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Sunday, May 31, 2009

And yet another Etsy (& stationery) haul post!

Am I boring you already with my makeup unrelated Etsy posts? I will still write about them =P

The rest of the week brought me even more cute stuff from Etsy and some stationery (and a super cute case for my iPhone!).

I actually was wandering around in the shops here and can you believe it? They didn't have ONE SINGLE piece of cute stationery.
No memo pads, no pens, nothing! The only stuff you get is from that ugly Diddle Mouse (some German crap), Barbie (ugh!) and Lillifee (some fairy character). You might find a few Hello Kitty pens but I want more exotic stuff hehe. And that's it!
When you go to a stationery shop you'll only find grown-up pens etc. which is totally frustrating for anyone who likes cute (and I mean super kawaii) stuff!

I swear when I was a kid you got all sorts of cute imported (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) stationery! Anyway, that's the use of eBay and Etsy (lots of cute stuff listed under supplies!)!
I am so happy we have internet shopping!

So let's see what we have here...

First I wanted to show you my new iPhone hard cover case. I had a vinyl sticker on my phone before but it started to detach so it looked really ugly. I wanted something less messy and cute so I got this case (seller is hk-market on eBay.. case was cheap. About US$10 incl. shipping?)


Cute, isn't it? And I downloaded a Sanrio Sugarbunnies wallpaper =)
I feel like I have a new phone now! And the iPhone is a bit thicker now so it has a differnt grip now (me likey!)

Now on to the Etsy haul:

-Anniesplace:


Yep, another baby blanket! I got this for US$7 as a sale item. It's the super XL size and yet another great little blanket for my toddler =) Love the bright green and cute frogs.
Here's a pic of my little lady, too! She's the only one of my 3 kids who takes after me (hair color and texture, eyes, nose) =P Even though she's more tan =P


-NadiasPlace:


I purchased the Sweet Shop Collection. Now can you say cute crochet desserts? I LOVE this collection! It's so sweet! All items are well-sized (about the dimensions of the real food, no itsy bitsy tiny things here!).
I have them on my table presented in a basket. So pretty! My kids constantly go and rearrange them (and play with them!).


This was really reasonably priced in my opinion (US$17 for all 5 things!). She has many more cute things in her shop!
If you're outside the USA convo her for international postage fees!

-Cheekyboo:


All I can say when I see this tote is awwwwwwwwww! So cute! It's not that small (fits magazines or small drugstore hauls etc.) very well! It's quite lighweight and can be folded to a very small size so I always carry this in my purse. Love it!
The tote is fully lined with a colorful polka dot fabric.

-Acornatticuk:


If you want high-quality but affordable cupcake-themed totes for yourself or your child this is the perfect shop. The things are cute
but in a vintage and elegant way. I got a large tote for me (so well made and rather heavy! Perfect size for magazines or other bits you want to carry around.. Lined with cream cotton and even has a small pocket inside!) and a small tote for my daughter (love the cream denim material!).
The lavender-filled bird was a free gift!

-hola:


Here you can get super cute hand-carved stamps! I chose the cupcake one which is fairly large. A small piece broke away during transit despite bubble wrapping and bubble mailer but I don't care as this is handmade so little imperfections are not a problem in my opinion.
I am having an eye on her cute mushroom stamp which I might purchase later on.

-justaperfectday:


Here I got a bunch of cute and cheap stationery from China. Shipping was super fast and this was the first shop that had really sweet post it notes for my day planner. Also love the cute ballpoint pens and mini letter set!

I may also recomment checking out the following stores (I purchased from them already but haven't received yet or just browsed the store and am seduced to order):

-Chigu (as a dear reader pointed out she has the cutest zakka pouches!)
-Petitemaison (this shob is run by simbiosisbyjulia, one of my favorite sellers!)
-WolfBait (more cute Japanese fabric pouches, clutches and bags)
-Handmadebymalle (she has really cute items, I didn't order yet but will soon!)
-Meeabee (haven't ordered here yet but adore her stuff!)

