Beautee Beauty | Malaysian Beauty Blog

REVIEW | Mary & May Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence

2023-07-13T15:57:00.010+08:00

Hi there!

Mary & May is a Korean brand I had not heard much about until I was given this product as a gift. I was intrigued when I saw that this product was called a "cream essence". Want to know more about this? Read on below!

Product before it is shaken

Based on Mary & May's website, Mary & May is a clean beauty skincare brand. It claims that all its ingredients are EWG green grade, animal testing is prohibited, and raw materials that cause skin troubles and irritations such as 16 harmful ingredients (no mention on their website of what are these ingredients) are excluded.

This Blackberry Complex Cream Essence is a nutritious cream in an essence formula which melts into the skin and provides intensive nourishment and moisture to the skin. It also claims to have the following ingredients:

50,000ppm Blackberry extract: Juicy blackberries are rich in anthocyanins. It prevents and improves aging caused by free radicals.
100,000ppm Blue lotus water: The blue lotus is called the flower of life in ancient Egypt. Its excellent moisturising and soothing effect makes the skin moist and elastic.
80,000ppm Jojoba seed oil: Similar to human skin lipids, it does not clog pores and forms a skin moisturizing film. Strengthens the skin barrier.

Product after it is shaken

The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and it comes in a solid 140ml / 4.73fl. oz. glass bottle with a dispenser which helps control the amount of product is dispensed.

It has a unique double phase emulsion where the cream and essence are separated and the product has to be shaken well before being poured onto our hands and applied to the skin. This cream essence has a watery texture which easily soaks into the skin and makes my sensitive skin feel plump (like the feeling of a mochi) and very nourished. This soothes any dry patches I have on my skin and does not leave it feeling sticky, oily or greasy. It is fragrance-free and did not irritate my skin at all.

Product after it has been applied on the skin. Like how it gives me a healthy, natural glow!

I brought this with me on my recent travels and realised I forgot to bring body lotion. In desperation, I used this on my body and legs and love how smooth and soft it made my skin feel. I would purchase this after I am done with this bottle and would recommend this!

You can get this on: Shopee | Lazada | Amazon | StyleKorean | YesStyle

Have you tried Mary & May products? What would you recommend?

Note: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click and purchase products using the links at no additional cost to you. Any money earned from such links helps me to purchase products to review on this blog. This, however, has no bearing on my reviews and comparisons and all opinions and views expressed are my own. Thank you and I hope you enjoy reading my posts!

REVIEW | Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturiser

2023-07-07T11:53:00.006+08:00

Hi there!
I am always on the lookout for lightweight moisturisers that will not leave me looking like shiny and greasy in Malaysia's hot and humid weather and I came across this moisturiser. This moisturiser claims to be a potent hydrator that helps provide hydration for up to 72 hours. Read on to see my thoughts on this product!

This moisturiser states that it has 30% hyaluronic acid complex which transforms atmospheric vapour into water from the clouds and provides skin with a continuous burst of hydration. Sounds really good, right? I completely agree with its claim that it provides hydration to the face. When I apply this to my face and neck, it leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated and moisturised - and this feeling lasts throughout the day.

Its gel-cream texture is also very lightweight and sinks into the skin easily, leaving a semi-matte finish which makes my skin look natural and healthy. I tested wearing this for 8 hours on my skin and it did not leave it feeling oily or greasy at all. The product also claims to be suitable for all skin types, and I think this could be true but please note that the moisturiser contains silicones, so those who are sensitive to silicones may not find this suitable.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Yeast Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Saccharide Isomerate, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cholesterol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Behenic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica

Here are swatches of the product to give you an idea of its texture and how it looks after it is applied:

Overall, I would recommend this product for those looking for a lightweight gel-cream moisturiser that leaves the skin feeling hydrated without feeling heavy on the skin! A little goes a long way as well as I find that a pea-sized amount adequately covers my face and then I dab on a bit more product on my neck.

You can get this on: Peter Thomas Roth's Official Store on Shopee | Peter Thomas Roth's Official Store on Lazada | Sephora Malaysia | Amazon

Have you tried any Peter Thomas Roth products?

REVIEW | SULWHASOO CONCENTRATED GINSENG PRODUCTS & FIRST CARE ACTIVATING SERUM

2023-07-03T19:56:00.006+08:00

Hello!

Sulwhasoo is no stranger in the Korean skincare scene and has been around since 1932. Guided by a holistic approach to skincare, Sulwhasoo uses traditional herbs such as Korean ginseng and combines it with modern science to produce its skincare products.

I purchased the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum and received some travel sized products from the same Concentrated Ginseng line as well as the ever famous First Care Activating Serum.

Read on to see my thoughts on these products!

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam

I start off by using this cleanser to wash away any impurities on my face. Although it calls itself a cleansing foam, the texture is a water-gel texture which builds up into a soft, mild foam. I really like this cleanser as it leaves my face feeling clean and moisturised without any tightness or dryness. This claims to be suitable for all skin types, and my sensitive skin definitely enjoys it. A little goes a long way with this product as I find that half a pea sized amount of product is sufficient to thoroughly cleanse my face. Would recommend this!

Ingredients list: WATER / AQUA / EAU, POTASSIUM COCOYL GLYCINATE, DISODIUM COCOAMPHODIACETATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, ACRYLATES/BEHENETH-25 METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, PEG-200 HYDROGENATED GLYCERYL PALMATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, 1, 2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, ISOSTEARIC ACID, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, LIMONENE, DISODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM BENZOATE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, CASTANEA CRENATA (CHESTNUT) SHELL EXTRACT, LINALOOL, SPIRODELA POLYRHIZA EXTRACT, DIOSCOREA JAPONICA ROOT EXTRACT, DEXTRIN, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) EXTRACT, RUBUS IDAEUS (RASPBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, ULMUS DAVIDIANA ROOT EXTRACT, SALICORNIA HERBACEA EXTRACT, MORUS ALBA LEAF EXTRACT, ANGELICA KEISKEI EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum

This is the all-legendary first step serum and Sulwhasoo claims that 1 bottle is sold every 10 seconds. Formulated with the Sulwhasoo Master Complex, it has the power of ripened ginseng and claims to restore skin condition after cleansing, renew skin, as well as defend against 10 signs of aging. While this is called a serum, this is actually a pre-serum, and it is meant to be used right after cleansing the face and before toner.

It claims to be suitable for all skin types but I find that it absorbs into the skin really quick but leaves feeling a bit dry and tight if applied by itself - this is likely because of the high alcohol content in the product. I tried this with different types of toners and essences and find that it works equally well with watery toners as well as more viscous toners. I did not find that it did anything for my skin but I have heard many people rave about this product so the results may differ between people.

Ingredients: WATER / AQUA / EAU, ALCOHOL DENAT., BUTYLENE GLYCOL, BETAINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE, PROPANEDIOL, CARBOMER, PPG-13-DECYLTETRADECETH-24, TROMETHAMINE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, ADENOSINE, LIMONENE, DEXTRIN, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) EXTRACT, METHYL TRIMETHICONE, DISODIUM EDTA, XANTHAN GUM, CELLULOSE GUM, CARRAGEENAN, HONEY / MEL / MIEL, MADECASSOSIDE, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, TAURINE, OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT, PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM BULB EXTRACT, LINALOOL, POLYGONATUM ODORATUM RHIZOME EXTRACT, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT, NATTO GUM, ZIZIPHUS JUJUBA FRUIT EXTRACT, JUGLANS REGIA (WALNUT) SEED EXTRACT, PRUNUS MUME FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRONELLOL, CITRAL, GERANIOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROL, CITRIC ACID

You can get this on: Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Shopee | Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Lazada | Sasa on Lazada | Amazon | YesStyle

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water

This next step is the toner but it is not the watery type of toner. It has a heavier texture, almost water-gel like, which dissolves quickly into the skin and leaves the skin feeling refreshed, nourished and moisturised. I like how my sensitive skin feels soothed by it and I also like the ginseng scent which is quite light.

Ingredients: WATER / AQUA / EAU, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PANAX GINSENG ROOT WATER, ALCOHOL DENAT., 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE, NIACINAMIDE, METHYL GLUCETH-20, PPG-13-DECYLTETRADECETH-24, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, CARBOMER, PROPANEDIOL, TROMETHAMINE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, ADENOSINE, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, SODIUM HYALURONATE, XANTHAN GUM, NARCISSUS TAZETTA BULB EXTRACT, METHOXY PEG-114/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE, BETA-GLUCAN, HONEY / MEL / MIEL, LINALOOL, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED GINSENG SAPONINS (ENZYME-TREATED RED GINSENG SAPONINS), PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM BULB EXTRACT, POLYGONATUM ODORATUM RHIZOME EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL

You can get this on: Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Shopee | Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Lazada | Amazon

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum

After patting the Renewing Water into the skin, we move on to the serum. This serum contains condensed ginseng which helps make the skin firm and smooth. The serum has a light cream texture which absorbs easily into the skin and I like how this makes my skin plump, soft and nourished. Again, I enjoy the herbal ginseng scent - it does not linger long but fades away rather quickly after application. I do not see any anti-aging effects but I like to think it is helping my skin! I believe this will be discontinued soon and replaced with the Concentrated Ginseng Serum Ex but I do think this is a good serum to have if you are able to find it and looking to splurge on a serum.

