One of the most anticipated yearly event has got to be the one and only Estée Lauder Staff Sale, which I like to call it as the mother of warehouse sale. It is beyond just the massive discount offerings at the sale. To me it is the girly get-together day for me and my friends. It was fun!

I didn’t thought of writing about this year’s sale due to various reasons but since I skipped last year, I thought I might as well note down what went down this year for reference purposes. This may also serve as a ‘guide’ for you if it’s your first time on what to expect and prepare for the sale as I do receive loads of emails, PMs on Facebook on what to expect at the sale. It’s tiring to repeat again and again as I’ve written about it at this link as well.

Without further ado, here’s Estée Lauder Staff Sale for 2015!

Every year I managed to secure a few tickets. I do not ask for a lot, usually just 4 tickets to prevent wastage. I know there are tons of you wondering how to get the ticket and some of you have been bothering or rather stressing and harassing me over emails and PMs on Facebook in giving you tickets. Yes. Not asking IF I have extra BUT demanding for it. First of all, I DO NOT WORK for Estée Lauder Malaysia Sdn Bhd. I too have to ask for tickets myself and I suggest you try it too. How? If you are a regular customers of any brands under the company, I believe you will have one BA (beauty advisor) that is particularly close with you. Ask from him/her! If he/she have extra, he/she will give you. However, no promise. It’s totally up to him/her if they want to give you. I remember my first year tickets was from a BA working in MAC. Anything is impossible if you try to ask. So please stop harassing me

Last year I extended my ticket to ShopGirl who went over at 12am to queue and to queue for me as well. I live quite outskirt from the city so she kindly let me go slightly late. My usual time is always around 5-5.30am. This year, I was blessed with VIP tickets. Thank you to the wonderful person who make the impossible possible for me. You know who you are . Once again ShopGirl went early and queue for me. Thank you babe! I planned to go earlier this year, say around 4.30am but I only fell asleep at 3am and my alarm went off at 3.30am. Then I went to pick up Traclyn and we arrived around 5.40am. Thank goodness Traclyn Whatsapp me just before I was leaving my house lol . I was so happy that Traclyn was able to make it this year. I haven’t seen her for quite some time so it was good to go shopping together. Well, actually we had lunch last Friday 

Last year and this year the sale was held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel. I understand that there was some issues with the guards not letting the early birds in to queue, which was the same case as last year. Last year also the guard didn’t even let my friend have a bite of a piece of bread. While the staff bagged our bags, I checked with him where are the exact location of all the brands. My main concern would be Estée Lauder. I needed to run to get ANR! Anyway, here’s my haul from Estée Lauder Staff Sale 2015.

My main priority this year was Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair II and Micro Essence. As soon as we entered, the first thing we did was to make a beeline to the Estée Lauder section. Everything was properly boxed as usual so identifying ANR was tough. Luckily there wasn’t a lot people so we can still take some sweet time. ShopGirl spotted ANR and we both contemplating either to get the 50ml or the 30ml. In the end I settled with 50ml. I had totally forgotten about Micro Essence. ShopGirl pointed to me where Micro Essence was and I grabbed a bottle. Both ANR and Micro Essence was at a limited quantity.

I walked around for a bit. Went to Bobbi Brown, saw lots of makeup but nothing interest me except for Shimmer Brick. I was directed to the singles but I was looking for the set. It was at the other round of the table and I made a beeline there. Grabbed the set but kept thinking it seems similar to the one sold last year and the manufacturing date sticker was torn off. I kept the set in my bag and walk around. I went to MAC next, saw loads of eyeshadows, pencil liners, lip glosses, nail polishes and lipstick. There are around 10 sets of lipsticks (3 in a bag) and I grabbed the last set that comes with Toledo lipstick. There wasn’t any price tag on it and I ask the staff for the price. She took the set and the lipstick fell off from the plastic and then they refuse to sell me the set. I wasn’t willing to stand there waiting for them to sort it out so I left. Then I came across something familiar. MAC Toledo Blush Ombre! It was the blush that I wanted to get when the Toledo collection was out. Boy am I happy to see it at the sale. As it was still early with no crowd, the BA demonstrate on the back of my hand how to use it and the shade payoff. Kindergarten Red (left) offers better, beautiful peach shade but I had my eyes on the Azalea Blossom (right) from the beginning. I mean how often do you see a pink + purple blush pan? Hardly. It doesn’t goes on the skin purple just in case you’re wondering. It’s a pink blush by all mean. So I took Azalea Blossom.