And still waiting on a truckload more stuff =X Seems as right now there are no interesting new Japanese collections (only waiting for Coffret D'or right now) I am concentrating on cute accessories!

Kanebo Freeplus Maintenance Care Lotion, Emulsion & Barrier Repair Emulsion 2

Judging by the comments to my DHC Giveaway most ladies would love to read more about skincare. Now I am not that experimental when it comes to skincare so you won't read dozens of reviews on skincare =P But I want to start reviewing all skincare I have so I'll start with Kanebo's Freeplus stuff.

Freeplus is targeted to sensitive skin. The items I purchased are free from parabens, fragrance, mineral oils, chemical sunscreen, alcohol and colorants. So pretty much most irritants have been left out. In addition all products contain some good-to-your-skin ingredients. Please check out this post by A Touch Of Blusher to read more!
The design of Freeplus reminds me strongly of Mandom's Barrier Repair Baby Moist range... even the name (Barrier Repair) is the same. Now I don't know who was "inspired" by whom lol!

Anyway, the bottles are made of heavy white/blue plastic with screw-on caps. The packaging is sleek and basic which probably should reflect the refined simplicity of these products.

Price-wise these are in the higher spheres, around 2000-4000 Yen/each product. Click here!
The items are split in skincare for oilier/acne-prone (Lotion 1, Emulsion 1 and other items) and products for drier skin-types. You can purchase a trial kit from each range to find out if it's the right stuff for you. The kits are somewhat pricy but good travel sizes, too.

-Maintenance Care Lotion:


I actually purchased this because someone told me it's the advanced version of the Barrier Repair Lotion 2. Someone else told me it's for mature skin lol. Anyway, it's a pretty nice lightweight and mild lotion. It's refreshing but not harsh on my skin.
The 130ml bottle retails for 3675 Yen.

-Maintenance Care Emulsion:


This is a lightweight moisture milk for your face. When I use this during the day this is enough moisture now in the hot weather. At night I follow with the Barrier Repair Emulsion 2 (cream) as it adds more lipids I need for nighttime.
The Maintenance Care Emulsion makes a nice moisturizer and a good base for primer, foundation etc.
The 130ml bottle retails for 3990 Yen.

-Barrier Repair Emulsion 2:


This is a little 40g jar of moisture cream. It's a nice rather light but still very moisturizing and smoothing cream. I go through this jar quite fast though. I use this to follow the Maintenance Care Emulsion at night and during the day if it's a cooler day or I am not intending to wear makeup.
Retails for 3675 in Japan.

All in all I really love this skincare. The items are mild and didn't cause any adverse reactions. My skin is soft and I am feeling good knowing that I use a basic but efficient skincare.

You can purchase some of these items from adambeauty. Ichibankao has the complete range and bobodave can get it, too (contact them for pricings/availibility).

Saturday, May 30, 2009

New DHC Giveaway to celebrate LP's 1st birthday!

So my 1st birthday has come! Who'd have thought one year would pass so quickly? Thanks to everyone for their support and interest in my product babblings!


To celebrate you can win this cool DHC Tokyo Girls Collection which includes:

-Eyelash Tonic (with cute lace print)... deluxe size
-Lip Cream (full size)
-Deep Cleansing Oil (travel size)
-Original Mug


All comes in its carton! This is a very cute collection including DHC's 3 top selling products!


Just do the following:

-Leave a comment telling me which topic(s)/brands interest you most....so I know what you ladies want to read more about

-Become a follower (if you aren't already)

-Contest will be open for a week, so it will close next Saturday, June 6th, at 7 PM (my time, GMT +1)

-Winner will be announced in a new post after random selection by random.org

-Please contact me with 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be selected!

-Prize will be shipped by airmail WORLDWIDE within 2 business days after winner contacts me! Happy participating and Good Luck!