I was not able to find the ingredients list online but if I do, I will post it here!

You can get this on: Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Shopee | Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Lazada | Amazon

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Emulsion

We now come to the moisturiser. This claims to have nutrients from ginseng which creates a healthy looking skin base. It has a milky texture which absorbs well into the skin and I like how it leaves the skin feeling soft and supple. It is a lightweight moisturiser which packs a punch in terms of moisture and does not feel heavy on the skin.

Ingredients: WATER / AQUA / EAU, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PANAX GINSENG ROOT WATER, GLYCERIN, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, HYDROGENATED POLY(C6-14 OLEFIN), DIMETHICONE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CARBOMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, STEARIC ACID, TROMETHAMINE, XANTHAN GUM, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, PALMITIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, METHOXY PEG-114/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE, ADENOSINE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, POLYSORBATE 60, NARCISSUS TAZETTA BULB EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED GINSENG SAPONINS (ENZYME-TREATED RED GINSENG SAPONINS), CERAMIDE NP, LINALOOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, HONEY /MEL / MIEL, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, LIMONENE, PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM BULB EXTRACT, POLYGONATUM ODORATUM RHIZOME EXTRACT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL

You can get this on: Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Shopee | Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Lazada | Amazon

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream Ex

Eye cream is something that I apply last so I have placed it as the final step here. This eye cream claims to create firmer, smoother-looking skin around the eyes and make the skin around the eyes more resilient. The texture feels like a cream but it absorbs somewhat quickly into the skin. I do not wear eye cream often (I prefer lightweight eye gels) as I fear getting milia seeds but for those who use eye creams, I felt that this does give a slight plumping effect to the skin around the eye area.

Ingredients: WATER / AQUA / EAU, SQUALANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PHYTOSTERYL ISOSTEARYL DIMER DILINOLEATE, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL ISOSTEARATE, PANAX GINSENG ROOT WATER, POLYACRYLATE-13, SILICA, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/BEHENETH-25 METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYISOBUTENE, HYDROLYZED GINSENG SAPONINS (ENZYME -TREATED RED GINSENG SAPONINS), GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, POLYSORBATE 20, THYMOL TRIMETHOXYCINNAMATE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, DEXTRIN, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) EXTRACT, LINALOOL, RETINOL, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, SODIUM CHLORIDE, HONEY / MEL / MIEL, LIMONENE, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, PANAX GINSENG FLOWER EXTRACT, PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM BULB EXTRACT, POLYGONATUM ODORATUM RHIZOME EXTRACT, BHT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, SODIUM POLYASPARTATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM METHYL STEAROYL TAURATE, ACETYL HEPTAPEPTIDE-4, GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS(LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ACETYL OCTAPEPTIDE-3

You can get this on: Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Shopee | Sulwhasoo's Official Store on Lazada | Amazon | YesStyle

Here are some swatches of the products to give you an idea of their textures:

Left to right: First Care Activating Serum, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Emulsion & Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream Ex

Overall, I enjoyed using these products and felt like they generally made my skin softer and nourished. None of these products irritated my skin and I enjoyed the herbal scent of these skincare items.

Have you used Sulwhasoo products before? What would you recommend?

Hello again!

2023-07-03T11:01:00.006+08:00

Hello there!

It has been a couple of years since I have last written here. Was busy with life and so many things happening. Got proposed to, changed to a new job, got married, Covid happened, welcomed our first child into the world, got promoted at work, went on the honeymoon we never got to go to after our wedding, welcomed our second child into the world and here I am now!

I decided I wanted to jump back into writing on this blog again as I do still love beauty and skincare (more so skincare, in fact!) but will also be sharing different things now such as lifestyle related items, mum and baby related items as well as a bit of fashion - whatever tickles my fancy, really!

I hope you come along on this journey with me and enjoy your time here.

Thanks for stopping by!

REVIEW + DISCOUNT CODE | SUDIO NIVÅ WIRELESS EARPHONES

2018-10-15T23:45:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone!

I cannot recall the last time I blogged but I do know that it has been a long while!

I previously reviewed Swedish brand Sudio's VASA earphones and I am back this time with one of the newest additions to their line-up - the Sudio Nivå wireless earphones*.

Sudio Nivå is Sudio's first true wireless earphones and features BlueTooth 4.2 technology. It claims to have 3.5 hours of battery life in a single charge and comes equipped with a portable charging case in an understated yet elegant design. Want to know more about my experience with this baby? Read on to find out!

Sudio Sweden's products come beautifully packaged in clean and minimalist packaging. The box that packages the earphones is compact and sturdy. When you open the box, you will find the round charging case nestled snugly in black foam. I actually really like the charging case because it keeps the earphones safe and is super lightweight that I can easily pop it into my handbag when I am out and about. According to Sudio, the charging case holds 500 mAh of juice and fully charges the earphones for an additional four times, bringing the total play time to a whopping 17.5 hours before you need to plug the Nivå charging case into a power socket.

The Nivå earbuds also come with the owner’s manual, mini USB power plug, a certificate of guarantee and rubber earbuds in two different sizes to cater for different sizes of ears. The default size on the earbuds is the medium sized rubber earbuds.

DESIGN

Let's talk about the design of the earbuds, shall we? The design appears basic, sophisticated and streamlined. Simple and functional - my kind of earphones. The white colour is complemented by rose gold metal detailing which I absolutely adore. It is shaped like a "pod" and is angled to fit the ears. There is also a button and an indicator LED on each of the earbuds. Not to mention, you will also find pogo pins for charging beside the left and right side indicators.

In terms of fit, I found that the earbuds could not securely fit into my ears even though I changed the rubber earbuds to test the fit and would slip and fall out if I did physical activity such as running. Walking is okay. I found the medium sized rubber earbuds to be the most comfortable and it would stay somewhat securely if I pressed the earbuds quite firmly into my ears. It is probably the size of my ears as I also have difficulty with other earphones from different brands. I had the boyfriend try this as well and he had no issues with the fit of the earphones.

PAIRING AND FUNCTIONALITY

The Sudio Nivå earphones are quite easy to pair with other Bluetooth devices and do not require any additional apps to access its features.

All you have to do is to press the button located on the outside face of each earphone (there is only one button) for a couple of seconds and the LED light on each earphone will turn blue and you will hear a female voice (that sounds very much like SIRI) inform you that the earphone is turned on. The first time you set up the Nivå with your Bluetooth device, it will appear as two devices. However, once you get either one of them connected, they both automatically sync with each other and a voice prompt will confirm that. The buttons can be a little difficult to press, however, so you may have to apply a bit of pressure to press them. Also, note that I had to sync the earphones with my Bluetooth device each time I wanted to use the earphones. It would have been nice if the earphones could be automatically connected to the other Bluetooth device once it is turned on.

Music can be played and paused with a single push of the button and you can skip music tracks when you double press the button. To power off the earphones inside your ear, simply press and hold the button. Otherwise, they will power off if you put the earphones back into their charging case.

If you prefer to wear the earphones only on one side, I would suggest wearing the right earphone as that is the one with the microphone (the left earphone does not have a microphone). Press the button once when you receive a call to answer the call. Holding the button will transfer the call back to your smartphone.

BATTERY LIFE

Okay, so you're probably wondering - did it live up to its claims of battery life? For me, it lasted a good 3 hours before requiring a charge so I think it pretty much lived up to its claims. Charge time for the Nivå in its charging case is slightly over an hour. Once the charging case battery is fully depleted, you can easily charge it is with USB cable (type B) provided. It took me about 90 minutes to fully charge the charging case.

SOUND QUALITY

In terms of sound quality, I found the earphones to be skewed towards the bass. I love stronger bass sounds so this was right up my alley. However, I felt the clarity and sharpness of the high and mid tones was slightly lacking but nothing too bad to dampen my experience. What is great about it is that it does a good job in noise cancelling. So good that my boss had to tap me on the shoulder to get my attention because I could not hear him although the volume on my earphones was not set at a high volume! Overall, sound-wise, I had an enjoyable experience using these earphones!

