the raeviewer - a premier blog for skin care and cosmetics from an esthetician's point of view: duty free shopping

7.31.2015

EPIC HAUL | Beauty & Fashion ♥ NSale, Tokyo + Chanel Vibrato Swatches

Since I couldn't include all the Tokyo beauty goodies in my new haul video, I decided to share some here! Lots of you requested swatches of the gorgeous cobalt blue Chanel Vibrato nail polish. Yes, it is similar to Dior's Sailor, but the Chanel formula is better. Some cobalt blues can be tricky to apply but Vibrato is silky smooth and creamy without feeling heavy or clumpy. Perfect in 2 quick coats. I highly, highly recommend it! I swatched it next to ADDICTION's Blue Moon, which is more navy in real life and has a slightly translucent jelly finish (as seen below) that is prone to bubbling. I love Blue Moon nonetheless, but Vibrato is brighter and barely requires any clean up around the cuticles because it's that easy to apply. If you live in the USA, don't fret because it is rumored to be released in the United States in September!

ADDICTION on LEFT (ring finger). Please forgive my super dry cuticles! I need to go get a manicure.

A couple of you asked how much less Commes de Garçons PLAY clothing is in Tokyo. I will update this post when I find the receipts. I stashed them away for safekeeping but forgot where. I believe I saved approximately 20% when factoring in Los Angeles tax. It's not a bargain by any means, but it is significantly cheaper considering that CdG Play never goes on sale! The quality is worth the splurge. I do know for sure that the clothes at Uniqlo were half the price of everything they charge in the USA. I bought tees for $5 apiece and awesome comfy pants for about $25 each! Even budget buys like Uniqlo in Japan are so much better in terms of quality — and fit for shorties like me — than your run-of-the-mill Forever21 items (which are absurdly overpriced these days). In general, clothing that is worth the money is hard to come by now! I was lucky enough to go right as the sales were starting, so I also found a few skirts at a steep discount.

I also visited lots of toy and anime shops looking for Naruto plushies, but the convention had just passed so everything was sold out! I purchased mini figurines instead, so once I find a place to display them, I will share a picture. I got lots of random goodies like handmade house slippers and some more Totoro merchandise as well as a slew of drugstore products like salon pas for my backaches! I also stocked up on Dollywink lashes and hair goodies from Honeycé as shown in the video, and as usual, lots of mascaras and eyeliners. I will share my favorites here on the blog soon!!

Products Reviewed:

Moroccanoil Moisture Kit

E+J Pink Skirt

DailyLook Elite Box

Dior Gold Sunglasses

**affordable version HERE

Charlotte Tilbury x Norman Parkinson Collection

Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil

Shu Uemura Brow Palette

Shu Uemura Brow:Swords

Lancome Miracle Cushion

Chanel Fall 2015 Nail Polish

Chanel Waterproof Eyeliner

Chanel Lip Gloss

SUQQU Brow Pencil

SUQQU Brow Pen

Chikuhodo Brushes

Commes de Garçons PLAY Hoodie

Commes de Garçons PLAY Sweater

Nail Polish Worn:

Chanel 767

Tee:

Current Elliot

Hair:

T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i

Makeup Worn:

Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Colourbalm in Amaretto Swirl

RMK Eyeshadow in Gold Glitter

Armani WP Eyeliner Pencil

Cle de Peau Eyebrow

Cle de Peau Concealer

Burberry Foundation

La Mer Loose Powder

MUFE Pro Bronze in 20

Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me

**use code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

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11.19.2014

HAUL: Skin Care, Sephora VIB Sale, Beijing + Duty Free Shopping

Another month, another haul.. tons of skin care, makeup, and lashes! I included updates on my hair color by Guy Tang as well as my new obsession with leather jackets. Also, I'll include clips from my trip to Beijing in my Favorites video next week for those curious about what I experienced there! Hint: scorpions.

P.S. Today (Nov 19) is the last day of Shu Uemura's best promotion of the year, the VIP Event! Score 25% OFF with code SHUXRAE ♡ My Top 10 Recommendations can be found HERE!

Products Featured:

BB Dakota Taupe Leather Jacket (XS)

SK-II Stempower Eye Cream

Kate Somerville D-Scar Serum

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

Kate Somerville Dermal Quench Liquid Lift

La Mer Cleansing Oil (Call my SA at 949.220.3366 for samples)

Koh Gen Do Makeup Removal Cloths

Christian Louboutin Nail Color in Alta Perla

Christian Louboutin Nail Color in Bianca

Christian Louboutin Nail Care Kit

NARS Luminous Powder Foundation in Deauville