Sephora + The Face Shop + My Beauty Diary Mini Haul

     Shopping is the ultimate cardio. I made a mistake yesterday wearing heels though.😩 My feet were dead and my legs are still sore today, but at least I picked up a few items from Sephora that were on my wishlist.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in No. 02 Luminous Ivory

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I've been wanting this foreverrrrr but the price tag has always held me back. I finally decided to take the plunge and splurge on this. I love using it to highlight but because I have dry skin, I find that it flakes on the C section of my cheekbones so I've stuck to just using it above and below my brow bone and it works perfectly fine there, no flakes at all :)

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light

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I have the ambient lighting blush and tbh I find their "photo-luminescent technology" total BS. However, with this powder I like how it subtly blurs my imperfections. I like to use this as a finishing powder after foundation or to set my concealer. 

     After my trip to Sephora, I made my first purchase from The Face Shop!! They have this Chinese New Year promotion where if you spend $15+, you get a scratch card that can be redeemed for the prize it lists. I got a rice sheet mask (worth $2).

Chia Seed Moisture-Holding Seed Essence

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I've heard rave reviews about the Chia Seed Lotion but the store was low in stock on everything, so of course it was sold out :( I decided to get this essence/serum instead. 

EDIT: I've been using one pump every morning and night for the past 2 months and the bottle still looks almost full so I can imagine this lasting a super long time! Another plus is that it hasn't made me break out. I'm not really sure if it's made a big difference with my face but it definitely makes my skin feel hydrated. 

Stylist Natural Treatment Wax

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I bought this for my brother but apparently it's for women LOOL. Ah well, we can both use it then. 

EDIT: I haven't used this yet but my brother has and it's not made for spiking up hair at all. (oops)

Real Nature Rice Sheet Mask

I've used this and it's a fairly nice mask, didn't make me break out or anything. However, I like My Beauty Diary masks more.

     Today, I went to T&T to load up on more sheet masks even though I have more than enough (but it was on sale!!) I only get the ones on sale so that they amount to about $1/mask hehe it must be the Asian in me that purposely seeks out good deals.

My Beauty Diary Rice Mask

My Beauty Diary Arbutin Whitening Mask

And that concludes my mini haul! If you want me to do a review or know more about any of these products, let me know in the comments below!

XO, Melissa♡

10 Ways to De-Stress

Ah, Grade 12. The year of celebrating, but also the year of university applications. Blegh. Most people say that grade 11 is the hardest year and that you get to relax in grade 12. True, but also not true at the same time. Compared to last year, I am taking easier courses. However, the academic courses that I am taking this year significantly impact my university applications. Term one is already over and I've gotten into 2/5 of my university choices so far so I'm getting pretty lazy hehe but before midterms, oh man was I stressed and usually I'm a pretty chill person. Anyways, here are some ways that I've dealt with stress!

1. Relaaaaax
This may sound easier than it actually is, but just take some time for yourself! Take your mind off whatever's stressing you and do yoga, meditate, or take a power nap. Lying down and thinking about absolutely nothing is definitely calming. Listen to some ocean waves or other meditation music on youtube. Don't forget to do some deep breathing! Additionally, certain scents, such as lavender (proven to help you fall asleep) are used in aromatherapy and spas. Take a whiff and you'll know why!

2. Do a craft
Occupying your hands with repetitive motions, like knitting, can soothe anxiety. Personally, I like origami. One time I spent 3 hours folding stars and didn't even realize the time passing by.

3. Exercise
K I know I'm a lazy butt at times but there are sooooo many benefits of exercising! It boosts your memorization skills and produces endorphins that make you happy. Running and boxing a punching bag are really good ways to vent out your frustrations. You'd be surprised how fast you can run and how powerful of a punch you can pack when you're in the mood. Even going for a late night stroll can calm your thoughts.

4. Look at a pretty picture
Research shows that looking at a serene vacation photo or a loved one instantly relaxes you. Make it your desktop wallpaper for constant alleviation.

5. Pet your pet
Studies also show that petting a furry animal can relieve pain and make you happier so go ahead and cuddle with your pet!

6. Take a shower
I don't know what it is, but just the feeling of water running down your body brings out deep thoughts. It's definitely cheaper and more convenient than travelling across the world to stand under a waterfall hahah

7. Have fun
Meet up with your bff or even do something as simple as spinning on a swivel chair. Get dizzy, stand up, and laugh as you make yourself look drunk.

8. Watch White Chicks
Continuing on with the laughing, watching your favourite comedies can make you forget all about your problems :)

9. Listen to music
I do it everyday and I don't think I'd survive without it. Classical music is especially helpful when studying and slows your heart rate down. For those who find it boring, listen to what my friend has recently gotten into, classical dubstep!

10. Turn off this screen
Like actually. Once you finish reading this, turn off your device and give your eyes at least a 20 second break. Trust me, they'll thank you.

There are sooo many other ways to de-stress in addition to all of these steps! What are some of your favourite methods? Let me know in the comments below!
XO, Melissa♡