Christmas and presents

I haven’t been around much during Christmas for the past 3 years.

And the reason why am I not in town during Christmas is because my dear mom prefers spending it overseas where there is winter.

After pondering about it a little, I realized that it is true – it is not enjoyable to celebrate Christmas under the sweltering summer heat no matter how many presents I have under my Christmas tree (based on the assumption that I really have a decorative Christmas tree in home, and that I have a practice of putting presents under it).

In year 2010, I spent Christmas traveling in a little van for 8 hours.

In that 8 hours that I was traveling to and fro Ximen Ding (Taipei) to Xin Zhu, all I remember was stepping into the van from my Hotel in Ximen Ding, waking up at Xin Zhu market to eat the famous Gong Wan (Meatballs) and the Xin Zhu Mi Fen (Vermicelli), then waking up at my Hotel at Ximen Ding again.

I wouldn’t call that a meaningful Christmas, because all that happened that day was me getting indigestion and being unable to sleep at night.

If I were in town during Christmas, I would probably be celebrating Christmas in a more meaningful manner – attending a girls & booze pajamas sleepover party or playing poker and drinking booze at a chalet. Before I make myself sound like an alcoholic, I would like to declare that I am a teetotal. Well, almost, because being inebriated isn’t my style. Just kidding. No, I’m actually serious. Kidding.

But what a meaningful Christmas is to me is not just about how I spend it, regardless of which location in the world I go, but to feel happy on that day itself. Although spending Christmas in a van kinda suck, I stayed happy the whole time because I was shopping non-stop during the 2 weeks I was away.

That means that I didn’t only celebrate 12 days of Christmas, I celebrated 14. Two weeks of shopping? I am definitely happy, which makes Christmas meaningful for me.

Last Christmas, I was in Singapore because I came back from Hong Kong on 24th December, and only left for Bangkok on the 28th December. I thought its been a while since I celebrated Christmas here, so the occasion was gonna be wonderful.

Boy, was I wrong. But being the very magnanimous person that I am, I am going to forget all unhappy issues and focus on the happy ones.  And what can make me happier than receiving fabulous gifts? I am getting excited and am frantically typing away as I think about my new babies.

Lo and behold, I am going to post up some of the cosmetic and skincare items that I received for Christmas:

#1. Clio Professional Kill Black waterproof brush liner – Available at Watsons @ $25.90

Review: This brush is extremely easy to manipulate and it glides on smoothly on my eyelids. It is not difficult to achieve the cat eye effect as seen on the picture above. The colour of the eyeliner is not as black as gel liner, but it is perfect for lazy days because I am getting really sick of washing my gel liner brush after usage.

 

#2. Sponge to roll on my BB cream / liquid foundation.

I haven’t used it yet, but I do have similar products like this. This baby is great for blending BB cream or liquid foundation without leaving any streaks on the face due to its round texture. It is also a great substitute for a stippling brush, which creates a flawless finish for base makeup.

#3. Face masks from Taiwan.

Errrrr, you guys already know what’s this for. Shall skip the description.

#4. L’Oreal Infaillible eyeshadow in Gold Mine. ($11 at Chinatown! Cheaper than Watsons/Guardian/departmental stores/overseas!)

This was sold out everywhere and my sweet Santa secretly got it for me. It is too pretty to be used, so I shall keep it for a very, very special occasion before I open it. This particular eyeshadow is also waterproof and lasts for long hours. I love it! <3

 

#5. KATE eyeshadow

I think the people around me have already established that I have a penchant for Earthy-tones. Also, like a typical Singaporean, I prefer to keep my eyeshadow neutral because people always have nasty comments about brightly-coloured eyeshadow. (Never mind their lack of appreciation for art and beauty, it’s not right for people to insist that it is ugly because opinions are subjective.)

This shimmery palette highlights the inner corner of my eyes beautifully and creates a “popping” effect. Loveeee itttttt. I can barely sit still now. It’s 2am but I feel like playing and mixing colours.

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I am still swooning over my new stuff. Thank you all lovely people!

Do you guys swoon over makeup as much as I do?