Toronto Snow Show Haul :: Ready for Snow Season 2013!

Hello Everyone!

So today was the last day for the Toronto Snow Show at the International Centre Hall in Mississauga. The sale started on Thursday, October 17 and ended today (Sunday, October 20th). Unfortunately, I couldn't make it on the 17th-19th so I had no choice but to go today.

I had my reservations going since it was a $17 admission fee (though this is cost is off set by a buy 1 get 1 lift ticket coupon at various resorts) and I was also worried that there wouldn't be any stock left on the final day. 

I wanted to go to the Snow Show and pick up a pair of white snow pants for ~$100 and a  white/mint POC helmet (preferably with the little cap or something similar) for less than $60. If there were any nice jackets at around $100 I would get one as well - but I just purchased a jacket for $110 from Sportschek (though still able to return for full refund).

Surprisingly there was a lot of stock left - though unfortunately the cheap deals had limited sizes left. For example, I saw a pair of mint coloured DC pants for $29.99 - but was an XL. Same thing happened for a pair of white Roxy snow pants for $50 - but was an L. I also saw a few yellow Pro-Tec and grey, black, and red Red helmets for $39.99. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the appearance of these and they all lacked the little 'cap' I was looking for.

I went to Harry's (harrys.ca) stall and picked up these Billabong White Snowpants. I liked these cause they were a crisp white, slim around the knees, and quite warm (so all I have to wear is a pair of leggings underneath). These were a little over my budget at $115.50 - but I liked these much more than the pair of Burtons at another stall for $89.99 (and they were too big), and a pair of Spyders that I saw for $99.99 (but were really big and puffy). I also purchased the Billabong pair cause the sales associate at Harry's was really sweet. However, I was dismayed when I went home to find that they were regular $130 - as I was hoping to get a better deal - but I do really like the pants and the little hook feature on the bottom so that the pants won't rise while boarding.

I wasn't planning to get a new pair of goggles, but I saw these cute mint pair of $30 (reg $60) and decided I couldn't go wrong with them. I got these at the Surf Paradise stall. These Scott Dana Goggles are a little on the smaller end, but as long as they cover my eyes and don't fog up (fingers crossed) I'll be happy. I saw a lot of Electric Goggles, and the sales associate tried to sell them to me ($169 + 50% off = $85; gave me $75) - but at this point I just wanted goggles for anesthetics so opted not to get them (although they were nicer). Later, found the 1/2 Off Goggles Stall which had a bunch of nicer big goggles for ~$60; so I was glad I opted for my mint pair.

I also purchased my helmet from Harry's. I opted for this Black/Neon Green Pro-Tec Riot helmet for $55 (half off). I found it more comfortable than the Bern, but more "bubbly". Personally, I liked the look of the Bern Baker (below) in Black ($90) but for the $35 price I chose the Pro-Tec.

Anyways, I hope this was helpful for any folks planning to go next year. If anything don't hesitate to ask any questions in the comments below and I'll respond as quick as I can (even if this happens to be in later years).

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

Haul :: Mac Warehouse Sale - September 2013

I must say, although my binge warehouse sale shopping has gone down quite a bit (part maturity, part unnecessary; less fast fashion - save up for more worthy fashion investment pieces), the once highly coveted MAC Warehouse Sale is quite a drab. 

My dearest readers, I would not recommend you buying tickets from your sources unless you know that you will be buying and that the savings are worthwhile. Save the $10 to put towards a lipstick from MAC's current collection. The two following reasons are why I recommend you not to go to the sale.

- Not a lot of selection! What used to be multiple tables of eyeshadows are now limited to warehouse sale items that haven't been sold out by the previous warehouse sale. This also applies to blushes, compacts, and lip products. At most there are now 2-3 tables with ~8-10 products on each of them. I also found that the skincare selection has been shrinking as well. Foundations, mascaras, and concealers still have a decent selection. However, if you know that you absolutely need multiple bottles of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Sand - go for it. For $12 a bottle (retail ~$40+) those are savings worthy of the ticket & gas money.

