Sunday, March 29, 2020

[Review] 返學旅行郊游通用背囊 Backpack for all occasions - Gaston Luga

Dear beautiful people, 

大家好嗎?知道最近的疫情嚴峻令大家心情都好沉重 。大家要保持健康,乖乖留在家中,照顧自己和心愛的人。今次我會為大家分享一下最近收到的背囊。這個背囊是來自瑞典的Gaston Luga. 這個分享一如既往是100%真誠的。

Welcome back! How are you? I know we are all under this critical situation. Stay healthy, stay at home, take care of yourself and your loved ones. Today, I am gonna share a review for a Backpack that comes all the way from Sweden, Stockholm - Gaston Luga. Thank you GL for sending your backpack for me to review. The review is completely honest, don't worry ;)

PRÅPER - 經典黑/Black

首先這個背囊的造型十分時髦。不會像一般行山/相機背囊般笨重。材質方面,它們使用了素食皮革和帆布,所以十分耐用。而它正面的兩個環扣完完全全吸引了我。四種閉合度可以根據喜好選擇。不但特別,亦非常安全,不易鬆開。
This backpack looks quite stylish. It is made from PU leather and canvas, which makes it very durable. The adjustable hooks at the front really catch my eyes. The hooks also make it very secure. It does not slip out easily. 

Adjustable double hooks
另一個安全的細節是袋口的繩子,令袋內物件不易掉出。雙重保障!
Another secure feature is the strap to tighten the opening of the bag. Double security!

Strap to tighten the opening

除了外型流行和設計安全,它的容量亦非常大(18公升)。它可以放下一部13-15吋的手提電腦,因為它有一個有軟墊的內格。如果不放手提電腦,亦可用作放貴重物品。
Apart from the stylish look and security features, indeed it has very large volume (18L). It can fit a 13"-15" laptop. Provided that it has a padded laptop sleeve which is also suitable for keeping your valuables.


Padded laptop sleeve

除此之外,它有兩個小小的內格,可以放一些小物,例如紙巾和潤唇膏。
Also, it has two inner pockets for storing tiny things like tissue paper and lip balm. 

Two tiny pockets


而肩帶方面都是可調節的。有五個小孔選擇。我165cm高,用第一個小孔。

For the shoulder straps, they are adjustable with 5 levels. I am 165cm tall and I use the first level.

Adjustable shoulder straps
另一個亮點就是Gaston Luga的標誌性護照袋。它非常隱蔽,十分適合經常去旅行的朋友。
Another highlight is their signature passport pocket at the back. This is a very thoughtful design for travellers like me. For those who has travelled a lot, knows that there are thieves everywhere in the world. Keeping your valuables is some important!

GL signature passport pocket
背囊底有4粒鍋釘,令背囊不會變髒和倒下。 
The bottom of the backpack has 4 studs so it will not get dirty so easily and fall down!
Studs at the bottom

我早前帶了這個背囊去行山!
Here are some pictures of me bringing this backpack to hiking!

它的容量真的很大!它能容納我的相機和器材。而它的外型不會因為太多物件而變型。
The backpack is real roomy. It fits all my camera and equipments. And the shape of the bag will not be changed!


但經過一整天後,我發現了兩個問題。首先,它在沒任何物件已經有一公斤重,因為它有不了金屬配件,再加上素食皮革,對女孩來說都有點重。所以我建議不要放太多重物。第二,這個袋沒有外袋,所以要放小物的話就不太方面。雖然這點跟它我安全性有點矛盾!(哈)

But at the end of the day, I noticed two major problems. First, the backpack itself weights 1kg since it has a lot of metal components (The hooks and the studs) and PU leather so it is quite heavy for girls. So I recommend you not to pack too much stuff. Secondly, the bag does not have any outer pockets. Somehow it is not friendly for storing little things. But it contradicts with the security features of the bag! 



最後,如果你對這個背包有興趣,你可以對它們的官網 https://gastonluga.com/hk 購買。讀者們輸入我的優惠碼 「TheGeminiHK」 就可享有85折!它們是全球免運和免費退貨的!

If you are interested in this backpack, you can head over to their website . Gaston Luga is so kind that they offers my readers a 15% coupon code [TheGeminiHK15]. You can enjoy 15% off and free shipping & return! 

感謝大家閱讀!下次再見!
Thank you so much for reading!

