USA Shopping Wish List - What Should I Get?

6:42 PM

In just over two weeks I'll be headed to Hawaii for a very much-needed holiday with the Boyfriend.

He's under the impression our vacation will be a bit like this...

Yeah, it's okay I guess.


...but I'm secretly planning something more resembling this.

FUCK YEAH SEPHORA!!!!

Sorry, Boyfriend!


Naturally, I already have a long, long list of things I sell-my-extra-kidney want, but aren't stocked in Australia. Plus goodies like these, which are easy to find in-store, but the RRP offends me so.

Read on for my hit-list!




Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
This seems to be every beauty blogger's go-to for problem skin. I don't get pimples regularly enough to justify buying this here, but US prices make it awfully tempting.



Clinique Chubby Sticks
Something else that comes recommended, but I haven't tried yet due to the gap between American and Australian prices. When I was in Canada a few years back, I was shocked to see that Clinque is more of a drugstore brand, compared to the more high-end air it gives off here. Plus I got a gift with purchase after spending around $25. Crazy, right! 



Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB
I love me some BB creams and have been vigorously testing out Asian brands as well as the few we have on shelf in Australia. Not sure if this will work for me or if it's a true BB, but the whole not released in Australia thing makes it super appealing.



Real Techniques brushes
I'm woefully uneducated in brushes, and currently rely on a Nutrimetics kabuki, an Ecotools blush brush and my fingers for all my make-up needs. Time to update my brush-drobe with these lookers. I've heard that these may now be available in Priceline, but again twice the US price. To the Americas!



Fresh Sugar balms
This one is a lock-in, with a mini balm duo being Sephora's Birthday Insider gift and my birthday falling during my trip. I wish I could be this organised in the rest of my life.



Wet n Wild blush
Highly pigmented, gorgeous colours and change leftover from a fiver for some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. What's not to like?



Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shower Gel
I love cinnamon anything, so this scent is at the top of my list of Philosophy washes and lotions. Also it reminds me of Ax from Animorphs. Why yes, I'm a dork.


MAC Morange
This is the only MAC lippy I really want right now, but I'm sure my arm will be easily twisted into picking up a few more Lipcremes.



Crayola beauty range
Kimmi brought my attention to their existence, and they seem tricky to find so it would be a waste of a trip if I didn't at the very least pick up the mini nail polishes and the hair crayons, right? Right!



Demeter fragrances
Gosh I do love these singular scents. I've worked my way through about seven bottles that I picked up when they were discontinued at David Jones like ten years ago and I want to try some more after falling in love with Fig Leaf and Funeral Home. Honeysuckle, Thunderstorm, Black Ginger and Condensed Milk are all on my list, and prices start from a wee $6.



Peanut Butter M&Ms

Oh sweet baby cheeses, yes! And the pretzel ones too.


Oh, and Gimbal's Cherry Lovers Jellybeans. These are amazing and because they are ALL red, there's no annoying flavours taking up space (i.e. any flavour but red).

I'll also be hitting up all the stores in search of my holy grails - long cotton tops and jeans with a super high inseam. Doing my part for the US economy, y'know.


Now what I really want to know is what I'm missing from my list? What would you buy with the glorious American dollar? If I were to maybe to pick up a little something something for a future giveaway, what would you like to see added to my shopping basket?


*All product photos taken from the respective brands website*


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55 brilliant comments

  1. Oh you lucky thing! If I went to the US I think I would simply stock up on all the stuff that we have here but is ridiculously expensive...oh wait, that would be everything. Gagh!
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can already tell I'm going to spend use so much money on beauty things. But it's kinda like saving money right, because they cost so much more here?

      Delete
  2. I did this exact same thing when I went to New York last year. I was armed with the longest list known to man, and it was sweeeeet. So very sweet. MAC hit the motherload with me as a customer! I think I spent $500 between MAC and Sephora alone. Eeep!

    The Demeter Fragrences sound really strange - but cool. I wonder if thunderstorm lives up to it's name? $6 is crazy good. Especially for a storm in a bottle!

    I would definitely recommend picking up some Make Up For Ever. Their foundations and eyeshadows are to die for.