The blue lights (shown in picture) indicate the battery life of the charging case

CONCLUSION

Considering this is Sudio's first wireless earbuds, I think they did a rather good job! It's a pair of wireless earphones at a lower price point compared to Apple’s Airpods or Samsung’s Gear IconX but with similar features and is suitable for those wanting a pleasant music experience without having to spend too much money.

Sudio Nivå retails at RM425 and can be purchased on https://www.sudio.com/my/. What's even better is that Sudio is offering a 15% discount to BeauteeBeauty readers! If you wish purchase a pair for yourself, head on over to their website and enter the code "BeauteeBeauty2018" at the checkout page to enjoy the discount. The discount can be used on other products too!

Your purchase of the Sudio Nivå will also come with FREE Shipping as well as a one year guarantee. Sudio is also currently having an exclusive promotion where they are giving a FREE pack of four Swedish design coasters for any purchase on their store!

For more information on Sudio Sweden, you can check the following:

Sudio's website: http://www.sudio.com/my Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sudiosweden/ Twitter: @Sudio_Sweden Instagram: @sudio

Have you tried Sudio's earphones before? :)

Note: I am not affiliated with this brand. The discount code is provided purely for my readers' benefit =)

REVIEW | BAUSCH + LOMB LACELLE DIAMOND IN CHAMPAGNE BROWN

2017-10-05T00:04:00.000+08:00

Hi loves!

I don't know about you, but I enjoy trying out different clothing styles and different makeup looks to create all sorts of looks according to how I am feeling during that time of the day. To pump up and enhance my look, I also love playing with coloured cosmetic lenses. I have tried a couple of coloured cosmetic lenses in the past but today I would like to introduce you to the Bausch + Lomb Lacelle Diamond Daily lenses! Read on to see my thoughts :)

Source: Google Images

The Lacelle Diamond lenses are daily disposable lenses which come in three lovely colours:

Source: Google Images

I was feeling a little safe when choosing which colour I wanted to try so I opted for the shade Champagne Brown but honestly, I do not regret my choice one bit! The brown shade is so natural-looking but it has tiny flecks of hazel to give the eyes that interesting feel which I like. This contact lens is also printed with an exquisite pattern which mimics light-reflecting facets of a diamond and which I think is super pretty! I feel the design can complement anyone who wears the lens and if you are into the "big eye" effect, this lens is a good option as its 14.2mm diameter iris gives wearers that cute doe-eyed look.

A box of the Lacelle Diamond comes with 10 daily disposable soft contact lenses. I have to use two separate boxes because the power of each of my eyes differ so I get a total of 5 pairs to wear from two boxes. I used to think this was expensive because I could only wear the product 5 times but nowadays, I rarely wear contact lens (lazy me haha) so I think daily disposables are better suited for me as they are more hygienic and I only wear them when I want to. One thing I like about this product is that its water content is 55% and is quite hydrating and does not dry out my eyes. I usually do not wear lenses for long periods of time because they dry my eyes badly but these wore comfortably on my eyes for at least a good 8 hours so I'm pretty pleased!

Here's a shot of me with the Diamond lens in Champagne Brown - I think it is so pretty:

So would I recommend this? You bet I would! Bausch + Lomb is a reputable and established brand which I trust and turn to time and time again. If you like coloured contact lens which are comfortable to wear yet look super good on the eyes, do give this a go!

This product retails at RM42 for 10 pieces per box and RM110 for 30 pieces per box and are available at all major optical stores nationwide.

Have you tried this product? What is your favourite coloured contact lens? =D

BEAUTY SWAP WITH CHERRIESSBALLET | REVIEW

2017-05-28T16:00:00.000+08:00

Hi loves,

Trying out different beauty and skincare products is something which I absolutely love to do (one of my weaknesses as a beauty and skincare addict!). I don't know about you, but testing out whether different goodies and potions work for me is just oh-so-satisfying. So when I had a chance to do a beauty swap with a friend of mine and fellow beauty lover, Christabel from CherriesSballet, I definitely said yes!

We agreed on a set budget to purchase our drugstore favourites to swap with each other and here's the products I received:

CLAIRE ORGANICS SUPER HEALING HERBAL BALM

Claire Organics is a local Malaysian brand. This herbal balm contains Shea butter and purple gromwell root and is meant to contain anti-bacterial, nourishing and anti-eczema properties and is meant to be suitable for sensitive skin. This herbal balm is multi-purpose and can be used to soothe eczema, insect bites, acne, psoriasis, rashes, burns and cuts. It comes in a 20g tub and has a lovely pleasant herbal scent which I find very calming and soothing. I use my fingers to pick up product from this tub and the heat from my fingers melts it into a light balm which can be easily applied and spread on the skin. I have tried using this as a balm to soothe mosquito bites and tiny cuts on my fingers and I feel that it does help alleviate the itch and pain slightly. Overall, this is not a must-have for me but can be handy to have if you want something to help ease that itch!

ESSENCE LIQUID LIPSTICK IN 02 BEAUTY SECRET

Lip products are one of my beauty must-haves and I was excited to receive not one, but two, lip products to try. This liquid lipstick is a sweet pink-rose with yellow undertones which I find very flattering, is a great colour for everyday wear and would be suitable on many different skin tones. Beauty secret has a slightly sticky texture and leaves a glossy finish but the colour is opaque enough that it shows on the lips. The applicator is a standard sponge applicator which applies the product easily on the lips and I like that it makes my lips look plump and luscious. It has a faint vanilla scent which is fine with me and it fades away with time. Wear time is not that long though - it fades upon drinking and eating but that does not bother me as I can easily reapply! If you like pink lip products which leave your lips looking juicy, this would be a good one to try!

SILKYGIRL PERFECT MATTE LIQUID EYELINER (WATERPROOF) IN 01 MATTE BLACK

This baby right here is the star product in this swap! This liquid eyeliner claims to be smudge proof, water proof and paraben-free. Let me tell you - this is the best waterproof and smudgeproof liquid eyeliner I have ever used. Heck, it may even be the best eyeliner I have ever used. The marker brush nib of this eyeliner is just right - not too stiff that it makes application difficult, and not too soft that the nib just splays everywhere. Application of this product is a breeze and it does not take long to dry. Once it dries, it sets well and can only be removed with makeup remover. Another thing I love is how black it is - this product is sooo jet black and the colour does not fade at all even after 10 hours wear. At an affordable price, this is a steal and an absolute must-have in my books.

MAYBELLINE VIVID MATTE LIQUID (COLORSENSATIONAL) IN MAT7

Here's the next lip product - another liquid lipstick! This baby is a lovely bright red which I think is absolutely gorgeous! The texture is very interesting - it feels like a mousse with a slight waxy feel but is soft to the touch and applies easily on the lips. The applicator has a cool shape too which fits quite nicely on the lips and I feel helps me apply product at the corners of my lips easier. The product applies with a glossy finish initially but dries down to a satin matte with a 'soft' feel. Although it is a matte texture (which I tend to associate with being longlasting), it does not last particularly long on the lips and fades slightly with eating and drinking. Again, this does not bother me because I do not mind applying but if you are looking for something which does not budge from your lips, this may not be it. I generally prefer solid matte finishes but still do think this is a nice lippie to have if you like a very slight sheen on the lips.

MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER IN 130 MEDIUM

Before receiving this, I cannot tell you how long I have wanted to try this out but restrained myself because I have so many products to use. Imagine how happy I was to receive this! This is a concealer treatment which claims to instantly erase dark circles, fine lines and visibly diminishes puffiness. The product comes in a pen-shaped applicator with a sponge tip. Application is very easy as you just twist the pen and the product is dispensed through the sponge and you can just dab the product wherever you need it on your face. I have read that some people do not like the sponge as they feel it is unhygienic. While I do agree with that to a certain extent, at the same time I think the sponge helps in producing the final finish of the product on the skin. The concealer is so lightweight and blends like a dream on the skin. It covers my dark circles really well and does not crease easily in my fine lines after a light dusting of face powder. It lasts for quite a long time on the skin too. I really really like this product but the only downside for me is that Medium is one or two shades too dark for me. This would've been perfect in Light or Fair but otherwise I think this is a great concealer and one I would definitely recommend.

So that's my round up of the products I received in the swap! Overall I like the products I got so thank you Christabel!! If you want to check out what I got Christabel from CherriesSballet, you can head over to her blog post!

Have you tried any of the products above? Do you like/dislike them? =D

HUMAN NATURE HITS & MISSES | PRODUCT REVIEW

2016-12-29T23:16:00.001+08:00

Hello!