Estée Lauder cosmetics occupied a large section this time round with lots of product selection. I browsed around and saw a familiar item. That particular section was surrounded with people because everyone was curious. It was the highly raved blush/highlighter Estée Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée Blush! There was only one shade – 04 Crystal Baby. Good enough for me and it’s cheap. I nearly bought this off from an online seller for RM100.

ShopGirl excitedly call out to me while I was browsing at Clinique section with Jessying. She said Cheek Pop is available. What else? I quickly followed ShopGirl. I was kinda surprised that they have Cheek Pop there. There was 3 shades available – Ginger Pop, Peach Pop and Berry Pop. I wanted to buy all 3 but Jessying wanted the last Ginger Pop. It’s fine because I was blush-overloaded. I took both Peach Pop and Berry Pop as it was only RM50 each. Peach Pop was the shade that I wanted to get two weeks ago. This two blush was purely impulse purchase.

Not long after I entered into the hall, I saw an auntie holding a cute perfume miniature set. I went over to Estée Lauder to take a look but wasn’t too impressed with the RM80 price tag. I bumped into ShopGirl half way after that and she commented how cute the miniatures are. I was more impressed that it came with a mirror plate stand for the miniatures and the fact that I wanted to get a baby for my Modern Muse at home. So I grabbed a set and that’s why you are seeing this now lol.

The Origins Grapefruit Duo is a last minute grab. The set contains 100ml each of Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Souffle and Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Wash and Bubble Wash. I thought RM40 was a good price and it makes a great gift pack. It might not end up as gift but in my bathroom

I can’t help but to think the huge MAC Toledo Blush Ombre is only RM70 and Clinique Cheek Pop is RM50. MAC Toledo is more worth it. So just when I saw more and more people are coming in through the door, I make a quick dash to MAC again and grabbed Kindergarten Red. It’s too pretty to not grab the other shade. That’s how I ended up with two MAC Toledo Blush Ombre

Overall, this year’s offerings are interesting and good in my opinion. The promotion varies every year. I thought last year was great but this year is even better. The prices are not as low as I expected especially Bobbi Brown. That is why I didn’t grab anything from Bobbi Brown. MAC too are slightly high priced. I didn’t take a look at other perfumes so no comment on that. Estée Lauder prices and promotions are the best of all for me. Their skincare are reasonably discounted and priced. Clinique skincare sets are not bad either.

GST 6% are all inclusive. I’ve been wondering about this for weeks. That might explain why the price are a bit higher than before. Oh and this year, the organizer arranged for a special parking validation for a fixed parking fee of RM11. I didn’t know this until we went back up to the sale floor as I parked my car at the other part of the building. Saw the counter and quickly gave my parking ticket for validation . I thought this is such a good gesture from the organizer.

That’s all for Estée Lauder Staff Sale 2015. See you next year!

The post Estée Lauder Staff Sale 2015 Report and Haul appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

What to do with RM20 Metrojaya cash voucher on hand on a post-Valentine’s Day? You bet I bought a lil gift for myself

Origins has been teasing their fans in Facebook with a special Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm Set for RM88, just a few days before Valentine’s Day. I find it a bit sad that Origins only came up with one special set for the ladies and one for the men.

I had my eyes on Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm Set because they are a miniature lip balm with a few color choices. This means I won’t get bored before finishing a tube and I get to try a few different shade for probably the price of two full size Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm? Plus this set is too cute to resist and I happen to finish all my lip balm at home. Score!

I am more interested with Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm Set due to it’s pink tone lip balm. If it were to be red to coral shade I won’t probably buy it at all. When it comes to pink tone, I never say no

Of all counter brand lip balm, Origins one intrigued me very much. I’ve never tried these. I’ve heard of all the good reviews but never really splurge on expensive lip balm.

At a glance it’s one confusing product. I mean look at these. Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm Set is packaged in a lip gloss-like tube but in fact it’s a lip balm. A liquid lip balm. Are these suppose to be a lip balm that works like a lip gloss?? The texture from the tube sure does resemble lip gloss. I have my doubts on this one to be honest. I’m never a fan of lip gloss and I’m afraid this lip balm will be the same as lip gloss – sticky. After reading reviews and reviews online, I’ve decided to get it. I suppose there’s no more turning back now that I have it with me eh?

Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm Set comes with 4-miniature tube with four different shade. Each tube comes with a slanted plastic nozzle tip, which I would prefer over sponge tip. It’s easy to clean after each use too. Yeah, I’m very particular with cleaning my makeup product after each use

From left to right: 05 Cherry Pop, 08 Plum Punch, 03 Pink Guava, 01 Nude Nectarine. As you can see, Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm Set texture sure do looks like lip gloss to me. I panicked a bit when I first use one of the tube. I don’t like what I see. I don’t like the thick texture but I was hopeful that it will turn watery upon spreading onto the lips.