- Lots of "cheap" & "useless" items! What they do have a lot of in the MAC warehouse are those Clinique makeup pouches from the gift with purchases and the holiday gift tins (the tartan collection from 2 years back if anyone knows of it). Note these are just the pouches and tins themselves - sans the makeup. They are pretty cheap ($1-4), but for that price, you can get a much cuter one at Forever 21 or wait for your own gift with purchase makeup bags.

Aside from that, I was able to pick up 2 angled brushes by EYESBYDESIGN. It was a buy one get one free special. One brush was $8; thus an average price of $4.

I am also disappointed to report that the MAC Warehouse no longer gives out gifts! And for those who were wondering - the charity bag is very similar to the last warehouse - the same 2 duo shadows and same price ($5) - but a different eyeliner pencil/lip gloss (i didn't study the box too well but the box was a shiny brown opposed to the traditional MAC black packaging).

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

PS: For those who are wondering, my mother obtains these tickets from work!

New in My Vanity :: MAC Warehouse June 2013 Haul

Hello Everyone!!!

Today I went to the MAC Warehouse! My mom managed to score 2 tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as a gift from the security guy from her office. Unfortunately  I was unable to go Friday, so I gave the tickets to my friend and asked her to pick up a charity bag for me (which I have yet to find out the contents). 

However, if you have been to the MAC warehouse sale before, you will be disappointed by the warehouse sale now. Personally, I am more interested in makeup pigments (ie: eyeshadow, blush, & lip products) opposed to foundations, concealers, and skincare. The MAC warehouse was surprisingly not packed and the selections are definitely shrinking as the prices go up.

Notable Changes from Previous Warehouse Sales:

• There are approximately 4 tables for eye pigments, and the price has increased to $12 per product and one table for palettes. Unfortunately, I do not recall the price of the palettes. They were mostly the quads from MAC and previous holiday collection palettes.
• There are now 2 tables for blushes and bronzers - ringing $15 per product.
• Lastly, there are now a sparse 2 tables longer tables for lip products - $10 per product.
• Although not to complain about charity items, but charity items are now 3 for $5 opposed to 4 for $5.
• The $3 bins (although $4 bins for quite some time now) have pretty much nothing - this time they had sample sizes of Clinique Flirty Honey, an empty pattern travel jar, 2 types of false lashes (one I picked up, one super short ~1cm), Clinique Happy Fragrance Mini, and Clinique Mascara Samples. Unfortunately  on Saturday they do not have anymore $4 eyeshadow/blush pans.

There were a lot of fragrances (DKNY branded especially) and a lot of skin and hair care from brands such as Origins, Bumble and Bumble, Ojon, MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Estee Lauder.

Anyways, now to my haul!

I picked up the following:

• Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry - $10 + tax
• MAC 42 False Lashes - $4 + tax
• Pro Longwear Eyeshadow in Always Sunny - Gift for trading in entrance ticket
• Eye Shadow in Heaven & Earth and Pretty & Prim and a Mattene Lipstick Semi-Mat in Nocurnal Insticts - $5 Charity Bag (no tax)

All in all, I used to spend hours at the MAC warehouse - and I spent a record 25 minutes in and out. There was no line, so I will probably cash in my Sunday tickets for the Sunday gift and to check out the Sunday charity bag.

Bottom Line: If you don't have the tickets, they aren't worth the $20 you normally pay to get them off Kijiji (although ticket holders are not supposed to sell tickets). The selection of this warehouse has gone down quite a lot, in terms of the products that I am interested in, and the prices have also gone up. If you haven't been before, it may be worthwhile to check it out if you are able to get your hands on some tickets (or super cheap ones) but otherwise just save your $20 entrance fee and spend it towards stuff you really want from the actual MAC stores. If you have been to the warehouse before, it's not worth your time if your just browsing for a good deal. You're better off going to the NARS/Shiseido Warehouse if you want to save your time.

