Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur

Out of all the oil cleansers I've used including Lancome, Shu Uemura, Bobby Brown - I loved Lancome the most. It had the thickest oil and I enjoyed giving myself a massage every evening. As the oil moist my skin thoroughly, the dead skin would peel away along with the makeup residues of the day. A lot of my girlfriends vote for Shu Uemura and would purchase 2-3 bottles every time we go through duty frees, but I did not find it thick enough.

For some incomprehensible reason, Lancome's Oil Cleanser (Huile Douceur) has been out of production and I could not purchase it for some time everywhere! Seriously devastating...! I've heard amazing things about Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil but I decided to stay loyal to Lancome and try their fresh water cleanser.

Paula's Choice had warned me about the water cleanser and the exact words were: "why bother?"

A fancy French name with scientific claims and a spa personality cannot change the fact that this toner is a great big “why bother?” of a product. For your money, you’re getting mostly water, slip agents, fragrance, and preservatives. Any alcohol- and menthol-free toner from the drugstore would beat this product by a long shot, and save you a good deal of money to boot.

(www.paulaschoice.com)

Read more after the jump!! :-)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Ballerina Flat

Ever since I saw this picture from instagram, I couldn't stop thinking about this beauty. The only clue I had was that it's from Marc Jacobs and I started searching for it with that one clue. I could find it easily because it turns out it's their new Resort '15 collection and is called the Jerrie Rose Specchio Ballerina Flat.

The mary jane style and the feminine floral print stole my heart instantly and I could find myself reaching out to the checkout lol.

Skinny Nail / 100% Nail Strips Review

I declare to the world I no longer will be visiting nail salons!!! I have seriously fallen in love with Skinny Nail Strips.

Nail strips can be easily found at any drugstore/shopping centres now including Sally Hansen. I had purchased Incoco previously via their online website and I liked the quality and durability. The only trouble I had with Incoco was very strong nail polish smell that we're all familiar with from wearing nail polish. I also remember being extremely disappointed with Sally Hansen's nail strips as it was not water resistant as they claimed. It was not durable at ALL quite frankly. In very harsh terms, they were pretty band-aids and felt very bothersome on my fingertips - they did not last on my nails more than couple days. However - Skinny Nail Strips are a huge hit in South Korea now, and knowing what a picky consumer market it can be, I decided to give it a try.

Currently sold exclusively online at www.nailistic.com, I was thrilled to find FREE SHIPPING SIGN! Nailistic offers more than 20 patterns to satisfy everyone's different taste. I chose Modern Boy (CA$12.99 after 15% Opening Sale!) but I'm already eyeing on few other patterns. 

Christmas in Manhattan

Holiday Vacation in New York, New York! 

Coach's New Floral Print Collection

On my last visit to Metrotown, boldly accepted the challenge to finally finish my Christmas shopping for once and for all, I came across the new prints at Coach!

I am in no way commenting on originality of the design but I am inferring certain brand names to explain the texture and other features (that I love of this new line!). The embossed leather is like that of Prada and the perfect square size resembles Tod's crossbody bag: combination of fashion and function! Most importantly the floral print which seized my attention right away along the glass show window, reminds me of Max Ernst's Shell Flower hung at Pompidou (...pretentious enough?)

Shell Flower by Max Ernst

YSL Tint-in-Oil on Lip (No. 4 & No. 5)

Hi! I am back with photos of how YSL's Tint-in-Oil product when applied on lips as promised.

Hope this post helps you see the the actual colours of after application. 

The shape of the applicator is designed with science so just the right amount of oil remains.  The hole in the middle of the tip holds the oil and the outer part helps spread the product on the lips.

This is the colour of no. 4 I Rose You under vanity light. I used a bit of foundation on my lips to cover my natural lip colour prior to applying the product. 

Festival of Lights - VanDusen Botanical Garden (Video)

Gorgeous sparkles and twinkles decorating the winter garden! This really is a magical walk in the park when you make a visit to VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver every Holiday season. To be honest, I was not expecting MUCH and did not even bring my camera. On top of that, my phone decided to die after a few minutes entering the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden.

