I honestly debated whether or not to even post this because I didn't want to seem like I was bragging or showing off, so let me preface this by saying: I did not ask for these gifts! I just so happen to have an amazing boyfriend and family who like to spoil me. I kept telling Jordan to stop buying me gifts but he honestly loves giving them, so what's a girl to do? Also, watching haul videos (especially Christmas and birthday hauls) just so happens to be one of my favourite things to do so I figure there has to be other people out there like myself.

I was most shocked to receive this gift because Jordan had already given me a Kate Spade passport holder prior to our trip. Apparently he had already bought the bag before I purchased my Rebecca Minkoff bag but knew that I wouldn't use it as an "every day" bag anyway, as it's quite small. I also have to figure out how to downsize my current wallet to fit everything into this one! I knew I was getting the phone case because I picked it out at Winners (half price!) but the earrings were also a surprise.

These Sam Edelman "Penny" boots are actually the only thing I had on my birthday wishlist. I've been wanting them for years now and found them for a great price a couple months ago (a lot less than the $200+ they are right now!), so I asked Jordan to get them for me for my birthday. The jacket was also one that I tried on and liked sometime last year but didn't buy. I was in dire need of a long jacket for Fall/Spring because a lot of my cardigans are longer than my other jackets. The quilted pattern and hood just make it perfect!

Naturally, I received hoards of makeup. Jordan had asked me to make a ColourPop wishlist and I mentioned that I wanted "Mother" by Kat Von D and the Sephora Favourites "Give Me Some Lip" kit (but I asked for that as a Christmas gift). I didn't realize until I unwrapped my gifts that basically everything I asked for was a nude-pink shade, oops! I'll post swatches of the ColourPop items as well as the Sephora Favourites set soon. The mini Kat Von D liquid lipstick in "Lolita 2" was actually a free sample but I added it in the picture anyway.

I also received a bunch of hair care products from Jordan and his sister. My favourite purple shampoo, as well as a clarifying and a moisturizing shampoo, a detangling spray, travel size bottles of my favourite hairspray, and a mini wet brush (the full size is one of my favourite purchases of this year).

Finally, the miscellaneous items! A magnifying lighted mirror for applying makeup, a book, and a new coffee tea mug for work. I also received a tank top and a shirt from Jordan's sister but I was wearing them the day that I took these photos. I received money from family which I will probably put that towards some new clothes or a pair of booties for Fall.

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already seen that Jordan also gave me an amazing Sephora cake for my birthday. I was amazed at the attention to detail in the work - even the "eyeshadows" were textured or sparkly.

I didn't have any big birthday plans this year, which may be a symptom of aging, hah! Jordan asked me if I wanted to go out for supper but I said I would rather order in chinese food and watch Netflix in my PJs so that's what we did and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday!

Spring Sephora VIB Sale Haul

I was a little disappointed that the Spring Sephora VIB sale was only 15% off (as opposed to the 20% we had in the Fall) and for that reason, I really tried to limit my spending! I picked up a few things in store but a few things I wanted were out of stock so I ended up placing an online order as well. Keep reading to find out my initial impressions on my purchases!

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation | After trying samples of what seemed like every foundation at Sephora aside from this one, I decided to just take a chance and order it online (I live two hours away from the store). I ordered the color "Siberia" which is the lightest shade as I am generally always the lightest shade in foundation, however, it is just a little yellow on my skin. In hindsight, I probably should have chosen the more pink-toned "Mont Blanc". So far I do like this foundation but it hasn't reached holy grail status. It applies nicely and offers a medium coverage, though I found that it clung to my dry spots when I applied it with a beauty blender. I ended up buying a foundation brush and it seems to apply better with that, without highlighting any dry patches. It wears fairly well throughout the day, though I can definitely notice where it has worn away from some areas after a 12-hour shift. From a distance, my skin looks flawless with this foundation but I'm not a fan of how it looks up close. It would be perfect for photos or videos though!

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick | Technically only one of these is from the VIB sale but considering I got the other one around the same time, I figured I would include it. I actually bought the first one in "Berlin" from Jordan's co-worker, whose husband accidentally picked up the wrong color for her. Rather than deal with exchanging it at the store, she asked Jordan if I would like it so he bought it from her and gave it to me. I liked the formula so much that I decided to buy another color during the sale. I picked up "Beloved" which, if you look at the photo, looks really similar to Berlin. However, Berlin is more coral whereas Beloved is more pink. These are quite comfortable to wear and last for hours (except during meals).