Hope this helps!

With love,
elle xx

[edit]
I went back on Sunday - the free gift was the same product & so was the charity bag (with the Pretty & Prim eyeshadow swapped out for Sage & Wisdom). Additionally, there was last day sales, where selected palettes were BOGO and $2 cosmetic bags were $1. I may have missed it yesterday, but there were $4 eyeshadow pans - but only Plumage - and all of the pans were in bad condition, shattered, touched, etc. I was only able to find 1 decent one, which needed to have the surface wiped and sterilized.

Haul :: Lisa's Cosmetics Spring 2012 Warehouse Sale + Mini Reviews

Hello Everyone!

So all my Canadian readers who live in proximity to the Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse Sale may be familiar with this sale. However, after not attending this sale for awhile, I decided to peek in quickly with my friend, F, to check out if they had anything new a couple days ago.

The regular stuff hasn't changed at all:
- They still sell full sized perfumes at a discount. Some popular fragrances brands that I saw at the sale included DKNY, YSL, Gucci, CK, Burberry, Escada, Chloe, Nina Ricci, etc
- They still sell designer sunglasses: Ray Bans (all $130), Fendi, Juicy, etc
- They still sell Elizabeth Arden, Smashbox, Marcelle, and Annabelle Cosmetics - I no longer see Red Earth Cosmetics here (probably due to the fact lead was found in their products)

However, something new that I saw at the sale was that they now have ~H2O+ products! Super happy since my mother is a religious user of this product! They had mostly anti-aging products by the time I got there (I went there on the 4th day of sales) but I still saw some of the Face Oasis products.

Anyways, here's my haul :: (And no iPhone 4 Instagram Pictures :O! [Instagram: bambistyle] I was graciously gifted with a Nikon J1 camera and I'm testing it out :P)

My haul from Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse Sale ::
H2O+ Face Oasis Shine Neutralizing Gel & TiVOLi Magnetic Nail Polish

So I picked up the following:
- 2x ~H2O+ Face Oasis Shine-Neutralizing Gel ($20.00)
- 1 TiVOLi Magnetic Nail Polish in Talia (~$2)  [It is a deep navy colour]
- Caramilk Fruits & Nuts Mega Chocolate Bar (~$4) [Not pictured]

I picked up the ~H2O+ Face Oasis Shine-Neutralizing Gel (right) by accident since I was so excited that a $48 product was on sale for $20. I'm not sure what the Face Oasis Shine-Neutralizing Gel is supposed to do but I read online that it is for more oily skin consumers, which does not apply to me. I have extremely dry skin. Note that the packaging is the older packaging, so I don't know how long the product has sitting around.

I actually wanted to purchase the h2O+ Oil-Free Marine Hydration Hydrating Gel (left) which I have used previously. I prefer the texture of this gel for a daily moisturizer since it isn't heavy. I've used it when I was in elementary school briefly and ceased to use it shortly after. I have never indulged myself in skincare, nor would I consider myself a skincare user. However, since graduating from my 3rd year of university, I've noticed that my skin is not longer as robust as it used to be and I decided it was about time for me to take care of my skin again. I do not use any foundation or concealer nor do I use any skincare products (with the exception of Clinique Toner when I have the occasional zit) - I actually just wash my face daily with a washcloth and water. I don't (unfortunately) even use sunscreen on a daily basis *gasp*. However, I'm attempting to change my lifestyle for the better as previously mentioned in my pior post regarding my exercise habits and decided to pick up a moisturizer for myself and my mother. (And I picked up a Shiseido Sunscreen!). Note: I did not get the Hydrating Gel from Lisa's Cosmetics, however, when I visited my local h2O+ store, they allowed me to exchange my Shine-Neutralizing Gel for the Hydrating Gel which is the same price. I now have to return with my mother's tub and exchange it for the Hydrating Gel. I would highly recommend this product as a moisturizer based on my way ancient and current experiences with this product. The packaging on left is the new packaging and logo.

