International Make-up Shopping (Nordstrom & Borderlinx)

I recently purchased MAC makeup from the Nordstrom website. Since Nordstrom doesn't ship cosmetics and beauty products internationally, I had to use a shippping forwarder. My friend told me about Borderlinx. You register for FREE and they give you a US & UK address for free!
I prefer buying makeup from the states because it is cheaper compared to here in Saudi Arabia. For example, a MAC lipstick is only $15 (56 SAR) in the states but over here in KSA, MAC sells it for 98 SAR, that's 42 SAR difference! Recently, I purchased $270 worth of makeup (12 items), had it shipped to my Borderlinx address, payed ONLY $25 shipping from the US to here in KSA, and I still saved $60 buying from Nordstrom compared to buying here in KSA! Shipping was fast too! I received my items within 3 days!

What I like about Borderlinx is they repack your shipments to save you from shipping costs. My items originally came in a box from nordstrom, and they repacked the items in a plastic DHL package to save space and weight. They charge shipping based on size & weight, you can even check the price on their Intl. Shipping Calculator.

Be sure not to order prohibited items (listed here) because your shipments will be on hold. I accidentally ordered MAC brush cleaner (didn't know there was alcohol in it. Anything containing alcohol or flammable substance are prohibited) and they e-mailed me that my package could not be shipped. I had to either have them send the item back to Nordstrom, or dispose it. Sending the item back to the sender costs $20 so I decided to let them dispose the brush cleaner.

So if you want to shop from US websites and need a US address, register at Borderlinx now! 

MAC 'Illustrated' by Rebecca Moses Brown Face Kit (Swatches & Video)

MAC Rebecca Moses Face Kit (brown)

If you've read my previous post, you'll know that I recently purchased the brush set and this palette from MAC's newest collection, 'Illustrated' by Rebecca Moses. I was excited cause this is my 1st time to purchase a palette from a collection. It was $49.50 ($101 value) at the Nordstrom website.

This palette includes:

1 blush (melba)

4 eyeshadows (clockwise: orb, all that glitters, show stopper, smoked sepia)

2 lipsticks (Ravishing clean, Myth light)

1 duo brush (275 SE medium angled brush, and 316 SE lip brush)

The 275 SE brush is so scratchy! I own a 2009 275SE but it was so soft, wider and fluffier, however the one included in this palette is very very scratchy and thinner.

Rebecca Moses Face Kit blush and eyeshadow swatches

The blush & eyeshadows are pigmented but you can barely see orb on my arm cause it's close as my skin color. I thought smoked sepia would be more of an orange brown but it's more of a rustic/dirty brown. I think show stopper was the only e/s I had a difficult time applying to my lid I feel like I need to scrape the eyeshadow on the pan to be able to get a good color pay off.

 MAC L/S comparisons

MAC L/S comparisons

And now, my FIRST youtube video :) Tutorial on how I use this palette. Hope you like it! :)

MAC 'Illustrated' Collection by Rebecca Moses All Over Brush Kit (Nordstrom Exclusive)

MAC All Over Brush Kit ('Illustrated' by Rebecca Moses)

Nordstrom recently launched this collection few weeks ago, and I had to make sure I get my hands on this brush set and the brown palette (photos and swatches on my next post). The ribbon design of the brush roll is just so pretty and girly and I just love the combination of brushes included in this kit. 

I bought them online at Nordstrom for $49.50 and had them delivered via Borderlinx since Nordstrom don't allow beauty products to be shipped internationally. I only payed $25 of shipping fee together with another 12 items of makeup. Still cheaper than to buy MAC here in Saudi Arabia!

 I was just wasn't crazy with the outside design which I thought are kinda creepy, but I love the matte black brush handles.

 According to Nordstrom:

M·A·C presents a brush roll featuring exclusive illustrations by witty fashion designer, Rebecca Moses and special-edition brushes shaped with full-size brush heads.

Kit includes:
- 168 SE Large Angled Contour Brush (1 1/4"W x 5"H).
- 287 SE Duo Fibre Eyeshadow Brush (1 1/4"W x 5"H).
- 224 SE Tapered Blending Brush (1 3/4"W x 5"H).
- 219 SE Pencil Brush (1 1/2"W x 5"H).
- 266 SE Small Angle Brush (1 1/2"W x 5"H).
- Brush roll crafted with pocket, flap to protect brushes and two small open pouches secured with an easy and efficient ribbon closure (6 1/2"W x 4"H; 8 1/2"H when open).

The 168 SE is used for applying blush, or bronzer to contour the face.

The 287 SE is great for applying gel e/s or paint pots to give a lid a wash of color and to help blend the product in.
The 224 SE is great for blending the harsh edges of eyeshadow and for blending concealer.
The 266 SE is great for applying gel liner on the top lash line or for creating a defined brow.

 Here's a side by side comparison of my MAC 168SE from 2009 Nordstrom exclusive and from the 2013 collection. The new brush is a little denser and more compact where as the one from the old collection is more loose and fluffy.

Here's a side by side comparison of the MAC 219 SE and the full sized 219. The brush are exactly the same! I know most people say that MAC travel brushes have bad quality compared to the full sized ones, but I own 2 brush sets from different collection and I'm happy with it and didn't think it was created poorly.

I think this brush set is great especially when traveling, and if you want to try MAC brushes without breaking the bank, this is a good deal! :)