Bite Agave Lip Mask | This has been on my wishlist forever and I finally picked it up! I wanted the pink one but it was sold out in store so I ended up getting the original. This is super thick to the point where it is hard to squeeze out of the tube. I love applying it before bed though and waking up with soft, moisturized lips.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector | As I've mentioned a million times before, I have really bad under-eye circles. I bought this based on the good reviews in hopes that it would help conceal them. Perhaps my expectations were too high because I was slightly disappointed in this, but not to the point where I would return it. This is a sticky, shimmery product and it only requires a small amount so hopefully it will last a long time. Combined with foundation and concealer, this does really brighten the under-eye area, but it isn't the miracle worker that I was hoping it would be.

Anthony Deep Pore Cleansing Clay | I stumbled upon this while browsing the Sephora website one day and figured I would give it a try based on the excellent reviews, many of which compare it to the Glam Glow masks for a much cheaper price. I've only used this twice so I haven't really formed a conclusion yet as to whether or not it is helping my skin. I don't have problem skin to start with so it's often difficult for me to judge skin products. I will say that it kind of burns when applied to the skin - first in a cool, minty way and then in a warm, sunburn way. My skin also tends to look sunburned after I apply it, at least for a few minutes! I definitely wouldn't use this more than once or twice a week, but I am curious to know if this has any overall effect on my skin or not.

I also received the following two samples in my online Sephora order:

YSL Black Opium | Oh. My. God. This will be my next purchase from Sephora, let me tell you that! This is not the type of perfume that I would typically go for - I tend to like fruity perfumes like Marc Jacobs or Juicy Couture, whereas this is a spicy (and sweet) perfume. It would be perfect for nights out but I actually love it for day-to-day wear as well. It is super long-lasting and I cannot stop sniffing myself when I am wearing this.

Mason Martin Margiela Replica Beach Walk | The reviews seem to indicate that most people smell coconut or suntan lotion in this perfume but when I sprayed it, both Jordan and I got "old lady perfume" vibes. It does settle down to a more subtle, sweet scent but overall I'm not a fan.

Did you buy anything in the Sephora VIB sale? If so, leave a comment below & let me know!

Valentine's Day Haul: Kate Spade, Sephora, Victoria's Secret & more!

While in St. John's for the weekend, I decided to do a little Valentine's Day shopping for myself, because why not? There's no better time than the holiday of pink and red to splurge and buy yourself the shoes (and the makeup, or whatever else you want). I even bought myself $3 roses the day after Valentine's Day because I love having fresh flowers in the house and you can't beat that price.

Ha, I bet you were expecting something more scandalous in that Victoria's Secret bag but alas, I bought a new makeup case. They have a ton of adorable makeup bags in every shape and size in store and I had a hard time choosing but ultimately decided on this one. I like how it is clear so that you can see what is inside and the shape allows you to search for items more easily than a zip-top pouch. I cannot find this exact one on the website but it retails for $26 CAN in store. This one is similar, though a bit more expensive.

The boots are from Globo Shoes and they are the K Studio Fusagasuga booties. I'm actually kind of annoyed because I paid full price for them and now they are on sale for $30 and I am two hours away from the store, ugh! Anyway, I went to the store in search of casual ankle booties and left with these but I've been wanting a pair of black suede wedge boots for a while (I featured a similar pair here) so no harm done. I really wanted to wear them downtown on Saturday night but alas, the 20cm of snow ruined that plan.

From Sephora I picked up the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in "Trooper", a travel-size version of the Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara, the Sephora Collection Solid Brush Cleanser, the Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in "Amarone" and the Sephora Collection Small Pencil Sharpener. I also picked up samples of the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and the YSL Touche Eclat Le Teint Foundation. I really wanted to get the Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in "Aubergine" but it was sold out so I had to settle for the non-matte pencil. The color is nice but the wear time isn't great, however, I suppose that is to be expected with a non-matte color. I am really into dark berry-colored lips right now, which is a bit odd as I am normally a lover of all things pink.

My Valentine's Day gift from Jordan hadn't arrived in the mail prior to Valentine's Day so I didn't receive it until last night. Turns out that he took a hint from my Valentine's Day Gift Guide For Her post and purchased the Kate Spade "Rise and Shine" stud earrings (in sapphire!) for me.

Anyone who knows me knows that navy is my favourite color and I'm a lover of all things Kate Spade, which means that these are right up my alley! I must say, Jordan always does a great job of picking out jewelry for me (even if he had a little help this time around) and I am never disappointed! Now, if only he would buy that engagement ring.. ha!