    Have fun in Hawaii! I'm too jealous. Please tell me you're taking time out of your busy shopping schedule to visit a volcano or two. That'd be the coolest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Demeter scents are so good - a little strange but I love layering them. No idea what Thunderstorm will be like but I'm intrigued.
      Ooh actually I was meaning to check out Make Up Forever - particularly their liners *adds to list*.

      Delete
  3. You're going to have SO much fun! The husband and I just got back a little over a month ago and we LOVED IT! Hawaii truly IS paradise. Hope you have a lot of fun :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, I remember reading all your posts and taking note of where to eat! I've never been before so I'm very excited!

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  4. Hawaii has stores called ABC all over the place. They sell a variety of things, kitschy souvenirs to beauty products. One line that is only carried in Hawaii and Las Vegas is Island girl. They've got nail polishes, make up, etc. Super affordable and nice quality. Island Girl polishes are highly sought after here in the states due to their limited availability. I was in Honolulu in April and the shopping there...oh my! Prepare yourself. Also the weather is absolutely sublime! Hotter than Hades but no humidity. Beware the butterfish though. :(

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Oh I hadn't heard of Island Girl before. Thanks, I'll make sure to try and pick some to those up. I lurve hot weather, the hotter then better, that's why I'm going in the middle of summer :)

      What's wrong with butterfish? I always get it with chips :/

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  5. A good place to ger Real Techniques brushes (as well as Ecotools) is iHerb - shipping is $6 internationally, $4 if you buy over $40 worth of stuff. :D

    So jelly of your trip! I've never been out of Australia. :'(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love iHerb - that's where I bought my Ecotools from, as well as some organic chocolate and apple pie spices :)

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    2. I'm getting RT and Ecotools brushes from there when I get paid next week. :D Aussie prices are silly. Gotta love the Internet. <3 :')

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    3. You go, Internet! Four for you, Internet!

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  6. How exciting!! Hope you have a blast :) those Cherry Lovers jelly beans sound like the best thing ever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are SO good. They make Honey Lovers too :D

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  7. This post is practically made for me. I cackled at all of the photos - especially the Mean Girls gif. I have a mental shopping list for if I ever go to the states (which realistically is no where in the near future) so here are my picks. At least one of us has to live out the American dream, right?

    - Tarte Amazonian clay blushes: I've heard so many good things about them from their long lasting ability to their high pigmentation. Heaps of people like Tipsy but I have my eye on Exposed.
    - Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: name is hard enough to remember. It recently came out in the US (I found out about them from ItsJudyTime on Youtube) and they seem very similar to Clinique chubby sticks, except they also act as a stain. I think they retail for around $8 over there. I have Honey and Sweetheart on their way to me... :D
    - MAC: MAC anything tbh just because it's so cheap over there compared to here...
    - NARS blushes: I've heard so many good things about their blushes but have a hard time handing my cash over for them at MECCA.
    - Urban Decay: because they're not available in Australia and only if eyeshadows are your thing. I have their Naked palette and it's awesome <3

    Hope you have a good holiday :) xx

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ooh I'm def adding some of those to my list! I'm keen to swatch some Tarte blushes and I remember reading about the Revlon Balm Stains, I thin they have a texta marker version too?
      I'm getting excited seeing all the goodies I could buy - I'm taking an extra suitcase just for it :D

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  8. The new Urban Decay Smokey Eye Palette is about to launch like next week :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd like to give that a try! Feeling little guilty because I have the Two Faced smoky eye palette and haven't tried it yet....

      Delete
  9. Check out the OPI for Sephora nail polish, their shade range is amazing and the quality is great!

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    1. Yes I will! I think the OPI Nicole range is good quality too, no?

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  10. I'm so jealous! I went there in June of last year and it was great. The shopping is amazing, especially the Ala Moana shopping centre! I recommend looking at the store list on the website and having an idea of where you want to visit as it's huge.

    Sounds like you have Sephora sussed out but use your points to redeem gifts and ask for samples as they are really generous. I recommend Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, NARS bronzer and eyeshadow primer, Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser and primer, Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes, and Urban Decay setting spray.