Lastly, I purchased the TiVOLi Magnetic Nail Polish. I was so excited about this product!!! Especially when Sephora and the drugstore sells a similar product for ~$12. I was greatly disappointed! The magnetic feature of the nail polish did not work and just looked like regular dark navy nail polish. In addition, there was a horrible pseudo-toxic (I don't know if it is toxic fumes), metallic smell. I'll try it one more time on a piece of paper, but I would not recommend this product at all. [Edit: I tried the nail polish again on a piece of paper - it works only when you hold the magnet to a wet nail polish for longer than 10 seconds - then you will get a very faint magnetic pattern. The pattern is not very distinct, but visible. ]

I hope this post was informative and as always, thanks for reading!
elle xx

New In My Closet :: Featuring the Petite Feet Shoe Warehouse Sale { Spring 2012 }

Hi Everyone!

So today, my mom and I went to one of my favourite warehouse sales - the Petite Feet Shoe Warehouse sale! The Petite Feet Shoe Warehouse carries pretty new styles (as in styles that are still in store!) from Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto, and other designer shoe brands so I would definitely recommend going if you are looking for a discounted pair of shoes that you saw in the mall!

Here's my mother's and my combined haul from this week's sale.

Sam Edelman - Beatrix in Black & White

Sam Edelman - Beatrix in Metallic Grey

Vince Camuto - Enita in Silver

Love the heel!!!

BCBGeneration

For people who are interested in finding out more about what the Petite Shoe Warehouse carries, check out my older posts {here & here}.

Also, I snagged some other things today :P

A new purple and black skull scarf to keep
my black and white one company!

I've been wanting a travel pillow for the longest time
and finally found this super cute Rilakkuma one!

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

Haul :: Shiseido/NARS Warehouse November 2011

Hey Everyone!!!

I hope everyone had a good weekend! I didn't do much this weekend except attend a conference and went warehouse-ing at the Shiseido Warehouse! I wanted to go to the Nine West and the Petite Feet Warehouse, but I figured since I'm not free on Thursday, which was the VIP day, my chances of getting my hands on a pair of Rozas is next to none. I'll go next time as they stock up on them each warehouse {I hope they don't stop for next time! *knock on wood*}. For those who are Toronto warehousers, don't forget that Lisa's Cosmetics is reopening on November 19th, 2011!

I went on Sunday (the last day) at 2PM (an hour before closing) so I'm sure a lot of the merchandise was gone. I (sometimes) do this during warehouses cause:

{ Warehouse Tips }
1. It limits how much I can buy when I have hours and hours to shift through merchandise
2. Less wait time for the entrance line
3. Less people - since all the eager beavers usually try to get into the warehouse at opening

Anyways, here's the haul!

(L-R; T-B :: Shiseido Self Tanner, NARS Multiple Duo, NARS Eyeshadow,
NARS Lipgloss Duo in Orgasm & Hustler, NARS Lipgloss in Sunset Strip,
NARS Mini Lip Duo, Shiseido Lipstick, NARS Eyeshadow Palette,
NARS Eyeshadow, 2x NARS Lipsticks, NARS Multiple in Beverly Hills)

{ Prices }
Shiseido Self Tanner - $15
Blushes/Multiples - $15
Eyeshadows - $8
Lipgloss Duos - $10
Lipglosses - $8
Lipgloss Mini Duo - $8
Lipsticks - $10

L-R T-B :: NARS Orgasm/South Beach Multiple Duo
NARS Exotic Dance Eyeshadow Duo
NARS Mousson Cream Eyeshadow
NARS Corfu Cream Eyeshadow

L-R :: NARS Tzigane Lipstick
NARS Transeurope Express Lipstick
Shiseido P18 Lipstick

Swatches :: Transeurope Express, Tzigane, P18

I originally purchased the self-tanner because I thought it was a bronzing product and just grabbed it to "even out" my skin tone on my legs... It turns out its not the product I was hoping for when I gave it a closer look. I'll probably give t to one of my sun-addicted friends.

