Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Back to Reality

I'm home and invariably suffering from some kind of post-holiday depression (not to be confused with my regular neuroticism and negative affect). Europe went by mostly without incident, except for some relatively minor inconveniences like the metal handle of my luggage deciding to snap on the second day of my trip. I trekked to the top of many a cathedral, soaked up the finest Renaissance artwork on the planet, experienced memorable food highs and plunging lows (O'Conway's at Gare du Nord — just don't do it), and visited just about every Boots and Superdrug I encountered. It goes without saying French pharmacies were also super exciting, though I realised I could order most of what I wanted online for the same price with free delivery.

(There's also meant to be the Caudalie Vinosource Hydration Set in there, but I forgot to include it.)


Surprisingly, I felt I was fairly tame in the purchases department. For one, I bought only three pieces of clothing. I didn't buy that much makeup, though I was tempted by the new Charlotte Tilbury counter at Selfridges. I also saw and felt the SUQQU Cheek Brush on my wishlist in person, but was quite underwhelmed at how small and floppy it seemed. A part of me laments not picking up a few more things at Changi Airport en route to Milan, as the prices were by far the most affordable I would encounter. I had a good look at the Sephora on Champs-Élysées but everything was hideously expensive and barely cheaper than Australia.

I made a point to visit the Diptyque store on Boulevard Saint-Germain like it was a worthy tourist experience in and of itself. I forced myself to pick a perfume because I knew I'd be there for the next 3 hours if I didn't. In the end, I settled for Ofresia but I don't know if I'm in love with it. I also picked up the Roses candle though it's somewhat ludicrous I bothered to lug it around and carry it all the way back home when it's not that much cheaper in Paris compared to Mecca Cosmetica (which, by the way, is nearly identical to Space.NK).

Compared to my New York haul, I think I was generally more selective this time around and stuck to a list I'd jotted down beforehand. There also was a much greater emphasis on skin care. In fact, the thing I was most ecstatic about was unintentionally stumbling upon the Pixi store off Carnaby Street in London's Soho and being able to buy a bottle of their elusive Glow Tonic. Win.

And now, a picture dump...















49 comments:

  1. OMGomgomgomgomgomgomg... SO MANY THINGS. YOU GOT ALL OF THE THINGS. Pretty much all of the things that I would have purchased on your holiday; good job haha :) And the pictures are beautiful. Really truly stunning. Especially that bunny... what a cutie pie!! I can't wait to (hopefully) read more about your holiday and the reviews to come from your holiday haul!

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  2. Yay you're back!! post holiday syndrome is the worst, right? today is my first day at uni after 3 month summer holiday, it was depressing. T.T
    You're totally true about sephora champ elysees. Almost everything is more expensive than here in Germany and it was very very packed and busy when I was there.. I bought a NARS blush for 30€ then later found out I can order it online with free shipping for €24 -__-
    I didn't get the chance to visit dytique store at boulevard saint german, but I did visit the counter at printemps, though as much as I wanted to get at least 1 perfume from dyptique, I didn't find anything I like so I left empty handed..
    I'm so looking forward to see the upcoming reviews of your haul! :-D

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  3. YAYYY! You're back!! It looks like you had a fabulous time in Europe! I am drooling over all your photography, because I am dying to go to Europe for all the architecture. I also really want to know your thoughts on Diptyque. Maybe you can convince me to join the bandwagon, but I have seen them in the store and im not understanding the hype! For now I'm sticking to Volluspa. I'm such a candle freak I'll probably end up getting a Diptyque candle eventually though.

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    1. I wanted a Diptyque candle for the longest time but I absolutely couldn't justify forking out $99 for one here. They used to be that price at this shop called Mecca Cosmetica which was pretty much the only stockist where I live that I'm aware of. They recently dropped the price of the candle to $78 which was still outrageous, but somehow more inviting. In Paris the candle is around 42 euros, or about $62 (Australian dollars). Definitely the most I've ever forked out for a candle, but I felt given that it's been something on my wishlist forever, and I was in the flagship Diptyque shop of the world ... I might as well.

      To be perfectly honest it's mostly just hype that made me want it. Hype and supposed luxury. I haven't tried burning it yet but I do like the smell just with it sitting there. I sampled pretty much every one of their scents and they're okay, but there's not one that I'm like "omg absolute love". They're unique and thought-provoking and something different compared to the usual fruity/floral/candyish scents out there from typical celeb/designer brands.

