HAUL | ❤︎ Mother's Day Edition ❤︎

Mother's Day here in the US is rolling around (this weekend!) and it's time to do some shopping to show our appreciation for all the things our moms do and endure for us. There's nothing wrong with making homemade gifts or other acts of appreciation, but it's nice to receive a little something nice. ;)

Photo courtesy of http://www.acclaimclipart.com

I've actually made gifts for my mom before, like a knitted scarf, but I never see her use it. I've also bought her bath and body products but the lotions are still full--I've been using them whenever I visit
>.< She loves getting letters and cards so I always make sure to include one. I'm sorry that there aren't any swatches or anything of the items but it wouldn't be nice of me if I used the products when they're gifts. I hope you understand. :D

❤︎ My mom personally likes getting makeup, especially lipstick. I've gotten her the Bobbi Brown Classic Lip Color Trio for her birthday. The colors include Salmon, Soft Rose, and Pale Mauve. Each lipstick normally retails for $25 USD but you get the entire set for $62 USD plus shipping and handling on QVC, compared to $75 USD if you bought each of them separately. Each lipstick contains 0.39 oz ($52.99 USD for 1 oz) which is about 3 times more than the average lipstick, amount-wise. Bobbi Brown lipsticks are actually more affordable than MAC ($16USD for 0.1 oz or $160 USD for 1oz). The pictures on the website aren't that accurate as Soft Rose and Pale Mauve look much darker while Salmon looks  less vibrant in real life. She ended giving me the Salmon color as it is too nude for her age and I quite like the texture and color for Spring. It applies smoothly and opaquely without skipping.  It doesn't dry out my lips and the color is quite pigmented. The color is quite natural on me and brightens my complexion. The finish is what I'd call satin matte; it's not matte but there isn't a glossy finish either. My lips aren't in such a good condition right now but it doesn't emphasize the dry spots. The lipstick does come off onto any cup I put my lips to but the color lasts for about 4-5 hours if I don't eat a full meal but do drink things (snacking on nuts and stuff doesn't really count). I haven't had problems with the lipstick bullet melting or anything but it hasn't been hot enough around here to test that out (and I am unwilling to put my lipstick through that unnecessarily).The packaging isn't glamorous or anything but it is sleek, perfect for the sophisticated lady.

The bottom picture is with the lipstick on (if that wasn't too apparent)

❤︎ Another lipstick that is mom-approved is the YSL Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 in the shade 03 Beige Ultimate. It's described as a mauve-taupe, perfect for everyday. The color online is not accurate again (what is with online pictures???) as it is a bit darker. I like that it contains SPF because not very many products do and it's important to protect every inch of your skin from the harmful UV rays. I was devastated when she lost it after less than a week since I gifted it to her but I got her a replacement since she loved it so much. The packaging is iconic and so glamorous. It comes at $35 USD a pop for 0.12 oz ($291.67 USD for 1 oz). I'm shocked at how much this lipstick costs in comparison to the Bobbi Brown but my mom was much more excited when she pulled the YSL out compared to the Bobbi Brown. You are pretty much paying for the pretty packaging but she loves pulling it out and reapplying when she's at work or when she's out and about. This range comes in 10 shades so you'll be sure to find something to suit your mom :D

❤︎ Moving onto the eyes, I've gotten my mom the YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll Mascara to go along with the exorbitant lipstick (as I'm a stickler for things matching) on another occasion. She has hooded eyes but this doesn't smudge or flake on her. The packaging is luxurious and gold. It comes it 2 colors, black and brown. My best friend also loves it and calls it her holy grail mascara. She has really long and thick lashes so I think this mascara is a general crowd pleaser. This mascara will set you back $30 USD for 0.2 oz ($150 USD For 1 oz). 

Photo courtesy of Sephora.com

❤︎ I like giving people things that I know and love so I had to get my mom the Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara. This is my holy grail mascara as it lengthens, volumizes, and separates my lashes to make them look the best they can without clumps of any sort. It doesn't smudge or run on me unless I take a nap and sleep face down into my pillow (I never understood why I do that) but it's easily wiped away with my finger. I do get flakes if I apply way too much one day but it isn't noticeable and is easily removable without ruining my under eye or eye makeup. Another bonus is that it's waterproof as well--even the non-waterproof version! I have quite oily eyelids  and teary eyes so a smudgeproof and waterproof mascara is a necessity. The packaging is also so sensual and glamorous. The curvy tube just draws me in and the ombre glitter is just lovely in real life--my picture does not do it justice. 

 I'm not sure what they're talking about when it comes to a curved brush but the one I have reminds me of a flat Christmas tree. It's triangle-shaped if you look at it from one side but if you rotate the brush 90º, it's flat. Coming in at $28.50 USD for (), it is worth every cent! I'm planning to get one for myself for my birthday or so as I have a ton of mascaras I need to use up but I'm having a hard time sticking to that plan when it's just so amazing! My sample hasn't run out nor dry out and it's been about 2 months or so. REVIEW

❤︎ The last thing I picked up for my mom is the Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria Eau de Parfum Spray. It comes in 3 sizes; I picked up the 1.4 oz for $49 USD ($32.67 USD for 1 oz). This is the first time I'm giving her a fragrance but I thought it would be a nice, everyday morning scent. A description of the scent is Feminine, fruity, floral, airy, uplifting, and sensual. The notes are as follows:

+Top note - cherry blossom, mandarin, bergamot 

+Mid note - violet, pastel rose accord, syringa 

+Base note - bamboo, sandalwood, bare musk accord

Ulta is having great deals on fragrances right now, including a free tote with any $40 purchase, among others. If you are part of their platinum rewards program, you get 3x times the points which you can use to redeem discounts on future purchases, good until Saturday 5/10. Sephora is having 3x the point reward for fragrance purchases that you can redeem for minis and other perks until Sunday 5/11.

So that's all the stuff I've gotten my mother in past years. I know everything is super expensive but I feel like my mom has given up much for me that these little treats are the least I can do to make her feel more beautiful and confident. It's also important to stick within your budget. There's plenty of DIYs that you can also do for your mom. A heartfelt letter always makes my mom happy and teary. My brothers and I also like to cook dinner for the entire family to give her a day off. Of course, you should show your mom love every day, not just on Mother's Day, but it's hard for me to do so when I live so far. Giving her a call once in a while so she knows you're alive isn't such a hardship (something that I'm going to do once this post goes live).

MWAH Musings ❤︎

• Haven't been doing much studying--even though my bio final is this Monday >.<

• Just sent my Mother's Day cards to my mom and aunt. I hope they get there in time!

• So close to catching up on my blog posts--finally! Just need one more and Friday's post and I'll finally be getting back on track (After moaning about it so much lol)

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Disclosure Statement: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above and was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Links are not affiliate links and are provided for the readers' convenience. I cannot guarantee that the product(s) will work for you. I do not approve or endorse the products or information available on these sites. Proceed at your own risk.