There are so many brands out there which load their products with harmful chemicals and ingredients which do not benefit our body. However, at the same time, many brands are on the rise to provide products which contain natural ingredients or ingredients which are less harmful to us. One such brand is Human Nature – a brand from the Philippines which claims to have the most number of US Natural Products Association (NPA)-certified products in the world! I had the chance to try out a couple of their products and am now very excited to share with you what were hits in my books, products which I am generally fine with and products which did not quite make the cut for me.

WHAT IS HUMAN NATURE

Human Nature is a brand which proudly presents a huge range of chemical-free products not only for the whole family, but for the home too. They have skincare products, body care products, makeup products, home care items such as powder detergent and pet care products. The list goes on and on! Every single product claims to be at least 95% natural, if not 100% natural and none of the products contain animal ingredients. Human Nature products also do not contain SLS/SLES, triclosan, phthalates, parabens, silicones and PEGs and they also are against animal testing! If I had to sum up their products in a few words, I think they would best be described as natural, biodegradable and cruelty free.

Let me start off with what were my favourites out of the products that I tried!

HITS

100% NATURAL EUCALYPTUS OIL 30ML*

I am a huge lover of natural essential oils and eucalyptus is one of my absolute favourite scents, so naturally, this would be a hit for me. Why I like eucalyptus oil is because there are just so many uses for this baby - the scent is so calming that I sniff it on nights that I have trouble falling asleep or if I am feeling stressed and need a relaxing scent; it helps to slightly clear my blocked nose when I have trouble breathing and I like using a few drops of this with some other essential oils and coconut oil to give my hair and scalp a moisturising treat. The oil comes in a sturdy dark-coloured glass bottle with a dropper which nicely dispenses just the right amount of drops.

Here's the ingredients of this baby: caprylic/capric triglyceride, Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) leaf essential oil

This product also comes with a lil' pamphlet detailing the few ways this oil can be used. Here's a snapshot:

Overall, this is such a versatile product and I would highly recommend it!

NATURAL BODY WASH – SWEET ORANGE 200ML*

Human Nature describes this product on its website as follows: Lather up to soft, clean skin with the moisturizing touch of Human Nature's Body Wash. Rich with natural glycerin and aloe vera, it effectively cleanses away dirt and grime while being gentle on the skin.

This body wash comes in a lightweight gel and although it does not lather up much, it does a lovely job in cleaning the skin leaving it feeling soft and moisturised. I like that it does not lather up much as it is quite gentle on the skin and I think would be suitable for people with sensitive skin. The best part of this product is the scent - oh my goodness this shower gel comes in an amazing orange zest scent which immediately leaves you feeling energised and refreshed. When I first got this I could not stop sniffing it!

Great product if you like natural body wash products with energising scents!

Next up are products which I think are okay and nice to have and use but not must-haves for me.

I’M FINE WITH THIS

NOURISHING FACE TONER (TOMATO) 100ML*

I decided to give this product a go as I was drawn to the word 'nourishing' and that it was catered for sensitive skin. Anything that helps nourish and hydrate my sensitive, dry skin is a yes for me! Containing tomato extract, this toner claims to keep skin clear, hydrated and sting-free.

I believe this can be used both day and night but I use it at night. I shake the bottle as per the instructions, but instead of pouring the product onto a cotton ball or pad, I pour the product into my palms and pat the toner into my skin so that my palms get to absorb some goodness and I do not waste any product! This toner is interesting because it has a light oil film which sinks in very quickly into the skin. I like how it leaves my skin feeling soft and supple but I do not think it nourishes and moisturises my skin as much as I would have liked it to.

Plus point is that the scent is very calming - it has a light sweet somewhat floral scent which is quite relaxing and does not linger on the skin. I think this would be better suited for those with slightly less dry skin than mine.

Human Nature Nourishing Face Toner

I like this and would use it up but do not think I would purchase this after I am done as it is not hydrating enough for me.

NOURISHING FACIAL WASH (TOMATO) 50ML*

This cleanser comes in a clear gel form and has the same sweet floral scent as its toner counterpart. It does not lather up much which is good for those with dry skin as this usually means that it does not strip off the natural oils from the skin. My skin, however, did feel a teeny tiny bit tight after use - not to the point of being uncomfortable but I noticed the slight tightness. Good thing is that this cleanser and the toner above did not break me out or cause me any rashes or skin irritation.

Human Nature Nourishing Facial Wash

Again, I think this would work better for those with slightly less dry skin compared to mine. I think this is a decent product but am not too sure whether I would purchase after I am finished with this lil' bottle.

Moving on to the sole product out of these goodies that I have tried which did not work for me...

MISS

100% GENTLE CLEANSING OIL MAKEUP REMOVER 95ML*

This cleansing oil is a makeup remover containing cosmetic-grade sunflower oil which claims to effectively remove makeup and traces of dirt and grime with a few pumps of this baby. First beef I have with this product is that the pump is so difficult to use. I keep pressing the pump but barely any product comes out so I resort to having to twist the cap open and manually pour the cleansing oil onto my palms. I may have gotten a dud or the packaging may just be like this - I am not too sure but it made use and application of this product quite inconvenient. Secondly, I did not find that this removed makeup easily. The oil itself is quite thick and viscous on my skin and was difficult to spread on my skin and I had to rub my skin quite hard to massage the oil all over my face. Washing it off was also quite difficult as it left an oily layer which felt 'thick' (sorry I cannot think of a better word to describe it) on my skin and did not wash off well. It did not remove my makeup well and at times I had a little bit of waterproof eyeliner remaining on my lids.

Again, not too sure if this was a dud or if the product is just like this but I am a bit disappointed as I was really excited for this product and felt it let me down a little. Sadly, this has now been neglected and I do not think I will not purchase this.

So that's my round-up of my Human Nature hits and misses! As always, what may/may not work for me may do the opposite for you so we will never really know till we try it out ourselves! Overall, I like Human Nature products as they are natural products which come at affordable prices! They can also be bought online and delivered to customers anywhere in Malaysia, which I think is really convenient!
For more information, you can check them out at: Human Nature Malaysia's website - http://humanheartnature.com/my/index.php/ Human Nature's website (for those outside Malaysia) - https://humanheartnature.com/ Human Nature Malaysia's instagram - @hnmalaysia Human Nature Malaysia's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/HNmalaysia/
Hope you enjoyed the review! Have you tried Human Nature products? What do you think you would like to try? =D

REVIEW | DR NANO LABCEL GINGER OIL BODY MASSAGE

2016-11-27T21:43:00.002+08:00

Hiya!

It is rare I take time off work to just rest and relax- but that was what I decided to do about 2 weeks back. And what better way to chill than go for a body massage? I decided to check out a beauty centre called Dr Nano Labcel.. Read on to find out about my body massage experience! =D

Dr Nano Labcel is a beauty company which provides beauty services such as facials, face treatments and massages. It has many outlets across the Klang Valley and one outlet in Penang and the one I visited was the one located at Old Klang Road.

Due to the nature of my job (i.e. long hours sat at a desk staring at a computer), I was suffering from stiff, tired shoulders and tight muscles in my back so I decided to try out the 60 minutes Ginger Oil Body Massage to relax and hopefully release the tension in my muscles.

According to Dr Nano Labcel, the benefits of the Ginger Oil Body Massage are:

- increase digestive secretions

- improve blood circulation

- relieve rheumatism and cold

- rejuvenate and detoxify the entire body

- awaken the senses and relieve tension

- relieve sore muscles, frozen shoulder and chronic pain

I arrived at the outlet and the staff led me upstairs to one of their massage rooms. The massage rooms did not look great and did not have much ambiance but to me, if the massage was good, I could forgive this part ehehe. If you are worried about your belongings, no fear as they have free lockers downstairs for you to keep your belongings. I met my masseuse who was a lovely Indonesian woman and she explained to me that I would be doing a full body oil massage and that I was to inform her of how strong she was to massage and if I felt pain, to inform her immediately.

We started the massage and she worked on my legs all the way up to my neck and head. If you have parts of your body where you prefer for the masseuse to avoid massaging, feel free to inform her and she will avoid massaging those parts. The massage itself was slightly painful (for my low pain tolerance level hehe) but I decided to bear the pain as I knew that it was only because my muscles were sore and tight. Probably the most painful part was when she rubbed out knots in my back and shoulders. But oh my goodness, after the massage was over, my body felt unbelievably relaxed and 'loose' (for lack of a better word)! The feeling was like sinking into a hot tub and feeling your muscles feel soothed and relaxed. I also really liked that my masseuse was really friendly and cheery. I do not go for massages often so am sometimes a bit nervous during the massage but she helped put me at ease and did her best to make me feel comfortable. After the massage was over, I tipped her, went downstairs and was treated to a warm cup of tea. Overall, it was a relaxing one hour and I am so pleased with the experience!

