Oh, Sephora. I’m an online shopper and the VIB sales are painful when items go in and out of stock. And I chuckle at people who bought too much and are no longer to use their VIB code. Get smarter, Sephora. I mix high and low. This is what I got (or would’ve got if I wasn’t out):
Continue reading “to pamper / 2016 sephora vib sale”
Tag: shiseido
to pamper / {essentials} eyelash curler and conditioner
Many years ago, I quit the highly acclaimed Shu Uemura eyelash curler for the Shiseido eyelash curler. The Shu was simply not giving me the curl I needed and since they don’t sell replacement pads (because they say the metal warps over time), it was becoming costly at $20/curler with only one replacement pad. The Shiseido curler is $19 with one replacement pad. Replacement pads are $6/each. The Shiseido curler curled my lashes much better. I think I compared the two curlers side by side once and the curvature was slightly different. Shiseido also had a looser grip.
The Shiseido curler can be found at Sephora, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Net-A-Porter. I recommend purchasing online from Nordstrom since shipping is free and great return policy. The Shu Uemura curler has become more difficult to find since Shu Uemura is only available online in the US now.
There are a few eyelash curlers on the market. Everyone’s eye shape is different. You should find the right one for your eyes. Don’t settle!
Note: In Asia, Shiseido eyelash curlers are sold in drugstores as well as department stores. I’m not sure what the difference is. My experience is based solely on the American eyelash curler (which is gunmetal colored).
Now on to my shameful secret. I curl my eyelashes before I apply mascara and after I apply mascara. The latter is supposed to be a big no-no like brushing your hair while wet, but I can’t help it. I love the results. I lost a few lashes because of this and am diligently growing them back.

I’ve been using the Talika Lipocils on and off for many years. It works great as a lash conditioner. It is not dangerous like Latisse or other lash growing products with side effects. Lipocils is simply reinforcing the existing lashes so they break less easily. The applicator is a mascara wand with a sponge tip for the Expert and a mascara wand for the Eyelash. I used to use the latter but switched to the Expert when I found a great sale but it is more expensive. The sponge tip is helpful for more precise application (e.g. lashline or brows). I apply Lipocils to my eyelashes and lashline as a part of my bedtime routine. The tubes last pretty long. Whether you regularly use falsies or want stronger lashes, I highly recommend this product. My lashes looked much lusher and impactful to curl. You will see a difference.
Find Talika at Beauty.com, SkincareRX, Nordstrom, and Bliss Spa. New Yorkers, they sell this at the fancier Duane Reades. Once again, I recommend purchasing from Nordstrom, but if you have other items to purchase from Bliss Spa, they currently have an awesome gift with purchase through September 9.
to shop / 2013 nordstrom anniversary sale picks
Nordstrom‘s annual anniversary sale is now open to the public! I get much more excited by the skincare and beauty deals than clothes. Here are my faves (clockwise, l to r). Don’t forget about Nordstrom‘s amazing return policy and customer service.
- Nike Free TR Fit 3 training shoes – I recently got a pair and what a difference it makes when I’m training in the gym (versus wearing running shoes)! They are also super lightweight and easy to transport. I found mine to be TTS and not half a size smaller like many reviews recommend. It comes in various colors and is a whooping 33% off.
- Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta® Peel treatments – This is a great deal for these alpha beta peel pads.
- Somme Institute Transport Pads – I’ve waxed poetic about these pads before. I stock up once an year during this sale. I seriously love these pads.
- Longchamp Le Pliage expandable tote – This is another mainstay of the anniversary sale and exclusive to Nordstrom. It already sold out during pre-sale, but I’d check back if I were you.
- Diptyque Baies and Figuier Candle set – Their two bestsellers and wick trimmer.
- Shiseido ‘Future Solution LX’ Set – I would get this if I needed eye cream, but I’m far from done with my Fresh Ancienne!
- Clarisonic Plus – Dahlia (with body brush extension handle) – This set is a pretty good deal. It comes with the standard skincare, extra heads, and the new nifty body brush extension handle.
- Supergoop! SPF 30 Antioxidant Infused Sunscreen Mist Set – I love SPF and in the summer time I spray my decolletage, neck, arms, and legs before I step outside. You can read reviews at Sephora.