Ryan thinks it is a blessing when I don't have a camera/phone on me though - so that we can truly enjoy the scenery and carry on the appreciative thoughts. Anywho, I only have few photos to share but please consider them a preview! The virtual experience is nowhere comparable to the actual visit with hot cocoa in your hands and the cold wind tickling your cheeks! :-P

Osaka Day 3: Tempozan Ferris Wheel

We also got on the giant ferris wheel called Tempozan which was almost the highlight of the trip. It literally is the largest in size in Asia and second to London Eye in the world. You can have the panoramic view of the sea as it's right by the strait shore, the mountains, and the whole city. They only offer 2 transparent passenger cars so we took the time to claim it! It was set up very cleverly with transparent stickers to help you understand and give guidance to different buildings and part of the city. 

Open Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM (Ticket sales until 9:30 PM) 

Transportation: 5 minute walk from Osakako Station (Chuo Subway Line) 

Admission Fee: JPY700 

Address: 〒552-0022 1-1-10 Kaigandori Minato-ku, Osaka City

Osaka Day 2: Osaka-Jo, Kita, & Amerika-Mura

The second day of my Osaka trip stretched for the full day from morning to finish. Osaka Castle or Osaka-Jo is one of very historic sites that you can find in Osaka. We happened to go on a day where kindergartners (so i presume) had their field trip. It was very grand and very well maintained considering it goes back to year 1597. Then we walked around Minami's Amerika-Mura area for bit of shopping and visit to a cafe. My friend SJ insisted we wait for sunset to go up the Floating Garden of Umeda City and then onto Hep Five Ferris Wheel to finish!

More details of the trip after the jump! :-)

Osaka Day 1: Dotombori

I wanted to share some photos from my last trip to Osaka. Being a third largest / second most important city of the country, there are beautiful historical sites as well as more modern and vibrant new quarters.

This trip happened rather spontaneously while I was travelling in South Korea. The weekend getaway was perfect with great food and lots of shopping around Dotombori on the first day. Osaka-Jo, bit of Kita for Umeda Sky Garden, and other Minami areas including Amerika-mura the second day. and Tempozan Ferris wheel the third day.

Due to the abundance of photos, I divided my posts to 3 parts based on my itinerary above. Enjoy! :-)

YSL Tint-in-Oil

I am finally compelled to admit that I am a big follower of YSL cosmetics. Despite the high price tags to other comparables, I do believe that their products are that much higher quality, and of course I cannot exclude the fact that they have the prettiest packaging. What's there not to love? Enough with my silly excuses - let's get to the point. My new orders from Sephora for new Tint-in-Oil has arrived! Not just one though - TWO of them! (...should not have browsed Sephora)...

I bought 2 different shades: #4 I Rose You for myself and #5 Cherry My Cherie for my Mom.

Miracle Belgian Waffle

It seems like the old fashioned waffle is back on its game or has it never been out of the game? Lately I have been noticing many waffle cafes opening in Vancouver and Ryan and I tried out one of the newest near Coquitlam Centre.

Miracle Belgian Waffle is a small cafe which opened in October. They open from 10am till 11pm so I think it is a great place to have a coffee break or a late night snack with friends. 

Brioche Gastown Review

I am back with the delicious posting today! Working retail hours, I get a random weekday off every now and then - which means I get to be the odd touristy patron at a restaurant full of business attires. Many Vancouverites may disagree - or we all may be pretending, just to carry on a conversation - but I actually love a rainy weather in Vancouver. Especially around this time of the year, I feel romance in the air and the streetlights on the other side of my windshield.  

Brioche is a small Italian cafe located in Gastown, on the north side of Downtown. My friend David - aka unofficial foodie - recommended Brioche for their Seafood Hot Pot (Cioppino Pescatore). 