Until next time,
Erika :)

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

IPSY Glam Bag Unboxing - 2020 February

Hello beauty people!

It has been forever since my last blog post about ipsy bag unboxing!
How are you? If you're new here, Hi! My name is Erika. I am a makeup junkie from Hong Kong. Thank you for stopping by!

Today, I got my 2020 February ipsy bag in the mail. Due to the recent attack of coronavirus across the world, the shipment had been delayed.

Back to the bag, this month's theme is #FeelTheLove. Obviously matching the Valentine's Day vibe of February.


Thank Lord for getting Murad in my bag (I picked this!). Their stuffs are expensive. This eye cream contains peptides, retinol and iris root extract, which target on brightening, minimising fine lines and reducing puffiness.
Use it AM & PM.
#CrueltyFree
Full size 15ml US$82 | Deluxe Simple Size 4ml US$22

This moisturiser has hyaluronic Acid & Coconut Water = Super moisturizing! With the addition of Squalane, which is an oil, creates a protective barrier for the skin.
However, this brand is new to me. I need some time to test this and explore the brand more.
#CrueltyFree
Full size US$24 | Sample Size US$5

Another unknown brand (?!)
To be honest, basically I get a highlighter/ blush/ bronzer from unknown brands every single month. They are not bad, but most likely they are piled in my stash and never get to shine. 
Though, this product is a full size, and the packaging is quite well, with a mirror attached. 
#CF #Vegan
Full Size US$28

Pür is another staple brand appears in my ipsy bag. Their products are okay. This 2-in-1 foundation does the jobs of concealing, correcting and blurring, with the help of multiple antioxidant-rich vitamins, minerals and plant extracts.
#CrueltyFree
Full Size US$36 | Deluxe Sample Size US$8

Another high end brand! Yay! "Your Skin but Better" sounds a little bit of a cliche right? This primer emphasises on promoting healthy looking, gloomy skin since containing Bark & Ginger root extract. Also, it is oil free so it is free from the greasy, sticking texture.
#CrueltyFree
Full Size US$39 | Deluxe Sample Size US$9

💕💕💕💕💕💕

So all in all, this month's ipsy glam bag is a 3/5 for me.
Surprisingly, all 5 products are CF! I'm blessed!
The total value of the bag is US$72!
Is it a win-win for you? Comment down below!

p.s. I switched to the every-2-month subscription since I have too much products on hand. Do you like the flexibility of ipsy?

If you're interested in subscribing ipsy glam bag, please use my referral link here so I can earn points for bonus items. It costs only USD$12 per month! Shipping is free in the U.S. and USD $4.95 for each bag shipped to Canada. 

Thank you so much for reading this unboxing / unbagging blog post.

Thanks for reading,
Erika xoxo

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Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheGeminiHK / @erikayuen / @TheGeminiHK

Sunday, August 27, 2017

ipsy Glam Bag Unboxing - July 2017

Hello lovely!

My ipsy bag took an extra month to arrive Hong Kong! This is almost the end of August. But later is always better than never! Here is my July 2017 ipsy glam bag unboxing.

The theme of this month is Over Easy. The makeup bag is soooooo cute. The character on the bag is the popular Sanrio character called Gudetama.


1. So Susan Blender Brush (Full size, US$18)

This is a cruelty-free brush for blush, powder, cream, highlighter and shadow. The brush is extremely soft and fluffy! I'm so happy to receive brushes from ipsy.
2. trèStiQue Mini Concealer Crayon in Porcelain (Mini size, ~US$10)

I have tried a lot of trèStiQue products these years since I have subscribed to ipsy. I must say this is one of the brand I like to receive in ipsy bag. Their products are usually high quality and travel friendly. Since the design of their products is the pencil form (like NudeStix), which makes touching-up very easily. Can't wait to use this product!




3. Pacifica Island Life Eyeshadow Palette (Sample size, ~US$10)

To be honest, Pacifica's products never appeals me as I've tried their lipsticks and they were absolute garbage (sorry!). I haven't opened this one yet since these colours are just too simple and I don't normally wear shimmery shadow. I am thinking of donating this palette.
4. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Deep dive cleansing gel (Sample size, ~US$1.25)

By looking at the packaging, I AM IN LOVE! But this is way toooo small for a sample size product, right? It claims to remove waterproof makeup, like mascara and eyeliner. This is also a vegan and cruelty-free product. I'm excited for this one but I think I will use this up in record time. LOL.