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  4. Wow- the photos look amazing, you must have had such a great time in Paris. Do you mind sharing where online, they sell the french skincare at the same cost?

    xx http://handfulofglitterintheair.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. I was thinking places like Feel Unique - especially for brands like Caudalie and Nuxe.
      Bioderma is definitely cheaper in Paris - I got 2 bottles for 15.90 euros which is a true bargain (I think it was a buy one, get one free deal). But everything else that wasn't discounted was sameish to the prices online.
      I think you can buy Serozinc from http://www.leguidesante.co.uk/185D/purchase/serozinc-astringent-toner-150ml/ or http://www.farmaline.co.uk/health/order/la-roche-posay-serozinc-150-ml-spray/ though I haven't personally tried those websites. It was 7 euros in Paris so buying direct from the pharmacy is definitely a bit cheaper.

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  5. Yay you're back!! You're haul looks fantastic! I cannot wait to hear more about the things you got. The photos look great, I cannot wait to go next year!!
    xxx Kat

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  6. So Many Nice things *-*
    Personally if I would take more advantage of the airport stores. because of the fact that we don't pay taxes there things get wayyy cheaper (I'm seriously thinking about doing a huge MAC haul there next year, since I'm planning visit a friend that lives in Paris)
    Things are getting more expensive in France since most makeup brands are American. Taxes a Shipping fees are super crazy, so things end up getting super expensive.
    By the way, what lipsticks did you got from MAC? Sorry asking, but I'm thinking about getting another one soon :3

    Please take care! Have a nice day!*

    Beauty-with-love.blogspot.com.

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    Replies
    1. I got Patisserie and Plumful! :)
      Yes, I noticed makeup was quite expensive in France. Definitely wasn't the paradise that was the US last year ;)

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  7. Welcome back! :) The Pixi Glow Tonic is such a treasure find. It's impossible to get online and I want to try it badly!! Yes, I fell to the internet hype
    xx

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  8. Welcome back! The pictures are beautiful, and I am quite jealous of your haul!

    Pareasa
    The FAB Journal

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  9. Hope you had a great time, it looks like you did! I've been to Paris once and I absolutely loved it, going next year with all my family & extended family, so it'll be great to be back :)

    http://www.blogthiswithhannah.blogspot.co.uk

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  10. Wow! Looks like you ad an amazeballs time! And good job keeping to a reasonable makeup haul - you got heaps of things that I would have (Pixi glow tonic - OMG!). Photos are beautiful too!

    x Tashi
    http://shiwashiful.blogspot.com.au/

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  11. Yes you are back! I have missed you. Looks like you scored some really good items, I can't wait to see you talk in depth about them here on the blog in the future. Sounds like you had a good time overall and I am glad to hear it. I chuckled when I read you bought more skincare than makeup. The addiction has begun :D Awesome that you scored pixi tonic glow!

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  12. Wow! Looks like you had an incredible time! I think you made some excellent purchases, dying to see what you think of everything. And so lovely to see photos of some of my favourite cities. Did you love Florence?!

    Emma x

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    1. YES! I loved Florence - especially from the San Miniato al Monte. We went just before sunset and it was the prettiest sight.

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  13. Glad you got back safely! Sigh the richness of the culture and the scenic views... I'm still holidaysick after three years. And nice buys- I'm excited for all that CHANEL in particular. Did you buy it in Changi Airport DF?

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    1. Ya! I didn't have any Chanel so I figured ... why not. Though I bought the bronzer from Paris. It was almost the same price as in Australia (I think it's $65 in Australia and it was like $55-$60 there) but I didn't see it in Singapore. I wish I had picked up Vitalumiere Aqua and one of the cream blushes - the blush was only $40 at Changi! It's $70 here (so ridiculous!).

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  14. I'm so glad you had a great time :) your shopping looks ridiculously amazing! xx

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  15. Major envy ensuing over here. All the products you purchased are pretty much my entire wishlist, gorgeous photo editing included ;)

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  16. yeyy ! you r back !! welcome home :) miss your post a lot.
    i really want to try out the barry m jelly nail polish..
    ooh! i heard the pixi tonic glow is awesome,,
    anw,, those travel photos looks incredible ,,

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  17. Welcome back! Now you must get a hold of yourself and spend all your extra time reviewing these things for us. Excuse me while I spend the next 10 minutes staring and cooing at the adorable bunny.

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    1. Lol that was definitely one of the highlights of the trip - there was this totally random farm at the Petit Trianon with all kinds of animals including adorable bunnies who simply refused to go back inside. The keepers kept trying to chase them to no avail.

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  18. Welcome home. Your Paris pictures are gorgeous.

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  19. looks like a fantastic trip! lovely photos. and a pitch perfect haul - i am dying to get my hands on that REN mask! x

    Miho @ Wander to Wonder

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  20. I would buy almost the exact same things if I went to Europe. Oh my, do I want to go there. Is it weird that I'd be more excited about the shopping than anything else? :P

    http://lustthebeauty.blogspot.com.au/

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  21. Such lovely purchases and gorgeous photographs! <3

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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  22. Glad you had a nice trip. Good choices on the purchases!