As a non-driver for the day, I could not pass on their red wine Sangria! Full of fresh fruit <3 

Amsterdam Photo Journal

Hallo everyone! Let me take you on a trip to Amsterdam... :-) 

Many more photos after the jump!! Enjoy!! 

Richie post

After having dinner with my husband, I came back home and unlike usual days, Richie was acting slightly funny. Instead of being overly excited to see us back home, he sat in a corner in the living room and didn't come to us.

So we went to the kitchen and this is what we have found.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Candid Review)

There are those days where I am simply too lazy to wear foundations. There is an undeniable truth though, that I can't possibly have everying: comfort vs. concealing my dark circles and dark spots. During Sephora VIB sale, I thought I should invest money on buying a good concealer that would enable me to catch both bunnies with one shot. My solution?

As an avid beauty blog reader, I have heard so many good things about Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (C$35).  I was a bit hesitant to choose a shade without trying it out but since many Asians who seemed to have my skin tone chose honey - enough with your Photoshopping please - I just went with it. 

Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

Once, my friend Saul gifted me with Winnie-the-Pooh when I was leaving the country and wrote in the book quoting A. A. Milne: 

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you." 

Winnie-the-Pooh has great insights and philosophies to share and here is one of my favorite down below!  This is very much reflective of me where I pretend I don't hear my laundry/drier bell when it's all done.  Surely everyone should have moments they want to escape and avoid.  Unfortunately pretending it's not there doesn't actually make it go away.... Wishing everyone a better day!! :-)

Vancouver Lights Festival - Trinity Street

The great ode to joy of Trinity St Lights Festival started in 1999. There had been 2 residents that suffered unfortunate events in the neighbourhood, and the residents wanted to take ownership of the safe street. Hence the friendly neighbourhood light competition was started to celebrate the holiday joy, and now for good cause too! Visitors of the neighbourhood can participate in voting for best decorated house for the blocks. 

The blocks participating are from 2400 to 2900 of Trinity Street (Exit 25 on Mcgill near Renfrew). It was kind of an adventure for us to venture out on a weekday night. I realize how interesting we sound - but it was hard to find an evening that had a clear non-rainy sky. It was great and refreshing to take a walk after dinner with lattes in our hands. 

Vivian's version of Christmas tree

I bought this 7.5 feet pre-lit Christmas tree at a clearance store last year for $25 dollars. It was our first ever Christmas tree and I was so excited to try it out this year.

When it was time to light up the tree, I was so excited about the fact that my year long wait is over now. However...

Da da da dan... Da da da dan... 

(Symphony No. 5, Beethoven)

The tree wouldn't light up, perhaps there is an issue with the cords.

Natalie told me it looks like a tree from The Grinch. 

Ouch! 

Robert & Louise, Marais Nord, Paris

One of the greatest part of travelling is trying out different restaurants that's more than your weeknight takeouts or all the pretentious restaurants I (unfortunately) enjoy. Introduced by my Parisian friend, I had lunch in Marais last time I was in Paris for - and it was just parfait. 

Robert & Louise can be found on the main road of Marais and is a well known place for perfectly grilled entrecote. After googling to get their address, I now realize there are numerous praises and candid reviews on Tripadvisor as well. It was the flawless encounter for my experience while resting my tired shopping feet. (Wow, I sounds so spoiled!) 

Quick and Easy Breakfast Smoothie for Busy Mornings

Hello, my name is Alexa. I am the newest contributor to Natalie's Kira-Kira blog. Few days ago, I was contacted by Vivian and Natalie asking me to join them as one of the authors for this wonderful blog. When I got the offer, I accepted it without hesitation because I, myself, was considering creating a blog to document my life and share with others. The timing could not be more perfect. So, here is my first post which is about how to make breakfast smoothie to get you going in busy mornings.

I personally believe breakfast is the most important meal of a day. I try to eat breakfast every morning to my best ability. However, there are days when you just do not feel like making an effort to get up few minutes early to make a proper breakfast. I recently got into having smoothies as breakfast in morning. They are quick and surprisingly filling. Here is an easy breakfast smoothie recipe that will get your morning started!