Anyways, I hope this is a helpful reference for those who hope to go in the future!

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

PS: I got 33 followers! Yay! Thank you all for following me! It makes me really happy and means a lot to me! ^_____^♥

Haul :: Shiseido/NARS Warehouse Sale

Today, I went to the Shiseido/NARS Warehouse with Helen. I haven't been to the Shiseido Warehouse for two years and much has changed! The warehouse has opened up a larger section for items and there is a larger selection of NARS products available. From what I remember before, there was rarely any NARS products before and now there is a huge corner of them! I was so excited!

The Haul!

I thought I was pretty good and didn't pick up a lot, but my bill still rang up to about $80. >w<! My poor wallet! I managed to haul a 'So Famous' gift set, Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, Lasting Lift Mascara in Black, and Turks & Caicos + Cadaques Multiples. I was so excited about the multiples! I bought them when they were released for full price and I was regretting not getting a backup... and bingo! I was able to get a back up... and for cheaper! I was sooo happy and excited! ^0^

Soft Touch Shadow Pencil - Palladium - $8

Multiple - Cadaques - $15

Multiple - Turks & Caicos - $15

So Famous Set - $25

Mini Multiple - Orgasm

Blush - Deep Throat

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Bettina

elle xx

Haul :: Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse

Once every season, a Lisa's Cosmetics opens up and allows the public to browse and purchase items. Lisa's Cosmetics typically carries large selection of perfume and colognes and ranges from low end brands such has Adidas to designer brands such as Gucci, Burberry, etc. Fragrances are discounted and range from $10+. Aside from fragrance, Lisa's Cosmetics also carries shower soap, hair care products, nail polish + nail care, chocolate, hair dye, no-name bags, and designer sunglasses. For more information regarding Lisa's Cosmetics please follow the link to their site.

I visited the warehouse last weekend and bought quite a bit of items. Lines are typically quite long, however since I live in such close proximity I usually can just walk in the last 10-25 minutes.

This time I bought the following items (from top left and clockwise):
1. Vera Wang Limited Edition Flower Princess 100mL - $55
2. Escada Limited Edition Pacific Paradise 100mL - $55
3. Osis+ Flatliner Form - $7.99
4. Aveeno Positively Smooth
5. Dove Volume Therapy Shampoo + Conditioner
6. Schwarzkopf Essencity Restoring Shampoo - $7.99
7. Smashbox Limited Edition Masquerade Baked Fusion Lights
8. Smashbox Lip & Cheek Tint

I apologize I do not remember all the price since some of the items my mum helped pick out for me and the price tags are usually placed on the items (except for fragrances). I would guess the Aveeno would most likely cost $5 and the Dove would cost $4 each. Both Smashbox products I believe were around $8.

I haven't tried all these products yet, however I have tried both fragrances, the Aveeno cream, and the "cleaning" hair products.

Vera Wang Flower Princess - As the name suggests, this perfume is floral, but it isn't overly flowery - the scent is similar to Marc Jacobs Daisy in terms of the scent's strength. Although there are some floral notes, this fragrance is very 'fresh' smelling.

Escada Pacific Paradise - Very typical of Escada's limited edition fragrances. If you like their other perfumes, you will like this one. Very fruity smelling - easy to wear.

Aveeno Positively Smooth - I only used this once, but it just seems like any other Aveeno cream, nothing seems different although this cream does promises to thin hair so then you don't have to shave as often.

Shampoos - Typical. Nothing amazing. Both shampoos were more of a clear watery gel opposed to a cream. I didn't really care for how the Schwarzkopf Essensity Shampoo's scent. However, I purchased these hair products cause my hair was drying out and required some restoration.

Hope this was a quick run down of some of the products and that it helped slightly in terms of my first impressions of these products.

elle x