Giveaways closed! And the winner is...........

........our sweet MiuMiu (comment #16, chosen by random.org)!

Please email me at lotuspalace@web.de to claim your prize! =D

Today is LP's birthday so stay tuned for a new cool giveaway!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

More Etsy-mania & GIVEAWAY! (Open for all readers worldwide!)

My first birthday is approaching (Me = Lotus Palace hehe) so you will find more giveaways over the next weeks! Sounds cool, right?

Anyways, yesterday and today new truckloads of Etsy cuties arrived here so it's time to blog about them (and who knows...might get more stuff tomorrow and after lol). I also got some cute stationery from eBay and new label stickers/"Thank-You"-cards for my sales blog =)

I'll sort my Etsy hauls by seller and the eBay stuff is in 1 pic =D

-Rubbishtees:


This lady has the cutest cupcake (and other food)-themed totes and magnets! They look incredibly kawaii! I got 2 cupcake magnets (for my kids, they were waiting so hard for these to arrive!), a super cute butter toast charm (I attached it to my purse hehe) and a nice roomy tote/eco bag with the cutest sundae on it!
I also got some yummy candies (my kids sure stole them hehe)

-Chetanddot:


I already mentioned this seller in my last Etsy haul post! Her items are so cute and this little pink needle felted brooch was too pretty to resist!

-Pannaz:


I ordered a nice thin cotton flannel blanket for my toddler and it's perfect fot the hot weather right now! The blanket is much bigger than regular swaddler blankies so it's great for toddlers and kindergarden kids!

-Downstairsdesigns:


This lady specializes in those pretty linen organizers (In Touch Clutch)... you can get them in dozens of different fabrics, including some cute Japanese prints. I decided on the Eggplant Folklore fabric and it's really pretty! The memo pad, pen and cards were included, too!

-Simbiosisbyjulia:


Ok, you can consider this seller among my top favorites (along with Siamsquare, Tippythai and some others).
She makes the most adorable pouches, totes and passport covers! She had a sale going on so I indulged in quite a few items (2 passport cases are for my kids) and they're so well made, very professional and the fabrics are really to die for! Of course all bags are lined and interfaced!

I got a big wristlet (so sweet!), 3 passport cases for my kids and me, a cute honey bear pouch, a small pouch with turtles, a big roomy clutch (this is the perfect size for my huge day planner and some pens) and a pocket tissue pouch with dancing piglets (for my car, have the one from chetanddot in my handbag).
I am waiting for a few more items from this seller as I ordered in smaller bunchs not to get taxed!
I received 2 pencils, erasers, a sharpener and some cute little cards along with my 3rd order!

This is the stationery I hauled from eBay and etsy (listed under supplies...still waiting for more!)


And last but not least my Lotus Palace cards and stickers (from a German website) =)


+++GIVEAWAYS+++
I am giving away a
Dennis Anderson Whipped Soap in Cherry Blossom and a The Big Squeeze Shower Gel in Cherry Blossom! Of course both items are unused/untested and fresh!


To enter you have to:

-become a follower of my blog if you aren't yet

-leave a comment (no specific content required)...please make sure I can identify you by your nick or first name!
-Contest ends on May 30th 2009, 6 PM (my time, GMT +1)
-Winner will be announced in a new post after random selection by random.org
-Please contact me with 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be selected!

-Prize will be shipped by airmail WORLDWIDE within 2 business days after winner contacts me! Happy participating and Good Luck!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Beautycolor DOT DOT Eyeshadow Palette #7 &Eyeliner Trio

Over 2 months ago, when I was searching for Shills stuff on eBay I stumbled upon this Taiwanese brand called DOT DOT (I think it's made by the same company as Shills, i.e. Beautycolor). An eBay shop (ianhaze) had some cute and rather inexpensive items so I settled on the eyeshadow palette and eyepencil trio they had up for grabs.


I was waiting for over 2 months till the package finally arrived! It's not the sellers fault, he/she sent out on 8th of March by First Class Airmail but seems the post was super duper slow this time around (well, mail from the US takes ages usually - 2 to 3 weeks is normal - but 2 1/2 months is obscene...)


Anyways, last week I got this nice heavy palette to play with (does the style remind anyone else of a certain HE brand from an American makeup artist? Hehe) and a bunch of 3 eye pencils to use with the palette.


The eyeshadow palette has 2 layers, 4 neutral colors on top and 3 cooler colors in the bottom tier. The 2 applicators are of good quality, the brush is soft and the sponge doesn't feel scratchy either.
The shadows are lightly scented but you don't really smell them unless you sniff the shadow pans directly.

In all honesty I like this palette. I admit that the texture is a bit crumbly and dry (like the shadows are loosely pressed) but the pigment is quite decent and the jewel-like shimmer is really pretty. It's not the quality of many Japanese brands I am used to but still pretty good.


The darkest brown shade (on the very right in the top layer) could be more pigmented and a little less peach-toned but it goes well with the other colors and works for me when worn to define the crease.
Staying power is good, once they're on they stay there (I use a primer) and I didn't have any problems with creasing either.
You can see the individual colors on the swatch pic =)


All in all a decent palette if you can find it for a fair price (or if you can find it at all!).. not sure for how much this retails in Taiwan but I am sure it's not expensive. I believe I paid somewhere around US$15 so I am pretty sure it should be quite a little cheaper in TW.


I also got a trio set of eye pencils as they looked so cute (pink! I love pink!). The colors are a shimmery taupe (lovely color!), shimmery black and shimmery white.
The pencils are a little crumbly, too, and I find they tug too much when I try to use them on my top lid (I think it'd help warming the tip a little).

I am anyway not a fan of pencils so I always use liquid/gel/felt pen-style liners for my upper lids. The pencils are nice for defining the lower lids though and I am especially in love with the taupe color as I don't have a pencil like it!


I saw them on the Dot Dot website for NT$173 (less than US$6) while I believe I paid US$11 or so =/


There were other eye pencil sets (one with brights and some others) shown on the Dot Dot website.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Bison makes wonderful stuff, too!

The Grapia Peeling was the only bad thing I tried from Bison so far (and it's only bad for my skin, for others it might do wonders so I try to be fair lol!)... Bison makes very cute things different from what you might find otherwise in the Japanese drugstores.

Sasa carries a ton of Bison goodies so along with my most previous order (which took an annoying week to ship and another 2 weeks to arrive!) I received some new goodies from Bison.
Many of Bison's products have a cute ethno-vibe or a super kawaii style and come in really nice and pretty packaging.

I picked up the following goodies from Sasa recently:

-Finland Spa Relax Bath Salts in Lemon Grass & Herb, White Birch and White Flower & Berry...


I really like the bath salts, they disolve and give a milky tint to the water. I feel these are quite moisturizing (especially compared to regular bath salts) and leave my skin soft and nicely scented. I use half a bag per bath which is easily enough to enjoy the scent/skincare properties.
The packages retail for US$2.60/each on Sasa.com.

-Murumuru Butter Lip Cream (SPF16) and Lip Balm (SPF11)...


the Lip Cream (in stick form) is unscented and offers decent sun protection for daily use. It makes my lips soft and supple.


The Lip Balm (in the tub) is a thicker slightly sticky balm with a sweet scent (very subtle) and is a perfect overnight treatment. I really love this!


I paid US$4.60 for the Lip Cream and US$5.50 for the balm.

-Cacaw Choco Esthe Treatment Scrub...


this is a deliciously smelling body scrub. The little peeling particles aren't that rough so it's a rather mild scrub in my opinion. Very good stuff and the chocolate scent is a pleasure to sniff in the shower!
I paid US$11.50 on Sasa.com

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