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  23. amazing trip....Paris is my long time dream.. you are lucky one..... and would love to see kiko swatches and nail lacquers notd

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  24. Welcome back! Very envious of your trip, and oh so envious of your cult-skincare-loot haul! Pixi, swoon! Serozinc, swoon! All the things I'd want to buy for myself!

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    Replies
    1. To be honest I think Serozinc is virtually indistinguishable from Avene Thermal Spring Water, but I do really like Glow Tonic so far :)

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  25. Beautiful pictures, I'm very jealous of the Pixi glow tonic, I would love to get my hands on that!
    http://wwwclairabelle.blogspot.co.uk/

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  26. Oh yay you're back! Your trip sounds amazing and I do remember being quite envious when looking at your instagram photos. Looking forward to seeing your posts after the month of withdrawal :P

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  27. Welcome back! Your purchases do seem a little tame :) Even though you can purchase them online... I guess it's not the same without the in shop experience! Looking forward to reviews on the Nuxe products, seeing as they are so popular!

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  28. These pics of your trip are gorgeous! Can't wait until I can go travelling haha!

    emaerie | blogspot

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  29. Ahh it looks like you had an amazing time and made some lovely purchases! Pixi glow tonic is a favourite of mine, I'm also intrigued by the chanel packaging... x

    lamourjosie.com

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  30. Welcome back!! Your photos are so beautiful and made me miss Europe so much!! I think when you travel to somewhere like Europe, the main point is to take in all the beauty that surrounds you!
    My cousin went to Europe a month ago and sent me a few goodies, Serozinc is one of them! I've really been enjoying it so far.
    Really nice haul, this was like skincare porn for me, i was like *ooo yes, this, ooo yes that. it seems like you really did your research!

    à la foliee

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  31. Love it! Love the bioderma, you can't go to France without purchasing the bioderma from one of their pharmacies!

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  32. Love that Bioderma!!!!its My favorite!

    Http://styleloveandsushi.blogspot.com

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  33. Your haul was definitely a lot tamer than my Europe haul from last year! To be honest, I never really looked at the prices of anything because it was my first extended overseas trip and I just wanted to go nuts! It's good to know that the prices online aren't that much different than from the actual shops themselves as I have so much love for the French products. It is ridiculous how expensive Bioderma is though. I saw the 500ml bottle stocked is some little cosmetics boutique in Sydney for $50. What is that even?! I'd go absolutely crazy when I eventually go to New York one of these days. Going to a Sephora store there would be such a dream.

    You bought some lovely things, by the way! Roses is probably my favourite Diptyque scent and I absolutely adore the perfume too. I really want to try Serozinc, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse and the Pixi Glow Tonic when I have the funds.

    I love your photos too! I remember standing right there overlooking Florence myself and it brings back such memories. I miss travelling.

    http://vintagemachine.blogspot.com

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  34. WELCOME BACKK!!!! I'm actually really surprised you didn't come back with a massive haul like your New York trip, but as you have said the prices of makeup are expensive there. I see quite a few Chanel things in your photo! What did you get? I'm looking forward to your posts with your goodies unpacked hehehe <3

    The Colosseum looks oddly empty and non-overflooded by people!!! Or was that just the place you were standing at taking a picture? I remember visiting a few years back and it was so packed, the line up to get in was hours long so the tour that I was with didn't go in because we simply didn't have enough time. Your trip makes me crave. I haven't traveled anywhere for a really long time because of university. I'm just looking forward to my graduation next fall :P

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    1. Thank you! I think I'm trying to be more moderate or something now :p Nah, it was just the cheap ass in me overtaking things. I got the Chanel Les Beiges powder (or whatever it's called), a Coco Shine lipstick in Evasion and the cream bronzer.

      The Colosseum wasn't that packed actually. Waited maybe only 20 minutes in line? That's nothing compared to Versailles and the worst one - the art gallery in Florence that housed the David sculpture. That was one epic wait.

      I didn't go on my first international trip (that wasn't the motherland) until I was 24 so I'm sure there's plenty of travelling that you can look forward to in the coming years :)

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  35. I'm so happy you're back! Thanks for sharing the pretty photos. I can't wait to see your posts again!

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  36. Wow! Amazing pics! Looks like you had an amazing trip. Sorry to hear that your luggage handle snapped off - I can imagine it would be so inconvenient.

    It's great that you can control your purchases to the selected few on your list. When I was in Japan, I went overboard and couldn't justify some haha. It's just hard not to splurge on holidays!

    Would be keen to hear what your thoughts are on your Chanel purchases =)

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  37. Florence is just so stunning! Great haul too x

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  38. Looks like you had a fantastic holiday! Lovely pictures and nice haul, you've selected a nice range of products! xx

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  39. I've never seen this post.. everything looks beautiful. I'm dying to try some Dyptique candles or perfumes and I'm quite happy with KIKO products too.
    Your pics are amazing :)

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