    Also at Ala Moana, Bath and Body Works sells mini hand sanitizers in a huge variety of scents which are great for your handbag and as little gifts. Their candles are amazing and if you can afford the weight in your suitcase I’d recommend taking one home.

    Mariposa Restaurant on Level 3 of Neiman Marcus at the Ala Moana is a nice place for lunch. The Lobster Club sandwich and Crab Salad are delicious!

    The Cheesecake Factory is great for dinner and dessert. The menu is huge and so are the servings! It's always busy so you often need to wait. Ask to sit at the bar if it's a long wait.

    There's a Walmart a short walk form the Ala Moana Center. The makeup here is ridiculously cheap! Check out Revlon, Maybelline, L'Oreal, Hard Candy, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation, Essie nailpolish, EOS lip balms, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, Jergens Natural Glow moistuiser, Maui Babe Browning Lotion (if you like to tan).

    If you like nail polish like OPI there's a store on the bottom level of the Ala Moana called Hino Hairstyles that sells them for around $8

    The DFS Galleria sells certain high-end cosmetic brands duty free (there's a MAC and Chanel counter, among others).

    If you're interested in visiting some outlets the Waikele Premium Outlets are quite good if you like any of the stores they have.

    Also, the Real Techniques brushes are amazing! The Buffing Brush from the Core Collection is so good for foundation.

    I hope you have a great holiday!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. ZOMG CHEESECAKE FACTORY!!!! I ate their so much in Canada and gained like 20kg because of it. So going there! Love BBW I think it's a given I'll go stock up there. I like their Xmas stuff, but sadly visiting in the wrong season for cinnamony goodness. Oh and I REALLY want to try the Aussie hair mask, such a lemming because everyone else loves it.

      I'll be staying very close to Ala Moana centre, so am taking down everything you've listed here. Poor Boyfriend will have you to blame for doubling my list/time spent shopping. Mwahahahaha!!

      Delete
  11. I'd definitely be looking for NYX and Wet n Wild for super cheap. And anything MAC since the prices are at least half the Australian RRP. I recommend iHerb.com for RT brushes at US prices + $6 shipping delivered usually within 10 days :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I suspect I'll be sneaking into every drugstore we walk by for a quick peek at the cheapie brands.

      Yup, love me some iHerb too! They did a great jobs sending my Ecotools brush over.

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  12. I went a bit Sephora mad when I was in NYC last November - I can second the Tarte blushes, love mine - I got it as part of a brightening set - the illuminating serum was also worth getting! Other favourites were the Tocca perfumes - I got Brigitte as a solid perfume and just love it. Solid perfume is sooo much better for travel. My other rec is actually a Sephora brand product - a teensy little Sephora makeup palette that only cost about seven dollars (it was reduced). It has 8 eyeshadows, 2 blushes and 8 lip glosses. Some of the eyeshadows aren't amazing in formula, but for the price who cares! Found it online, it's called Color Flip, a LE it seems.

    Oh, and sign up for a Sephora loyalty card while you're there - the rewards are brilliant, and I easily spent over $100!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Good to know that the Sephora house brand is decent too, I'll def pick up a few.

      Tocca's Cleopatra just happens to be on my very long list already, I can't justify buying in at Mecca, but I sure can at US prices :D

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  13. I would skip the Clinique chubby sticks and just get the Revlon Just Bittens. They are not only better, but also cheaper! I love mine!! Wet n Wild eye shadows are really good. And if you're into nail stamping, their Ebony Hates Chris is the perfect black stamping polish. And they have a new polish collaboration with Fergie and there are some cool polishes in that collection, including one with star shaped glitter!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I keep hearing good things about the Just Bitten Balm! Think I'll pick up a few of those too, why not :)
      Ooh I think I saw the star glitter polish on someone's 4th of July post. Def want that one.