It took me quite a few use to get used to the whole liquid lip balm concept. Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm goes on thick and rather a bit sticky, just like a typical lip gloss. However, my perception on these changed a bit thereafter. It does live up to it’s claim of providing hydrating to the lips. My lips stay pout and moist the whole time I had these Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm on. What I really like about this lip balm is that it doesn’t dries up my lips, doesn’t peel the top layer skin of my lips, doesn’t give me the white line on the inner lips area and it’s long lasting as well. It’s sticky but more like watery type of stickiness. I can live with that.

Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm has a hint of mint scent to it. Not overpowering like Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. It also has a bit of minty and cooling sensation that feels quite comfortable on the lips. As for the color payoff, I encounter the same problem I had with Mentholatum Limited Edition Water Lip Tinted Lipbalm. The lighter shade doesn’t show up well on my dark tone lips. Only the one with stronger color does. Here’s the lip swatch for all four Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm shade. The one which I’ve been wearing the most is 08 Plum Punch. Plum Punch give my lips a hint of shade. Whenever I need a nude lip balm I will go for 03 Pink Guava, which is also another of my favourite.

It’s good to know that Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm is formulated without all the harmful ingredients listed on the box.

I’m trying to figure out what exactly is this Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm suppose to be because it’s like a hybrid version of lip balm + lip gloss. No doubt it’s a lip balm as stated but designed to work like a lip gloss. Although I’m not a fan of lip glosses, however I do like this one. I’m quite happy to be able to snag the last box as it’s already sold out everywhere by the time I got to the counter.

Anyone bought a box too? Do share if you like this lip balm!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

The post Valentine’s Day Gift to Myself: Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating Lip Balm Set appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Estée Lauder Companies together with Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Mid Valley Megamall and sponsored by HSBC bank participated in Earth Month by holding a campaign called Beautiful Earth campaign at Mid Valley Megamall East Entrance Atrium, Ground Floor. The campaign had started since 7 days ago and finally yesterday I had the time to pack all my empty plastic skin care containers for one of the programme – Beautiful Earth, Beautiful You.

East Entrance Atrium is beautifully setup with cardboard cut-out of birds, animals, flowers, trees and many more. I don’t feel like going home at all because it’s just too breathtaking. Whoever who came out with the idea and design are brilliant!

This was where I was heading. The recycling booth by Origins. If you have any empty jar, tube, container or bottles please do bring them over to this booth for recycle and be rewarded for the effort too. And yes, makeup is also accepted as long as it’s plastic.

Once I was there, I took out all my empty container one by one as Origins staff count them and place them on the table. As they are choosing my samples, I was told to fill in a form.

This was my empty containers. The staff are kind enough to line them up nicely on the table so that I can take picture. Awww thank you girls. They even line up my samples at the front! Lol!

I brought extra 2 just in case and only remember about the extra when I was there. The staff was too excited seeing my containers so they ask me to search my bag for any empty. They’re so cute and friendly.

We created a commotion at the booth so there was quite a number of passerby that are wondering what was happening and stopped by to see all the containers on the table. The staffs even take the opportunity to snap a pic or two because they told me I’m the only one who brought this much to the booth for recycle.

I kept all my empties because I heard there’s a recycling program from Clarins. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen last year so this campaign came just at the right time because I was about to clear my recycling bin this weekend.

Although the samples are placed in front of my eyes…I didn’t choose myself. Instead I told them to choose anything they want for my skin. I didn’t want to put stress on them. Plus I was happily going around the booth taking picture.

This campaign will be from 21st to 31st March 2013 at Mid Valley Megamall East Entrance Atrium, Ground Floor. There will be lots of activities going on at the event area so if you don’t have anything to recycle you can still drop by to join the fun and find out how and what can you do to help with Mother Earth.

The post Estée Lauder Companies “Beautiful Earth” Campaign for Earth Month 2013 appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Finally a workshop from Origins Malaysia. Good for me those that wanted to know more about the brand and products. Anyone planning to attend??

Discover how Origins most powerful anti-aging skincare can help to keep your skin radiant and youthful, naturally at The Great Age Erase Mini Facial Event on 25 Aug at Origins The Gardens. 

Call 03.2287.4662 for more information and to book your seats now. Vouchers are available at RM30, includes door gift worth RM80 and exclusive gifts with purchase. Limited space, so book early to avoid disappointment.

The post Origins “The Great Age Erase” Workshop appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona