Share The Love // Sephora Soko To Tokyo 5-Piece Set Giveaway

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I think this Soko To Tokyo Set needs no introduction as its hard-to-get status has us all lusting after it!  I was able to get my hands on these in between the out-of-stock situation.  I requested an extra set knowing this is hard to get & may not be available globally, so I want to at least give one lucky person a chance to own a set of his/her own!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

One (1) Sephora Soko To Tokyo 5-Piece Set Including 1 Each of the Following:

1. Too Cool for School Egg Mousse Pack Facial Mask (1.69 Fl Oz).
2. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 25 (0.66 Fl Oz).
3. Caolion Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo (2 x Cool Packs & 1 x Hot Pack. 0.2 Oz Each). See picture on the right for interior content.
4. Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask (1 Mask).
5. When Snow Magic Brighten Sheet Mask (1 Mask).

TO ENTER & QUALIFY

1. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. 
2. Very Important!  Be sure to follow instructions in the Rafflecopter widget to complete the 4 requirements.
3. Also very Important!  Entering your Instagram handle in the Rafflecopter widget does not count.  You must follow and repost within the Instagram app.
4. Participants must be 18+ years of age.
5. Giveaway, fake, or business accounts will not be considered.

DEADLINE + WINNER NOTIFICATION

1. All entries must be submitted by 11:59PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) on July 28, 2016.
2. One winner will be chosen at random and to be announced on July 30, 2016.
3. The winner's name will be listed in this blog post & on Instagram post.  Winner will also be contacted via IG.  Be sure to keep your IG account in “public” mode to receive notification.
4. The winner will receive prize pack as stated above.

DISCLAIMERS

1. Please use caution when trying a beauty product for the first time.  Spot-test your skin first to test for any reaction.
2. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes and custom/import fees.
3. This is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram.
4. By entering this giveaway, participants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram and giveaway host of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s term of use.

Good luck!

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Mulberry Love // Mini Lily + Bayswater Clutch Review

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I'm a huge fan of Mulberry - There's something about its simple yet elegant designs that really draws me in.  I started with the Bayswater Small Shoulder Bag, which is considered to be the brand's iconic style and gradually added to my collection with other classics such as the Lily. 

During my deal hunt on July 4th weekend, I spotted a sale event on Mulberry U.S. website (About 20% to 30% off) that included some of their classic and popular styles such as Lily and Bayswater.  I shared that on my Instagram feed...hopefully all of you Mulberry fans out there were able to take advantage of that! 

I know that even with the discounts, their bags are still not cheap, but the only other times I'd see such discounts is from flash sale sites such as Rue La La with one downside - Luxury bag flash sale is often final/non-returnable.

This time, I was being very good and only purchased these two...Continue reading below to see my detailed reviews of them.

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Bayswater Clutch in Black //  Mulberry clutch is one of Princess Kate's favorite accessories, so I figure I can't go wrong with having one for myself!  I love Bayswater and own the small shoulder bag.  This clutch does not disappoint - It's such a classic piece and can be used as a clutch for more formal settings (remove the chain) or as a crossbody for more casual activities.  It's a perfect day-to-night bag.  It's also a good size for travels and sightseeing with different compartments built in to help keep things organized. P.S. Photo shows iPhone 6.

Buying Recommendation //  If this is your first Mulberry purchase, I recommend getting something from the Bayswater collection.  If you're trying to keep your budget down, this clutch is a great choice because you can get many uses out of it (casual and formal events).  If you can stretch your budget, the iconic Bayswater small shoulder bag would be a good investment as well. 

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Mini Lily in Neon Blue //  I have a medium Lily in pale yellow (limited-time color and no longer available) and want to add another one to my collection.  I know that this mini would be on the small side, but I am surprised by how mini it really is.  The iPhone 6 barely fits in there and stretches the bag beyond its normal shape.  Because the Lily's design is a bit more playful or casual than the clutch, I find it more suitable for daytime and this mini version won't fit extra items I bring along such as sunnies and sunscreen (after putting essentials in).

Buying Recommendation //  If you're shopping for your first Mulberry, I recommend getting the Bayswater clutch as mentioned above.  If you prefer the Lily and can stretch your budget, I recommend getting the medium size and only consider this mini version for your later purchases.  I myself am considering returning this because it's not a very practical piece for what I need.

Here are a few more in my collections as previously shared on Instagram...Let me know if you have any questions on these styles!

Mulberry Medium Lily in Pale Yellow // Part of the main collection.

Mulberry Primose in Red // Part of a limited edition and the last collection designed by former creative director, Emma Hill.

Mulberry Bayswater Small Shoulder Bag // Part of the main collection.

Do you have a Mulberry that you treasure and love or any other leather bags that are near and dear to your heart?  I would love to hear any of your own shopping or care tips for leather bags!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access // Deal Hunting for Popular Beauty Brands

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*Scroll down to see details and sale prices of these beauty finds*

I shop at Nordstrom often as the store is known for excellent customer service and flexible return policy.  Also, I find great deals during their sale event, both normal ones and big ones like the Anniversary Sale.  

I do have a Nordstrom credit card, so I am able to have early access to their biggest sale of the year - the Anniversary Sale - where even regular-priced items would be put on sale.  Credit and Debit cardholders have early access to this event, for about a week in advanced of the official start date on 7/22.  There is no additional $ or % off, but cardholders simply get to shop early.

I've combed through the Beauty Exclusives section of the sale and picked out the items below from brands I love and use often.  And they are all under $70!

~ for your body ~

Kiehl’s Jumbo Size Creme de Corps with Pump 33.8oz
Sale $52
After Sale $75

You guys know how much I like this body lotion!  My body stays moisturized for hours after I put it on.  I will be stocking up since this is a true bargain for this luxe item.

Kiehl’s Jumbo Size Grapefruit Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser 33.80z
Sale $33
After Sale $48

My gym provides this body cleanser in the shower stalls.....I love its light soothing scent and my post-shower skin feels nice and soft.  I've been hesitant to invest in my own bottle because I'm not used to buying expensive bodywash, but with this sale, I'm definitely going to buy one!

Note: Both items are eligible for Kiehl's Gift with Purchase offer - Receive deluxe samples of Ultra Facial Cream, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, Daily Reviving Concentrate & Midnight Recovery Concentrate with $85 Kiehl's purchase.

~ for your home ~

Diptyque Scented Candle Set (Set of 5 1.2oz Candle)
Early Access $55

You see Diptyque candles all over Instagram, making it so hard to resist from owning one myself!  However, their candles are very pricey, but with this gift set, it's a great way to sample different scents without breaking the bank.  Do note that these are half the size of the brand's normal standalone candles.

Set includes // Baies: featuring notes of blackcurrant and Bulgarian rose // Figuier: featuring notes of the fig tree // Feu de Bois: featuring woody notes // Roses: featuring notes of tender, changing roses // Tubéreuse: featuring notes of the tuberose flower.

Helpful Comparison for Value // A Diptyque 2.4oz candle is $32 each, so a 1.2oz candle would be around $16, making a set of 5 to be around $90 if purchase each candle separately.

Great Gift Option // This set makes a great housewarming gift.  Or if you're like me and like to put together your own gift set, you can also split up the set and include one candle per personalized gift for your friends (and maybe save one for yourself!).

7/26 Update // This candle set is now sold out.

Voluspa “Maison Blanc” Mini Tin Candle Trio (One-Wick)
Sale $15.90
After Sale $21

I bought a Voluspa candle (Bellini scent) years ago and have been a fan every since.  They are pricey though, so I save it for special occasions or maybe a stressful day.  I love this trio set not only for the value (see below for "the math"), but also the soft pastel colors.  Similar to the Diptyque set above, this also makes great gifts for your friends.

Trio includes // Pink Citron: ripe citron grapefruit with a juicy pink center, layered with tart cassis and a heart of subtle rose // Laguna: a fresh blend of California verbena and white freesia // Saijo Persimmon: Japanese saijo persimmon, considered to be the finest gourmet variety, is layered with juicy peach and red currant.

Helpful Comparison for Value // Each two-wick candle is $16.  These mini’s are one-wick (about half), so each would be around $8 , making a set of 3 to be around $24 if purchase each candle separately.

More Voluspa Options // 1 more mini tin trio and 2 more two-wick tin trios.  Click here to see these.

*Voluspa.com sells another trio set at $25, but it includes different scents. I personally prefer these scents and the soft pastel color of the tins.

~ for your face ~

Fresh Beauty Ritual Set
Early Access $57

You guys know I am a loyal user of Fresh Soy Face Cleanser because of its mild nature and how it doesn't dry up my skin post-cleansing.  This item alone in the 1.7oz version included in this set is $15.  Plus, the set comes with the popular Rose Face Mask along with two other great items.  I think this is an excellent option for those who want to try Fresh for the first time as you'll get a flavor of what this brand is all about.

Set Includes // Soy Face Cleanser // Sugar Advanced Therapy for Lips // Rose Face Mask // Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream.  All items are small sizes.

Similar Set at Sephora // "Black Tea SkinCare: Age-Delay Essentials” Set at $94. Also includes the cult faves Soy Face Cleanser + Sugar Advanced Therapy for Lips, but the rest are from their Black Tea line and does not include the Rose Face Mask.

GLAMGLOW “Glamazing GRAVITYMUD” Set
Early Access $69

I don't think GLAMGLOW needs much introduction!  This set is a good choice for those who want to try the brand's iconic xxxMUD treatment items (set includes full size).  Plus, the set includes a branded application brush and deluxe sample size of 2 other awesome treatments.  The GRAVITYMUD alone is $69, making this a truly great deal.

Set Includes // GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment (Full Size) // SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment // THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment // An application brush.

No similar set at Sephora.

7/26 Update // This skincare set is now sold out.

GLAMGLOW “Glamazing SUPERMUD” Set
Early Access $69

Similar to the above GLAMGLOW set, this is also a great deal as the SUPERMUD alone is $69.

Set Includes // SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Full Size), FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment // YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment.

Similar Set at Sephora // “Stay Sexy Clearing” Set ($69).  Includes SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Full Size) + SUPERCLEANSE Daily Clearing Cleanser (Small Size). 

Photos Credits: All images used in this story are from Norstrom website @ www.nordstrom.com.

~ About the Nordstrom Credit Card ~

I feel the need to say a few words about this - I am seeing many bloggers advocating readers to apply for the Nordstrom card in order to gain early access to this sale.  I don't know how many of them are sponsored by the retailer.  From my retail days (working in the buying office and in the store), retailers always try to convince you to apply for their cards because they make quite a nice profit from interest if balance is not paid in full and it's a way for them to keep your loyalty with them. 

The only thing I want to share is to do what is suitable for your own financial situation.  I own the card because I do shop at Nordstrom and Norstrom Rack often (have been since I was in college) and I can truly take advantage of their reward program and their sale events.  I wouldn't recommend getting the card just for this sale or just to gain early access to this sale.  Many items would still be there when the sale starts on 7/22.

Happy Deal Hunting and thanks for stopping by!

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Instagram Lately // Travel Beauty Essentials

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I'm always happy to be home, but this trip is super special because I get to see my niece and nephew who are visiting from Hong Kong!  They grow up so fast, and I'm bummed that I don't get to see them more often.  I know they love sweets, so I've already planned out all the dessert places I can take them to!

Speaking of travel, there are certain beauty products I just can't live without.

Dior Nail Glow //  I'm often running errands up until the moment I have to head to the airport, so there's hardly time to spare for a nice mani.  I'm so happy I have this nail polish because even though it goes on clear, once it's dried, it gives my nails this rosy pink glow as if I've had a mani.  If you've used the Dior Addict Lip Glow, it's very similar concept here.  I highly recommend this for both travel and for in between manicures.

Hand Sanitizer //  I know it's not for everyone - My mom gets a rash when she uses it.  If it's suitable for you though, this is something I can't travel without because it's a safe-guard for my own health and sanity.

Eau de Toilette //  I try to buy or ask for a mini version of my favorite scent to stuff in my travel cosmetic bag.  For one thing, I've had to run to connecting flights one too many times and this helps me stay fresh and not scare my seatmates.  You can also use it to guard against your seatmates if they happen to smell not so fresh themselves!

Hand Cream //  Oh how I love hand cream.  I have an embarrassingly large collection, but it's not often that I get my hands on a real mini version for space-saving purposes.  With the skin-drying soaps they use at airports and in-flight, hand cream is a must in my bag!

Lip Gloss //  If I can only bring 5 items to a desert island, lip gloss will for sure be one of the items.  I love the ones that give my lips just a hint of pink color.  I feel so incomplete without one in my bag.

Blotting Paper //  My combo/oily skin gets slightly out of whack during my travels.  Different environment, stress, cabin air - All of that contribute to oilier-than-normal skin and a pack of blotting paper is a must in my cosmetic case!

Cosmetic Case //  I own more cosmetic cases than I'd ever need!  They do come in handy though when you do carry-on only.  I usually go for medium-sized versions, which can double as my skincare bag in order to save room in my luggage. 

Shown in Photo (From Left)

Dior Nail Glow // Store-Brand Hand Sanitizer //

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette (Only roll-on is available) //

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream (Go for travel size) //

Fresh Sugar Rose Shine Lip Treatment // Daiso Rose Essence Oil Blotting Paper //  

Liberty London Iphis Leather Cosmetic Case (Red is no longer available) //