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  14. Which island(s) will you be on? If you're looking for shopping on Oahu, drop by the Waikele Outlet--I think there is a tourist trolley that goes there from Waikiki. Coach is relatively more affordable there. For American drugstore brands, I would recommend checking out Prestige's Total Intensity Long-Lasting eyeliner and Milani's Infinite Liquid Eyeliner. Also, NYX's lip products in general, especially the matte lip creams, are pretty good. I'm a fan of the One Night in Morocco eyeshadow palette! There is a decent Prestige and NYX selection at Long's drugstore in Ala Moana, but if you are up for a short walk, you can get a much larger selection at a Japanese grocery store called Don Quijote, which is very, very close to Ala Moana. I find that they are better stocked in general with the brands that they carry (NYX, Maybelline, L'Oreal, Revlon, Jesse's Girl, Wet 'n' Wild, Prestige, and others). They also have some Japanese cosmetics and bath & body products--but they are WAY marked up versus getting them straight out of Japan. That's where I go for Softymo cleansing oil, though! Don Q is fun to poke around in general as they carry a wide variety of Japanese snacks and other products, too! Milani is not carried at the Ala Moana Longs if I recall correctly, but it is at the Walgreen's on Keeaumoku and there is a slightly better (albeit more marked up) selection at the Sears inside of Ala Moana. Sorry if this is info overload, but in any case, happy shopping and I hope you have a great time in Hawaii!

    I came across your blog via a link from the Lipstick League, by the way--you are absolutely hilarious! I love the way your brain works!

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    1. I'll be around Ala Moana heaps, so I'm happy with the amount of shopping I should be able to squeeze out from around there. Don Quijote sounds great, love looking through random brands. I wonder if Japanese brands are cheaper in the US? Because they do have a hefty mark-up in Australia too.

      Love the v informative comment, my list is getting longer and longer....

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    2. From the brands I remember...I want to say that on average it's at least 2-2.5x the price at Don Q versus what the same product goes for in Japan. So sorry I don't know how much Japanese products get marked up in Australia!

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  15. Ohhh so much jealousy! I just got back from the States a couple of weeks ago, and let me tell you, I certainly bought ALL of the things! Sephora I went mad at - over...and over again! My recs are:

    1. First thing - sign up for Sephora's Beauty Insider card so you can redeem all your points on gifts.

    2. It's hard to recommend a specific brand - coz obviously literally everything is half the cost it is here. I did buy a lot of Clinique, which I intended too, plus it was so easy to, when eye pencils and lip glosses are all of $15 - ridiculously cheap. Highly recommend their new Quick Liner Intense eye pencils - the pigment is super awesome. I also bought a lot of Nude skincare (which Sephora aren't actually stocking anymore - so you'll have to grab what you can find!) coz I've tried a few things from them before, and they're awesome, but I'm not interested in dropping $180 for a moisturiser in Australia. $92 on it in the US? More ok with.


    3. Sephora brand stuff is pretty damn good. Word in the know is that Revlon own them, but the quality is pretty damn awesome, and so damn cheap! I was going to pick up one or two of the NARS Eye Shadow pencils - but got swayed by the Sephora version which were half the price. Lipsticks and brushes also awesome.

    4. The mini sized EVERYTHING at the check outs is amazing. I pretty much picked up one of everything each time I checked out. I'd actually advise hitting up these first, as then you can try things before buying full sized later - for example, I picked up mini's Benefit They're Real mascara, Kate Somerville Exfolikate, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, Urban Decay All Night Setting Spray... Ps Sephora will return anything (amazeballs) - I bought the Clinique eye make up remover as hadn't tried it and needed some - but it stung my eyes - took back to Sephora - easy return. So much love.

    5. Lavanila prodz - been dying to try these - and I picked up a deodorant and a shower gel. I'm yet to use them so can't comment - but they smell yummy?

    6. Speaking of smelling yummy - their range of roller ball fragrances is awesome sauce too. Great for pressies, great for travel, just great!

    7. If you're after a Clarisonic...hard to go past ALL the pretty colours they get them in in the America's! Not quite half price as Aussie retailers did drop their prices on them, but still a good $30 cheaper - plus don't forget the replacement brush heads are cheaper too.

    8. I seriously shopped the shit out of The Gap. Their cotton basics are amazing - I think I bought 239 of their tshirts. I couldn't say no at approx $10 a pop. Plus they have super cute shorts and summer dresses and underwear and sports wear...oh my!

    9. H&M have awesome $6 singlets. Not sure if there's an H&M in Hawaii, but I'm assuming so, and their singlets are the shit. Their queues are not, but it's worth it.