5. Modicum Skin Care Essential Serum (Sample size, ~US$10.8)

When I first sae this product, I'm not sure what is the difference between a serum and a essential serum. This works as a moisturiser and eye cream, designed for dehydrated skin.

The total value of the bag is around USD 50 while ipsy bag is only costed $10/month.

If you're interested in subscribing ipsy glam bag, please use my referral link here so I can earn points for bonus items. It costs only USD$10 per month! Shipping is free in the U.S. and USD $4.95 for each bag shipped to Canada. 

Thank you so much for reading this unboxing / unbagging blog post.

Thanks for reading,
Erika xoxo

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Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheGeminiHK / @erikayuen / @TheGeminiHK

Friday, June 30, 2017

June 2017 IPSY Glam Bag Unboxing

Hello gorgeous!

This is that time of the month - me reviewing the products I got from my ipsy bag!

The theme this month is Volume Up, which encourages woman to speak out and loud. Amazing!



As usual, there are 5 products in this pouch.


We can see some familiar brands, right?



1) Beauty For Real I-LINE 24-7 Eyeliner in Chocolate Fix (Full-size,  US$14)
Cruelty-free brand. Amazing! It does not require a sharpener to sharpen this up. A+.  I tried this on the back of my hand. It glides on smoothly and unexpectedly pigmented. Can't wait to try in on my waterline to see if it is waterproof.



2) NYX Whipped Lip & Cheek Soufflé in Pink Cloud (Full-size, US$6)
YAY FOR NYX. Another animal-friendly brand that I LIKE! This hot pink colour really doesn't suit my Asian skin tone TBH. But I may use it as a blush rather than lip cream. The applicator is the typical Doe-Foor wand.




3) City Color Cosmetics Simmer Shadow in Beach Cottage (Full-size, US$4.99)
After my research, City Color Cosmetic has been certified by PETA as Cruelty-Free company. I am surprised to see how pigmented this shadow is! It feels very creamy. The glitter is fine and no fall-outs. Impressed.







4) theBalm Cosmetics Balm Springs Blush ( 1g, ~US$3.74)
Another the Balm products in my ipsy bag. I mean, I like their products. But the size of these samples is not user-friendly at all. The colour is an universal colour for all skin tone. But it's not very pigmented. I did two swipes but the colour is still not very obvious.


5) skyn ICELAND Glacial Face Wash with White Willow Bark (20ml, US$4)

Haven't opened this yet. You know skincare products and makeups will expire, right? But I am positive with this product as I have heard many good things about this brand. Can't wait to try this one out!


The total value of the bag is USD 32.73 while ipsy bag is only costed $10/month.

If you're interested in subscribing ipsy glam bag, please use my referral link here so I can earn points for bonus items. It costs only USD$10 per month! Shipping is free in the U.S. and USD $4.95 for each bag shipped to Canada. 

Thank you so much for reading this unboxing / unbagging blog post.

Thanks for reading,
Erika xoxo

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Product review: Cosrx One Step Pimple Clear Pad

Hi beautifuls,

Korean beauty has been all the rage recently. Compared to western skincare products, Korean skincare products seem to match Hong Konger more. The price range is also lower for K-beauty.  Today, I'm gonna review a product that have been raved by a lot of YouTubers, COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad.

I got this pimple pad from a friend of mine who lives in Seoul, South Korea. Surprisingly, she hadn't heard about this brand before!

Let's take a look at the packaging. 


The signature red and white packaging. Sleek and simple.




This product is described to help to remove excess dirt and oil on the face and to purify clogged pores.



It also claimed to cleanse, exfoliate and treat breakouts.


BHA is one of the main chemicals to help exfoliate the skin.

Like other COSRX products, this is made in Korea. 
Each product contains 135ml, 70 pre-moistened pads.


At the very beginning, I used a whole pad every night to cleanse and prep the skin right before toner. 

However, I found it ran out super fast and a whole round cotton pad is too much for my face. Half of the pad had been wasted. So I cut them in half to save so money.

I can see a noticeable result after using this pimple pad. It is very effective in removing impurities on my face. I can see foundation residue on the cotton pad even after using makeup remover. 

Also, I found it help reducing breakouts as my skin has been in it stable stage after using this product. 
I am beyond satisfied with this amazing COSRX pimple pad.