The best part of this was the price of my massage. The original price of this massage is RM88 for one hour but with the help of Worthy Book - I got it on Buy 1 Free 1 for RM68! So I went with my aunty and we both enjoyed the massage for a total price of RM68. How amazing is that?!

Worthy Book* is a booklet with tons of vouchers which features many different brands in town. The one I have is the Ladies Edition which has vouchers in different categories such as shopping, beauty, fashion, wellness and health. Worthy Book - Ladies Edition has a one year validity period and usually starts and ends in the middle of the year (June/July). It has 150 discount vouchers and features many brands like Zalora, Sothys, Mandara Spa and F Block. I think this is a fabulous way to try out new services and new places at affordable prices! There are so many freebies, buy 1 free 1 and cash vouchers to be used. I probably will try out a facial at another place next!

This booklet is at a very affordable price of RM25 (GST inclusive!) so be sure to grab a copy of this baby which is available at most mainstream bookstores across Malaysia!

Have you tried this booklet? Are you a massage person or a facial person? =D

REVIEW | KOREANMALL - KOREAN ONLINE HAUL & SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

2016-11-17T23:15:00.000+08:00

Hello!

Korean skincare and cosmetics are huge in the world currently and it does not seem like its popularity will be fading anytime soon. Living in Southeast Asia, I am super blessed to have easy access to many Korean brands but there are times when there are certain products or ranges that I really want which are not available in my country. That's where online shopping comes into the scene! We know that there are loads of online sites out there - but it is not easy finding one which is trustworthy, efficient and has good choice of products. Enter Koreanmall...

WHAT IS KOREANMALL

Koreanmall is a South Korean online shopping site which carries an extremely wide range of goods. Not only do they carry skincare and cosmetic items, they also do clothing, baby & toddler items, food, sports items, k-pop merchandise and home and garden ware. It's literally a full on shopping mall - online!

What's amazing is the variety of products. I spent a good 1-2 hours just looking through the site for cosmetics and skincare items as there were just so many different brands and products to check out. I really liked that the website was also very user-friendly and easy to navigate. I found the 'search' bar function to be quite accurate as well. This is important to me as websites with confusing interfaces rather puts me off and sometimes I just want to specifically search for a product without going through the motions of browsing a site.

Seeing how I am mainly interested in makeup and skincare - let's just focus on that, shall we? The site carries many renowned Korean cosmetic and skincare brands such as innisfree, Etude House, Skinfood, and The Face Shop. Koreanmall also carries higher end brands such as Hera, Iope, and Laneige; and other brands which are not readily available in Malaysia such as Son & Park, Rivecowe, Primera and Mamonde. But honestly, the list can go on and on!

I also notice that they always have ongoing promotions for different items and the price of products are generally cheaper than what I would get here in Malaysia.

HOW TO ORDER

To place an order, I registered an account with Koreanmall. Registration was no-frills and you just have to insert your email address, name and chosen password details. When I registered as a new member, I got USD 3 worth of K-money which can be used to set off amounts in purchases - so that was handy.

After that, just begin browsing! I spent ages looking at things but I eventually chose some skincare and makeup items, added them to my cart and checked out. The process to check out is quite convenient and easy. I went to the 'cart' page to double check my order. The items you have chosen are displayed on the page with pictures so you can easily see them and if you want to remove an item from your cart, you can just click the remove button.

I then checked out and proceeded to key in my billing, shipping and payment details. I was wondering what type of payment methods they would accept, but no worries because they accept all major international debit and credits cards such as Mastercard, Visa, AMEX and JCB. Payment can also be made via Alipay, Paypal, Tenpay and Unionpay accounts.

Once you have confirmed and placed your order, Koreanmall will send a verification email confirming your order. Then, the waiting begins! I ordered quite a number of items – here’s a sneak peek of what I ordered but scroll down to see more details on what I got!

SHIPPING AND DELIVERY

Koreanmall's shipping fees are calculated based on weight, dimensions, origin and destination. Note that it does not include any customs fees or taxes though, which we as a customer will have to bear if customs tax is imposed on us. What I like though is that Koreanmall offers free international shipping for orders over USD 49 - free international shipping is always good!

Standard shipping takes about 7-15 days to arrive and if I am not mistaken, they take about 7-10 days to process and pack the order. Overall, it may take a few weeks for the order to arrive but if you are not in a hurry for the items, it should be fine! If you want items quickly though, they also offer, among others, UPS shipping for a fee. I chose that option and my items arrived 4-5 days after it was sent out from South Korea - super duper quick!

My items arrived in a box which was very well taped and wrapped. There were loads of bubble wrap in the box as well to keep the items well-padded and intact. I am so pleased! None of my items were damaged and broken too - so happy!

I really also like that they offer a free returns policy (although it does exclude the return shipping fee) for all orders of USD 49 and more within 14 days from the date you receive your item. I have no reason to return any item but looking at their site, Koreanmall says that after they process your returned item, they will refund the money paid in the form of K-money (i.e credit in your account). I always prefer cash refunds but a credit refund is better than no refund policy hehe!

PRODUCTS

You’re probably wanting to see what items I picked up close (at least I think you do hee!) so let’s jump right in to the items* I ordered:

Let me talk a lil’ bit more about the items I got according to their brand. First off is Skinfood.

Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum 2x Essential 120ml

- This serum claims to be skin-brightening and anti-wrinkle and helps skin achieve a smoother, clearer complexion with a combination of moisture rich black sugar and Cheongju, a traditional Korean wine. It comes with a box of two-sided cotton pads – one side is for exfoliating and the other is to smooth the serum over the skin. Isn’t this packaging adorable?!

Skinfood Premium Lettuce and Cucumber Watery Toner 180ml

- Containing 5% lettuce extract, 5% cucumber extract and 20% cucumber water, this toner is a cooling toner with a watery texture that is meant to deeply hydrate and moisturise skin. I have dry skin so this will be interesting to try!

Skinfood Aloe Watery Sun Water Gel SPF 50+ PA+++ 50ml

- Living in hot, sunny Malaysia, sun protection is a must so I can never have enough sunscreen. I chose this product because it claims to be a lightweight and moisturising sunscreen which is of a gel texture (my favourite) and does not leave the skin with a white cast. It also claims that it will not make the skin oily, which is always a good thing.

Skinfood Miracle Food 10 Solution Sun Essence SPF 50 PA+++ 50ml

- Another sunscreen! Can you tell I just love them? Hee! This sun essence sounds like it would be very lightweight in texture. It claims to have whitening and anti-wrinkle care functions and contains ingredients such as white ginseng, quinoa and honey extracts. With SPF 50 PA+++, I should think that this would be a killer sunscreen. We shall see.

Skinfood Yuja Water Cream 63ml

- Yuja Water cream is a light cream moisturiser which claims to have moisture locking abilities for even the driest of environments. Anything which can help moisturise my skin is right up my alley!

Next up is Innisfree. I got two types of products from Innisfree:

Innisfree it’s real squeeze mask (Strawberry)

- I got this baby in a pack of 10 sheet masks. The Strawberry version of this range of sheet masks claims to have moisture from squeezed strawberries which leaves skin looking smooth and bright. I have tried Innisfree sheet masks before and rather like them, so this is a fun addition to my sheet mask collection.

Innisfree Lotus Flower Hand Cream 30ml

- Hand creams are something I really need to use more of so I chose a few. Innisfree has many different versions of hand cream but I previously sniffed this scent in store and liked the scent. Infused with olive oil emulsion and shea butter extract, this ultra-hydrating yet lightweight hand cream claims to absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky feel behind, and fully moisturise the hands.

Lastly, I ordered one item from a brand named Calmia and another item from Iope:

Calmia Oatmeal Therapy Cleansing Oil 200ml

- I am running low on makeup remover so decided to try this out. This cleansing oil contains a blend of various oils such as almond oil and grapeseed oil and is infused with willow and papaya extracts. It claims to be able to deep cleanse the skin and dissolve makeup and impurities and washes off without leaving an oily residue. Excited to try this out!

Iope Intense Moisture Vitalizing Cream 40ml

- This baby claims to be a cream which comes in a soft texture and provides elasticity and deep moisture to the skin. Not too sure of the texture of this cream but am hoping this is suitable as a night cream ‘cause I need a new night cream hee! Really like the packaging and have always wanted to try an Iope product so I’ve got high hopes for this one.

That's all I have to show! These items were all on sale but I am so glad that they did not compromise on quality and 'freshness' of the products. All the products are nowhere near expiry date and are still very new - which is awesome! As far as I am aware, all the products are authentic as well - so yay!

