Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Lately

My husband's love of golf must have had certain effect. I was surprised the other day when my friends ask me the hottest players at the Shell Houston Open this year. I can name good 20 dudes who are currently under the radar!!! For those of you who don't follow the sport, Shell Houston Open is an annual professional golf tournament. We earned some free tickets as my husband volunteered for the event. While the hubs was marshaling the spectators near the green, I spent much of last Saturday beside him sunbathing and cheering his favorite golfers. Well, I do like Louis Oostheizen for his effortless powerful swing and calm manner. I also like Keegan Bradley. He's such a cute kid. Still, watching a bunch of guys hitting tiny white balls never sounds appealing idea to me. So I piled on sunscreen, put on sunglases, and scrutinized the makeup and outfits of some particularly well-dressed audience. Got some really good ideas from them!

Back to my recent love. I've been really enjoying the Real Technique brushes. Affordable, decent quality and great result. 

As usual, Sephora Birthday Gift this year is a sweet little treat. The retailer has been upgrading the gift recently. I remember about 5 years ago, it was just Sephora lipgloss duo. I didn't even use them. This year, I received deluxe sample of They're real mascara and What's up highlighter which has the same amount of product as Edward Bess full size highlighter. Not bad right? Both have good quality, too

After much pondering and testing of Tom Ford fragrance, I settle down for Santal Blush and Black Violet (I think :D). However, I must admit that I prefer those little sample than the full size bottles. I can't really choose which to get from Tom Ford. With only few exceptions, I love all the scents I've sniffed.

Hope you're doing fabulous! Any plans for April? 

20 comments:

  1. I was pretty happy with the Sephora gift this year! Also, I really need to get my hands on a Real Techniques brush. I keep seeing great reviews.

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    1. I'm impressed with RT brushes. Didn't expect to like them :D Have you tried What's Up? It's awesome for me. Still behind my beloved Edward Bess highlighter, but close.

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  2. Whoa, AWESOME gift! I think I've ended up misplacing every single Sephora gift I've ever gotten LOL.

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    1. Hahaha their gifts are tiny and cute. Easy to get lost in the makeup bag. But this year I love the size. Not bad at all.

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  3. I remember one year Sephora gave me a HUGE bottle of Philosophy bubble bath for my birthday treat and I thought it was so cool!!! Yep...have yet to be as happy with one since! LOL! Oh, well...I'm very glad you like your gift :-) Don't great brushes make all the difference?!! Yay for your RT purchases!!!

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    1. I REMEMBER it too. It took me quite a while to finish the bottle. It had nice soothing scent! I'm browsing your blog for brush inspiration LOL!!

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    2. Seeee!!! I knew it!!! Think you are the only person I've run into who remembers the huge bottle of bubble bath...everyone else I've mentioned it to looks at me like I'm crazy. LOL!

      I know I keep saying this but I'm way behind on my posting so my collection & latest brush purchases aren't up yet. I'm sorry! I'll catch up...someday...hopefully??!!! :-)

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    3. hahaha Sephora was quite generous that year eh? No rush on the brush posts. I honestly don't know what's the best way to review brushes. It's so personal and really depends on the skills you possess too. Take your time enjoying them first x

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  4. Oh waw, that is a great gift :-O

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    1. Thanks sweetie!! I love What's Up but the mascara brush is a bit big for my eyes. x

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  5. ooh, I was planning to get myself a set of Real technique brush soon ^_~

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    1. Go for it Janet!! They're really good AND affordable.

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  6. Oh I'm so excited for the birthday gift this year, too! Not that I'm looking forward to turning another year older, but I can't wait for my gift lol.

    I've been meaning to try some of those brushes. Everyone seems to like them. And the price really isn't all that bad.

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    1. I like to think I get one year wiser each birthday.LOL! The gift from Sephora is a legit reason to look forward to it too. I was surprised at how much I like RT. They're affordable so it didn't hurt my wallet too much to try haha

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  7. Oh me too! I love Real Technique brushes ;) I think Samantha Chapman makes a really good range of brushes! I have never tried Tom Ford fragrances but if I'd make my first move, I might get Neroli Portofino.

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    1. Oooh, Neroli Portofino is a stunning scent for the summer I think. Love it for my casual effortless outfits. Let me know how like it if you decide to get it. x

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  8. Oh wow--I didn't realize the birthday sample of Watts Up is the same size as EB's full-size highlighter. That's an interesting comparison and good to know! I just picked up my birthday sample duo earlier tonight actually--very excited to finally try the highlighter out! :)

    BTW, when was your bday, Joanne?? If I missed it, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :P

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    1. Thank you Becca sweetie! What's up is awesome. It lies between Edward Bess highlighter and Tom Ford illuminator. It's emollient like TF but has higher consistency like EB. Still doesn't bit my beloved EB but it comes close second. LOVE IT! My birthday was last week. This year I didn't buy anything for myself, just practicing some yoga and had a nice dinner with the hubs. x

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    2. Aw that actually sounds like a really nice, relaxing birthday, Joanne :) I think I will be spending my birthday the same way. I may go out that night with some friends but during the day, I plan to just hang out with my dog, eat a nice meal, and maybe lounge by the pool a little bit :P

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    3. Happy early birthday to you Becca!! I think I've grown a little bit for my birthday splurge. Peaceful moments mean a lot more to me now than a big bag of makeup goodies. Well, maybe not a big bag, a small bag hehehe Ooh the pool sounds really nice. I wish I had one near by.

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