Now iHerb carries COSRX products. Check them out and improve your skin!

Cosrx, One Step Pimple Clear Pad , 70 Pads, (135 ml)
http://www.iherb.com/pr/73893?code=RPC201

Hope you enjoy this little review!

Thanks for reading,
Erika xoxo



Wednesday, June 14, 2017

May 2017 ipsy Glam bag Unboxing

Hello sweeties, 

Today I'm gonna share what I got in my May 2017 ipsy glam bag. I know I'm pretty late as I went for vacation last month and couldn't squeeze the time to write this blog.

The theme of this month is Summer Friday. We can totally see how the design of the bag matches with the theme. A clear pouch with ice-cream cones pattern on it. Adorable!

Let's see what I got inside the bag.
1️⃣ Urban decay afterglow powder highlighter in Sin
2️⃣ Starlooks pro luxe pen eyeliner
3️⃣ Hey honey Shea Butter & Propolis Lip Balm 
4️⃣ Jelly Pong Pong Supercharged eyeshadow duo 
5️⃣ Royal & Langnickel Precision Angled Brush 

First thing first:🔸All Cruelty-Free! 🔸

Amazing to see ipsy created a fully cruelty-free ipsy bag for me. Stepping up, huh, ipsy? 

1️⃣ Urban decay afterglow powder highlighter in Sin (2.4g ~ USD 9.6)
The highlighter is more on the natural side. This champagne coloured highlighter makes you look like you're glowing from within. However, if you have darker skin tone, it may not show up as much. 

2️⃣ Starlooks pro luxe pen eyeliner (Full-size product, 1.5g USD 19)
Haven't open it yet as eyeliner tends to dry quickly. But what's so special about this eyeliner is that there is a stamp on the other end of the liner, so you can create a perfect "star" without drawing one.

3️⃣ Hey honey Shea Butter & Propolis Lip Balm (8ml, ~ USD 7.4)
I have tried a lot of hey honey's products (thanks ipsy!). They all worked pretty well. This lip balm is claimed to be moisturising and antibacterial (oh?), which sounds very interesting. We will have to wait to see if it really does the job.

4️⃣ Jelly Pong Pong Supercharged eyeshadow duo (Full-size product, 2g USD 22.95)
I'm always amazed by the quality of jelly pong pong's products. And also, very thankful that they're cruelty-free and vegan. However, I'm sorry to say that this eyeshadow duo disappointed me as the amount of fall out are unacceptable. 

5️⃣ Royal & Langnickel Precision Angled Brush (Full-size, USD 5.99)
Lastly, we have a cute, cruelty-free, vegan full-size makeup brush. The domed, angled shape brush works perfectly for nose contouring and sweeping off excess powder. 

The total value of the bag is USD 64.94 while ipsy bag is only costed $10/month.

If you're interested in subscribing ipsy glam bag, please use my referral link here so I can earn points for bonus items. It costs only USD$10 per month! Shipping is free in the U.S. and USD $4.95 for each bag shipped to Canada. 

Thank you so much for reading this unboxing / unbagging blog post.

Love,
erika

Cruelty-Free Lipsticks for Summer

Hello sweeties!

I have committed to be a cruelty-free consumer since this Spring. I'm still in a transition stage to be a fully cruelty-free consumer but I find it hard to do as the limited options in the Hong Kong beauty market. 

Unlike the western countries, there is no legislation nor organisation in Hong Kong to certificate whether a product is cruelty-free or not. It is hard for us, the hongkonger, to shop locally. For me, my only way to buy creulty-free products is to buy online.

Based on my research, here are some cruelty-free lipsticks made by Western and Korean brands that I would recommend for this summer.


🔸Innisfree Real Fit Lipstick - 10 Elegant Lady Purple 
🔸NYX Butter Lipstick - Explosif
🔸BareMinerals Matte Liquid Lipcolor - SWAG
🔸ELF Cosmetic Moisturizing Lipstick - Ravishing Rose

These formulas are very comfortable to wear. Especially the NYX Butter Lipstick in Explosif, it is my all time favourite. Pink, mauve and nude are some of my stables. They probably can match every occasion. 

All of these brands have been certificated by PETA/ Leaping Bunnies / Kara. 

Thank you so much for reading. 

Erika, xoxo
Instagram: @thegeminihk / @erikayuen