There were a few more items that I ordered but these did not arrive in my parcel. I emailed them to clarify and I must say – their customer service is superb! Very prompt response and efficient. They immediately responded and explained that the items were out of stock and that I could choose replacement items within a price range similar to the products I originally ordered. I am impressed with their customer service and their willingness to assist in whatever way they can. If great customer service is your thing, definitely give this website a go. I have chosen my replacement items and cannot wait for them to arrive – will update you when I receive them!

CONCLUSION

Overall, I am pleased with my experience with Koreanmall. It is quick and easy to use, has a convenient interface, good delivery and customer service and provides free international shipping for purchases of a certain amount. What more can I ask for? I would recommend this site to anyone looking for a reliable website and a good time shopping online!

For more information on Koreanmall, you can check out:

Website: http://koreanmall.com/app/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Koreanmall/

Instagram: @koreanmall_official

Hope you enjoyed my review!

Have you tried this site? What websites do you like to use when shopping for Korean cosmetics and skincare products? =D

REVIEW | INNISFREE GREEN TEA BALANCING SKIN & LOTION

2016-09-30T23:25:00.000+08:00

Hello!

Who here loves green tea? I sure do! Green tea latte, green tea chocolate, green tea candy, green tea itself... I like them all. So when I saw the green tea line from Innisfree in store, I knew I had to try it out. I picked up a set box some time back which contained the all-famous green tea seed serum (will not be reviewing it in this post), the green tea balancing skin and green tea balancing lotion. Let's see how I got along with the green tea balancing skin and green tea balancing lotion!

Source: Image taken from Google

Innisfree has different green tea skincare lines which cater for the needs of different skin types:

Normal to combination skin: Green Tea Fresh line

Oily skin: Green Tea Balancing line

Dry skin: Green Tea Moisture line

Dehydrated skin: Green Tea Seed line (Special Moisturising and Nourishing Care line)

What is great about these products is that they are 5-free. Innisfree states on its website that it's green tea products lines are free from parabens, synthetic colourants, mineral oil, ingredients from animal origins and imdazolidynil urea.

GREEN TEA BALANCING LINE

The products from the balancing line claim to be made of green tea extracted from fresh green tea leaves on Jeju island. Rich in amino acids and minerals, these products help keep the skin moisturised. The natural moisturising agent betaine, derived from amino acids, helps provide intense moisture to combination skin and assists in restoring the skin's balance.

SCENT

These products have a fresh green tea scent with light floral undertones which I absolutely adore. The scent makes me feel so refreshed and energised! The scent is not long-lasting and did not irritate my skin - plus point!

GREEN TEA BALANCING SKIN

This product is a lightweight toner which sinks and absorbs quickly into the skin and helps prep the skin for better absorption of the other skincare products. Unlike Western toners, this toner has a texture rather typical of Asian toners in that it is slightly thicker in texture and not as runny as water. I like how balancing skin leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and supple. It feels very cool on the skin and makes my skin feel plump too!

How to Use

Just twist the cap open and dispense an adequate amount of product onto a cotton pad or your palms and apply the product to your face. I prefer using my palms as I feel it absorbs better into my skin and my palms get some of this goodness too. 3-5 drops is enough for me to apply the product on my face and neck, so a little goes a long way.

GREEN TEA BALANCING LOTION

This soft lotion is a lightweight moisturiser that provides moisture to the skin without leaving it feeling greasy or oily. It has a slight runny texture so it spreads easily on the skin. I feel that it can leave the skin feeling a bit sticky after application but the sticky feeling goes away after a while and it absorbs pretty well into the skin. I usually use this during the day time though so I tend to apply face powder over it and the final finish just leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft. This moisturiser would be best for combination skin as I think it works well to balance out the oil and dryness of those with combination skin. On my dry-at-times skin, I feel this does not provide as much moisture as I would like it to. I still like this though. Paired with a hydrating serum, it does a decent job at keeping my skin fairly moisturised minus any greasy feel. Great for when I want to avoid the shiny face look and am lazy to apply face powder!

How to Use

Similar to the Balancing Skin, just twist the cap open and dispense the product. The opening to dispense this product is slightly larger than the bottle of Balancing Skin, so be careful not to pour out too much product. I use about 5 drops of this baby and apply it on my face and neck.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Used together, these products make a good team and work pretty well in providing moisture and hydration to the skin. I really like the fresh scent of these goodies and am happy that they did not break me out or caused my skin any rash or irritation. I would recommend these for those with normal to combination skin. Dry skinned darlings would probably find this slightly lacking in hydration but paired with a hydrating serum this would work pretty okay. I would like to try out the Moisture Line one day!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase these products at its online global store innisfreeworld.com or online stores such as jolse.com and cosmetic-love.com . You can also get these products at an Innisfree store if you have a store near you.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Have you tried products from any of Innisfree's green tea lines? Do you like their products? =D

REVIEW | JEFFLEE KOREAN HAIR SPA TREATMENT

2016-09-03T17:08:00.002+08:00

Hello!
Okay, so I am not one to frequently change things up for my hair or to pamper myself at a hair salon with hair treatment. I prefer to sit at home and do a DIY hair treatment while I chill and listen to some music or watch a movie - I am lazy that way. However, I recently tried out a hair treatment JeffLee The Hair Company at Uptown PJ which is meant to be a signature of theirs. Read on for more!

The Korean Hair Spa Treatment* is the first of its kind in Malaysia and is a mix of being a hair treatment and spa session - think massage and rubs. This treatment consists, generally, of the usual hair wash and blow dry, hair mask, hair treatment, and a massage of the neck, shoulders and back. Sounds good, right? It was!

When I entered the hair salon, I thought "wow, this looks good!". The place had an industrial yet modern feel, and I hope my pictures do the interior of the place justice. The lower floor was the place where hair cuts are done and I was lead to the upper floor where only hair treatments are done. Welcome to the upper floor...

Sitting area of the upper floor - love the feel of this place!

All the products used at this hair salon are either by Kerastase or L'oreal Professional.

Hair wash area for the treatment and where most of the treatments are conducted. First time in my life seeing hair wash beds - is this cool or what?!

First up, I got my hair checked by my hair stylist of the day, Jun Seh. Background on my hair and scalp - I have scalp psoriasis and a very dry scalp, with frizzy hair which is naturally wavy. According to the thingamajig that he used to analyse my scalp, I do indeed have a very dry scalp and my hair is frizzy, so he recommended that I have a dry scalp and frizzy hair treatment together with the Korean Hair Spa Treatment. I then went to the hair wash bed, laid down and he placed a nice comfy blanket over me to keep me warm from the air conditioning.

My hair was washed and let me tell you, it was so goooodd... The hair stylist massaged the scalp really well and the shampoo lathered up really nicely. While massaging my scalp and hair, he also did a neck massage which I was not used to so I was a little stiff, but it was so relaxing. We had a little bit of language barrier because I am not fluent in Mandarin or Cantonese and he is well versed in both but I had fun learning Mandarin words from him - he was pretty patient hehe!

After my hair was washed, he proceeded to apply the treatment and mask on my scalp and hair. It felt really nice and cooling. I then had my hair steamed and I chilled for a bit. The steam mist was very light and fine and felt similar to an air aromatherapy diffuser - so lovely! Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of the steam treatment taken. The boy (my photographer of the day) missed snapping those pictures but I guess it is fine - gives this treatment an air of mystery, eh? After the steam was done, he patted my hair dry and wrapped it with a towel. By that time, I was slightly sleepy - the treatment was so good so far and the light music playing in the background gave such a chilled vibe.

We then started the massage. I lay face down on my tummy and had my shoulders and arms massaged with lotion. Then, I had my back massaged. The pressure applied during the massage was just right and was a good relaxant for my tight muscles!! After the massage, I felt oh-so-relaxed and refreshed.

Snapshot of my hair stylist, Jun Seh and I!

Massage and treatment was done, and we headed back to the main area of the upper floor to have my hair blown dry. Jun Seh was skillful and blew dried my hair ala 'korean girl' style, as he says. I pretty like it! My hair was so so soft and my scalp and hair felt really clean. I am usually a bit concerned of doing hair treatments due to my psoriasis and previous treatments that I have tried which were less than satisfactory but this treatment actually helped soothe and reduce the flakiness of my scalp! My hair also did not feel oily the day after and I managed to keep my hair in a nice condition without washing for two days - which is rare for me as I tend to wash my hair once a day.

Hair after the treatment - it felt so clean and springy!

