laguna Bronzer, Orgasm Illuminator, and Pro-Prime Smudge proof Eyeshadow Base.  I really wanted this gift bag because I have always wanted to try the NARS Laguna Bronzer, but never caved in and buy one because I have enough bronzers.  But hey, this is free, sort-a, so I took the opportunity.


When they say these are mini, they're tiny!  A regular Laguna Bronzer is probably 5 times larger.  This mini is the same size as their single eyeshadow, which I guess isn't that bad.

I have had samples of Orgasm Illuminator before, which is of the same size.  It's a little smaller than, say, a chapstick.

The best deal here is probably the eyeshadow base because this tube is significantly bigger than the deluxe sample I redeemed before.  It's about the size of a MAC select moisture cover concealer, but a little slimmer.

They also came with a tiny "brochure" telling you what's inside and their ingredients.


I think the content of this gift is pretty good, comparing to the things I have gotten before.  I'm definitely looking forward to try the Laguna Bronzer and rekindle my love with the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (it's the best eyeshadow primer!!!).  If they keep having these kind of gifts I'm going to go broke.  Even if you don't want to be a V.I.B., if they keep pushing out these gifts and you keep redeeming them, I think eventually you'll just renew your status naturally lol.

I went to Sephora at around 3, and they still have quite a bit left, so maybe they will still be available tomorrow (but don't quote me).  If you're a V.I.B. and wondering if you should make a purchase and get this bag, hopefully this will help you make up your mind.

Did you end up redeeming your gift?  Or did you pass it up?  Let me know =)

x Rica

Another product that is on the top of my list from the Shop MAC Cook MAC collection was the Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush.   I missed out when it first came out in the Lillyland collection.  So this time I caved and got it.  They also repromoted Florida, which I did get from MAC warehouse sale =D, and I will be reviewing this shade as well.

MAC Cremeblend Blush in Optimistic Orange and Florida

With Valentine's Day just one day away, have you prepared to surprised your other half on the day of love?  If you still haven't found the perfect gift, never fear, take a look at my suggestions and see if it will make your shopping trip easier when you head to the mall later on.  I'm going to mix things up because some gifts are applicable to both ladies and gentlemen =).

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette (For her only)
Available at Sephora, Ulta, Urban Decay, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc.

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette

One of the hottest items in the beauty market right now.  The universally flattering shades in one compact palette makes this palette a perfect gift for every girl, no matter if they just wear minimal makeup, or makeup enthusiast!  Due to popularity of the original Naked Palette, Urban Decay and Sephora have learned their lesson and have really stocked up their stores.  Even if you see the display is empty, go ask the sales associates there.  Chances are they have tons at the back room but just didn't put them all out yet =).


Fujifilm Instax Mini (For both)
Available at lomography stores, Urban Outfitters, Sears, Walmart, etc.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 50s in Piano Black

Capture all your precious memories and print them out instantly.  I love instant cameras, I used to have a sticker one from Polaroid.  I can't say they're better than digital cameras or film cameras but they're certainly a lot more fun.  With Fujifilm Instax Mini, the photos will be printed out immediately and they are credit card size which means you can put them into your wallet right after!  I personally own two of them even though they are basically identical in terms of function.  (One tip to taking instant picture: Do not follow that song that say "Shake it like a Polaroid Picture".  I repeat, do NOT shake it.  It can damage the picture and make the film separate prematurely.)





Fragrances (For both)

Product photos from Sephora.com

Pick a fragrance that you like and they don't already have and make sure they don't hate the scents.  It's easier said than done, I would agree.  Thankfully, there's the Sephora Favourites Deluxe Fragrance Sampler For Her and Sephora Favourites Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler For Him, so it is highly possible that they will find something they in these sets.  In Canada, there are an even better deals at Shoppers Drug Mart.  At SDM, there are sets for guys and girls that allow them to try out around 10 samples before they pick a full size with the gift certificate included in the set!  They will have a year to choose, so no rush, no rush.



Shops: Build A Bear Workshop (For both)

From Build A Bear Workshop

I love BABW! I got my LiBeary (yes, that's the name I gave my bear) there as well.  I don't really know anyone who would hate a cuddly soft stuffed animal.  They have tons of options there, from Bears to Dogs, from Bunnies to Cats, and let's not forget about Hello Kitty.  They also have a few asthma friendly ones for you to choose.  You can simply pop up to the mall and build a bear, which takes about 15 minutes or so to make.  The best part is that they're not all that expensive and you can personalize your stuffed animal with different costumes they have there!  Or you can shop online too.


Shops: Urban Outfitters (For both)

Product photos and logo from urbanoutfitters.com

Urban Outfitters is one of my favourite shop.  I like to shop there because their stores have a variety of items.  Their jewelries are quite affordable, and you can't really go wrong with jewelries for girls.  For guys, there are lots of apparels and novelty items!  They just have a variety of brands and stuff for you to choose from.  Basically, UO has it all: from fun T-shirts to dainty necklaces, from quirky books to figures, and from lomo cameras to home decors.  There are also beauty products at UO!  How can you not like this store?  While shopping for him/her, you might even be able to find something for yourself =D.

These are the gifts that I have received or I actually want to receive.  I hope this will help some of you out there to get a gift for your love.  Happy Early Valentine's Day!


x Rica