    10. OPI nail polishes - $8 each at a chemist.

    11. Victoria's Secret bras are seriously awesome. Also love their sports wear.

    I could go on but this has gotten pretty damn long already...

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Okay, so I've signed up for the Sephora Birthday thing, but I guess Sephora insider is a sign-up instore kind of deal? Will remember to ask once I'm there!


      Love the minis they have at check-out too! I picked some up when I was traveling in Canada a few years ago and the mini blushes I got were so perfectly sized.

      Haven't tried Lavanila - added to list!

      My bf has a Clarisonic, will remind him to pick up some more heads. And some for me to use too when he's not looking ;)

      Love The Gap. It's so hard packing, because obviously I'll need clothes to wear, but I know I'm going to buy so much anyway.

      THANK YOU for the v helpful comment, you're full of awesome suggestions!

      Delete
    2. Yup sign up in store on the spot and they give you the card. You get a point for every dollar you spend so it's tres awesome!

      I quite literally packed about 5 days worth of clothes into an overnight bag...annnnd bought 2 suitcases and filled them with clothes and makeup! Insane - and I was having a heart attack on the plane on the way over, as it was my first time to the Americas, and I was worried I wouldn't like the clothes/wouldn't fit/etc. HA! I was oh so wrong.

      I know you're doing the Hawaii thing, which I haven't done, but a friend from work went last year, and said next trip she was packing an empty suitcase. Just saying. :)

      Delete
    3. Sweeeeeeet! So getting that card!
      I have luggage sooo sorted. Quarter-full suitcase on the way there (all I need is a bikini, right?) and an extra suitcase plus whatever I can fit into the boyfriend's bags on the way back. I'm a pro at luggage stuffing too.

      Delete
    4. Excellent plan! Ugh I'm green with envy. Have an amazing holiday and please post all about your hauls so I can gawk appropriately and live vicariously.

      Delete
  16. Well, he does know now3! Typically the ONE time he bothers to read my blog too!

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  17. LOL a lot of these products you can actually get here! Why a Chubby Stick when you can get the Revlon Kissable BalmStains?!

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    1. Yep, I know but as I'm not 100% sure I want them, it's a lot easier to decide with the cheaper price point!

      Delete
  18. I know I have already said this in your face but I hate you.

    Go crazy with Wet & Wild products cos their eyeshadow palettes cost as much as your morning coffeeeeeee!

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  19. I think you should definitely try some more of the Revlon Lip butters...I am in love with them. I hear the Revlon Kissable Balm Stains actually are more pigmented than the Chubby Sticks, but there are also the Tarte LipSurgence lip pencils. Definitely pick up some Wet N Wild stuff. A lot of the summer drugstore brands have just launched their summer collections, so be sure to get your hands on that stuff. As for high end, I don't know what sort of stuff you guys don't have, since I live in the states...but definitely go into a Sephora and see what there is you like! Benefit is releasing a bunch of new stuff and Urban Decay just released their new smoky palette...lot's of fun stuff.
    Hope this helps, and enjoy your time here in the US!
    -Angela, from the Lipstick Clique (thelipstickclique.blogspot.com, come check out our blog if you're interested!)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I think I will def pick up some more Lip Butters, especially as there are more colours in the US. Tutti Frutti is top of my list.
      I have nothing some Tarte, so maybe I'll grab a few of their clay blushes and one of the lip pencils? I'm wavering towards the Revlon pencils over Clinique now, because of all the feedback!
      Yep we don't have as much in Asutralia in terms of brands, but the main thing is that they are all so much more expensive than in the US so it's hard to justify trying everything out.
      Thanks so much for your suggestions, and I'll check your blog out too!

      Delete
  20. lol my husband thinks we are going to the US in Oct for a holiday but I have shopping plans like you. I have tried the RT brushes (highly recommend) as I purchased them from iherb but I have a shopping list for sephora including MUFE foundation and such, as well as a drugstore list full of nail polishes and WNW eyeshadow palettes that I also highly recommend.

    Now we just have to hope that the shopping lives up to our dreams ;)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Lol make sure he has a good book to read while you're shopping! Mine spent many hours outside MAC and Sephora...

      Delete
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