Overall, the experience was really good and I had so much fun at the treatment. The novelty of having your hair treated while being massaged at the same time was downright mind-blowin' and till' today I still cannot get over the hair wash bed! The staff at JeffLee were so friendly and Jun Seh, especially made my experience more fun as he was so friendly and our conversation was interesting - I learned about Japanese horror movies hee!
I would recommend you give this treatment a try at JeffLee - the quality of the service and the treatment itself is worthy of 5 stars. The treatment itself was approximately an hour - pretty decent timing. JeffLee also provides other hair services, and the price is list is as follows:

Hope you enjoyed this review - I certainly had fun writing this and reminiscing about this awesome treatment. I am thinking of going again!
For more information on JeffLee The Hair Company, you can check out their:
Website - http://jefflee.com.my/ Facebook: JeffLee The Hair Company Instagram: @jeffleethc
JeffLee currently has two outlets - feel free to check them out!
| Sri Petaling Branch | 101-G, Jalan Radin Bagus, Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: +603 9056 2611
| Uptown PJ Branch | 51G & 51A, Uptown 37, Jalan SS21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel: +603 7731 6866

REVIEW | ASTA.TUDE PRODUCTS (TRIAL PACK)

2016-07-30T23:22:00.000+08:00

Hi loves! Ever looked at your skin and thought to yourself "I wish my skin would look less dull and more healthy?". Okay, so maybe you have not but I certainly have. Skincare to me, is an important aspect of my lifestyle and healthy, glowy skin is a mission of mine of late. I recently tried out a new range of skin care products which contain a lovely special ingredient. Wanna know my thoughts on it? Just read on. May I present to you - products from asta.tude...

WHAT IS ASTA.TUDE? The brand 'asta.tude' comprises of two different words - 'astaxanthin' and 'attitude'. 'Astaxanthin' represents the quality of the products and the 'attitude' aspect is built upon the concept of an individual who is bold, strong and confident. I personally really like this concept because confidence in oneself is, to me, really important. Everyone is unique and special in their own way, and a brand that highlights that uniqueness gets brownie points in my books. And good quality products- now, that's always a plus point!
WHAT IS ASTAXANTHIN? Astaxanthin is a keto-caretonoid super antioxidant obtained from, amongst others, the microalgae 'Haematococcus Pluvialis' (HM). HM is said to prevent free radicals from attacking our skin and causing it to age. So with astaxanthin, apparently our skin grows stronger and more resilient. Now, I'm sure you have noticed that the products in my pictures have a slight orange/peach colour to it. This is because astaxanthin has a red-pink coloured pigment. Fun fact - did you know this vibrant pigmentation is what gives salmon, lobster, shrimp and other seafood its pinkish colour? How cool is that?!

What I have here today is a trial pack* of the products from the anti-aging range.This trial pack consists of the cleansing milk, cleansing gel, toning lotion, booster serum, day moisturiser, night moisturiser and a free sample of their compact foundation (which I will not be reviewing for the purposes of today's post). The products are a decent size and give a good amount of product for you to properly test their products to see if you like them and if they work for your skin.

Cleansing milk (30 ml)

asta.tude's cleansing milk is a lightweight cream/milk cleanser infused with jojoba oil, olive oil and pueraria lobata extract. This cleanser gently cleanses the skin and leaves it feeling soft and supple. The first time I used this, my skin tingled and felt numb but I understand that this is normal the first few times you use the product. I quite like the feeling though, as it makes me feel as if the product is working, if that makes sense! I use this at night as a double cleanse after I have used micellar water/makeup remover gel on my face and it really gets rid of all traces of makeup and impurities from my skin.

Cleansing gel (30 ml)
I use this gel cleanser in the morning and it leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and clean. It leaves my skin feeling slightly tight on some days but generally my skin feels hydrated and supple when I use this. I have used this as a double cleanse at night but I prefer the milk cleanser as the texture just feels more comforting to me at night and helps me prepare for bed hehe! If you are wondering, the tingly numb sensation with this baby is not that strong, but it still works its magic on my skin. If you're wondering, this cleanser is filled with lots of lovely ingredients such as yeast protein to brighten and hydrate the skin, liquorice with its anti-inflammatory properties and aloe vera to soothe, hydrate and firm the skin.

Toning lotion (30 ml)

I use this after the cleansing milk or cleansing gel and this toner leaves my skin feeling oh-so-refreshed and clean. It has a slight tightening and lifting effect which I really like and it gives me a glow which makes me look so healthy - how can I say no to that?! This toner, filled with algae extract and pumpkin seed extract, has a very watery texture and it sinks into the skin super quick so you have to work fast with this one. You can use this with a cotton pad but I prefer using my hands to apply and pat the lotion into my skin- that way, my palms get to soak up all this goodness too!

Booster serum (5 ml)
This serum claims to target all aspects of skin aging in one bottle - skin will be calmer, smoother, firmer, more radiant, more even in tone and pores will be less visible. It has an extremely lightweight, runny gel formula and sinks in even quicker than the toner so I recommend applying this very very quickly on the skin or apply the product one face section at a time. Sounds amazing right? I can tell you - it is true. This product, together with the rest of the trial pack babies, have done all that and more. You can read on in the 'Results' portion below to see what I thought of how it works but I will stick to describing this baby here- hee! Packed with sodium hyaluronate, pumpkin seed extract and ginger root extract, this serum packs a punch in the skin calming department. I really like this one.

Day moisturiser (8 grams)

This baby is specially formulated with mushroom extract to hydrate and brighten the skin, collagen which firms the skin and reduces fine lines, and apple stem cell which rejuvenated and revitalises the skin. It contains SPF 35 which is always lovely as I feel sun protection is very important. This product is a light cream which sinks quickly into the skin and has a slight matte finish. Although it has a slightly heavier feel compared to the other products, fret not as this moisturiser does not feel heavy on the skin and it helps the skin stay smooth, protected and moisturised. A pea-sized amount covers my face pretty well so a little goes a long way!

Night moisturiser (8 grams)

The night moisturiser is probably one of my faves out of this trial pack. It has a very light gel texture which leaves a cooling sensation on the skin while hydrating it. Infused with collagen, apple stem cell and mushroom extract, I use a pea-sized amount of this goodie and it spreads and sinks easily into my skin without leaving it feeling greasy or sticky. Skin is left looking bright and glowy the next morning - love it!

RESULTS You're probably wondering, "so, what did this do for your skin?". I tell you- this did something to my skin, alright. The first week, my skin purged. But this is good news to me because it is getting out all that gunk that was stuck in my skin. After 1.5 weeks, I noticed that my skin texture was more even, my skin looked brighter and my face had a healthy glow! I used to have a few closed comedones in my cheek area, but these have pretty much disappeared. My face also feels a teeny bit more firm so I think these babies are working its magic in the firming department. I do not have fine lines and wrinkles yet so I cannot say whether these would work on those but I do feel these are good anti-aging products. After a month, I can honestly say that these products have improved my skin dramatically. I have never looked so glowy and radiant in a long time! Granted, I do not think these products made my skin more hydrated, but to me that is a non-issue as I can easily apply a hydrating serum to solve that. But glowy skin, now that's something only these products have seemed to help me achieve! It also did not cause my skin any rashes or irritation, which is never a bad thing.
Overall, I am quite impressed with these products and I would stock up on them once I am done with this. If you are looking for products to help improve your skin, do give asta.tude a try as it may work for you! I did and it changed my skin for the better. I'm so pleased =) However, do make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned before trying out the products because everyone reacts differently to different products, so your mileage may vary! WHERE TO BUY I have not seen this brand in store yet but they do sell their products on their Facebook page here. If I do come across it anywhere in stores, I will definitely update you!
Have you heard of this brand? What products do you use to give you glowy skin? =D

10 Motivational Songs to Kick Start Your Day

2016-06-27T10:00:00.000+08:00

Hi dears!

Music is a big thing in my life. A catchy beat can uplift my spirits and mood; a song with inspiring lyrics can motivate me and give me that zing to power-charge through life. This positive attitude is meant for sharing though, right? So here's a peek into my playlist of ten of my favourite motivational/inspirational songs to jump start your day or lift up your spirits if you are feeling down and help you take on the world!

1. STRONGER (WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU) - KELLY CLARKSON This has got to be one of my favourite songs to listen to when I feel like I want to give up in whatever I am doing, be it work, or relationships, or just plain ol' working out. The lyrics are a constant reminder that literally, what does not kill you, but pushes you, just makes you stronger.
2. IT'S MY LIFE - BON JOVI There's so much attitude and swag in this song (it's awesome!) but what I like about this is that it is about being empowered, about taking control of your life and just being who you are as a person because we only live once. Now that I think about it, every time I listen to this I unconsciously feel more confident! 3. WALKING ON SUNSHINE - KATRINA & THE WAVES This song is oh-so-upbeat and feel-good! Every time I listen to it I instantly smile and break out into a lil' jig. Give it a listen and tell me it does not make you smile! =D

4. YOU GOTTA BE - DES'REE

Love the lyrics of this song. So simple yet meaningful as it tells me that I have to stay strong and pull through whatever challenges life throws at me. 5. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP - ANDY GRAMMER "I know it's hard, know it's hard, to remember sometimes, but you gotta keep your head up, oh, and you can let your hair down, eh". A lovely song with a feel-good tune reminding me that even though it may be hard, I've got to keep my head up when things are bad.

6. YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE - NEW RADICALS This song has a very chilled tune and always makes me feel relaxed and feeling like I'm on a beach sipping cold iced lemon tea. This song speaks about how we ought to be true and real to ourselves in a world which is constantly putting pressure on us to be something we are not. I feel that it also speaks about never giving up on your dreams because we are capable and we have what it takes to achieve it. 7. DON'T STOP BELIEVIN' - JOURNEY (GLEE COVER) Another great song about never giving up on your dreams because we are able to pursue our goals, hopes and dreams. I especially like the Glee cover version of this song so that's what I'm including here! There is another version in Season 5 but I personally prefer the Season 1 hee! 8. TITANIUM - DAVID GUETTA FEATURING SIA "I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose, fire away, fire away; ricochet, you take your aim, fire away, fire away; you shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium; you shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium". I believe the lyrics speak for itself *wink* 9. I WILL SURVIVE - GLORIA GAYNOR An empowering song about being able to move on after a failed relationship. I love the strong lyrics and feel it can be applied to many areas of life!

10. WHEN YOU BELIEVE - MARIAH CAREY & WHITNEY HOUSTON "There can be miracles, when you believe, though hope is frail, it's hard to kill; who knows what miracles, you can achieve, when you believe, somehow you will; you will when you believe". A beautiful song about believing in yourself. Nuff' said.

I hope you enjoyed the playlist and liked the songs! These songs always make me feel more empowered and strengthened and I hope they helped motivate you too! What is your favourite motivational song? =D

xx Amanda

5 Bite Size Reviews

2016-06-22T20:53:00.000+08:00

Hello!

It has been a while, hasn't it? What, half a year? Time passes too quick! Anyhow, sometimes I guess we just want to read reviews, but have them be quick, concise and to the point right? So I'm back this round with five mini reviews on a few products I have used/been using. Hope you enjoy!

NIVEA HYDRO CARE LIP BALM

A good, simple lip balm is how I would best describe this. It does a pretty decent job in moisturising lips and protecting it from drying out. If the lips are chapped, I would not go so far as to say that it repairs chapped lips, but it certainly helps soothe and relieve chapped lips. It has a very light pleasant scent (bordering on scent-free) – nothing that irritates the nose. I like applying this before heading to bed and it keeps my lips soft and supply all night long. Basically, this 4.8grams goodie is affordable and effective. I like.

MAC AMPLIFIED LIPSTICK IN ‘UP THE AMP’

This lippie was my first venture into MAC Cosmetics. I had been eyeing it for ages and decided to take the plunge and purchase it. Boy, am I glad I did. Up the Amp is a beautiful lavender purple which I think looks gorgeous on many skin tones. Some may call it a bold colour to pull off but I really feel that it is not that outrageous (there are crazier colours out there!). This baby has a slight vanilla-ish scent and comes in an Amplified finish, i.e. a cream finish. It glides easily and feels creamy on the lips, but is not as moisturising as I would like for a lipstick with this finish. The good thing though is that it does not transfer too easily and the finish is quite natural looking – it has a slight shiny sheen that makes the lips look plump. The shade, however, is so unique that honestly, I cannot be fussed about any flaws it may have. It is just too pretty!

BOURJOIS PARIS CREAM BLUSH IN ‘01’

The shade ‘01’ is a pretty peach-pink which gives a natural-looking flush to the cheeks. It applies with a tiny hint of red on my cheeks but I really like how it instantly makes me look healthier. I think this would suit many skin tones too. This cream blush has a light floral scent which does not last once applied on the skin, so those who dislike scented blushes should find no issue with this. The cream-to-powder formula is also really nice – it is easy to pick up the product and blend it into the skin, and it gives a very natural finish. Although it turns to a powder finish, it does not look cakey or heavy on the skin and it stays on my skin pretty well too (about 6-7 hours). The packaging is so convenient – the plastic casing contains 2.5 grams of product and there is a magnet to clasp it shut. The mirror in it also makes it easy to tote this around. It also did not break me out or caused me rashes/irritation. Yay for that!

CETAPHIL GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER

A basic cleanser with minimal ingredients, this is a good choice of cleanser for those with sensitive skin. It gently cleanses the skin without stripping it and leaving it feeling tight. My face feels soft and well cleansed after using this. For those with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, this may be a suitable alternative as a body cleanser if your normal body wash leaves the skin feeling dry and itchy as it really is so gentle. My oily skin friends do not find this very effective though, as they say it does not leave their skin feeling clean and is a tad too mild. I guess when it comes down to skincare, what works for one may not work for another. As for me, this is definitely staying in my 'top cleansers' list.

ANTIPODES DIVINE FACE OIL

All my dry-skin lovelies, look no further - this face oil may just be what you need. Infused with lovely natural oils such as macadamia nut, rosehip and jojoba, this face oil gives just the right amount of moisture to hydrate the skin. It also contains avocado oil which claims to help reduce the appearance of lines, age spots and scars. I cannot vouch for its claim on fine lines and age spots but I can say that it does keep my skin hydrated and supple. I use about 2-3 drops at night and it sinks in quickly to my skin without leaving it feeling too greasy or oily. I read that some sensitive skinned folks are adverse to natural oils contained in certain products but I had no issues with this one - no breakouts, rashes, irritation. This has a light herbal scent too which is oh-so-calming - what is not to like?!

That's it for my bite size reviews of these lil' babies. Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of them? =D

3 Products Simple & Glowy Makeup Look | feat. COSME-DE.COM

2015-12-23T00:00:00.002+08:00

Hey dearies!
There are times when I am just oh-so-lazy to put on full makeup or to go through the motions of my usual makeup routine (and lemme tell you, there are occasions of such times) but still want to look fresh and somewhat put together. I recently got some items from COSME-DE.COM and have been using them as part of my routine when I am looking to create a simple, natural yet glowy look. Read more after the jump to see how I use these 3 products!

Whenever I sport this look, I tend to skip foundation or BB Cream and even concealer because I want my skin to be able to breathe and to let my natural glow shine through. After I have moisturised my face, I apply a light dusting of the Guerlain Compact Light-Revealing Powder in #2 Light* all over my face. The packaging of this baby is sturdy silver plastic with a pretty flower design engraved into the top. It is lightweight and easy to carry around. The mirror included also makes it handy when I need to touch up on the go (which I rarely do as face makeup touch ups were never my thing - but it's still a great thing to have!). The powder itself is buttery soft and applies seamlessly on the skin. The shade Light fits my skin tone perfectly and leaves a pretty glowy sheen on my skin which I am currently lovin'. It makes my skin look so healthy! Oh, and did I mention this smells like roses? *contented happy sigh* Up close, I can detect miniscule shimmer particles but from afar it looks so natural. I like to layer this on my cheekbones as a highlight and to give extra sheen to the high planes of my face. The face is done!

Let's move on to the eyes, shall we? The Lunasol Three Dimensional Eyes in #01 Neutral Beige* is a palette I am currently loving. The packaging like the Guerlain powder above is a sturdy plastic casing with a mirror included. The thing about both the Lunasol and Guerlain packaging is that it attracts fingerprints and the reflective packaging makes the fingerprints rather obvious. But oh well - it's nothing a good wiping with a cloth cannot fix so I am not fussed. Back to the Lunasol palette, then. This eyeshadow palette contains 8 different eyeshadows - two full sized, and the other 6 are thin strips of eyeshadow. This palette, albeit a tad glittery, is perfect for creating everyday looks. The shimmer in the shadows are small enough to not make my eyes look like a glitterball. The pigmentation is pretty good and all the shadows feel like butter and apply/blend well on the lids. I use the top right shade as an all-over wash of colour on my lids and apply a light layer of the dark brown in the middle portion of the bottom right square. Top that with one of the shimmer shades in the top left square and my eye makeup is done.

The great thing about this palette also is that the left-side portion of the bottom right square is quite a decent shade match to my hair and I use it to fill in my brows. The shimmer shades in the top left square also make good highlight shades for when I want to add more pizzazz to my cheekbones or cupids bow.

I finish up the look by slicking on some lipstick. Lipstick is a staple in my makeup routine regardless of what other makeup items I use because it really does set the mood for the look and pulls the look together. I have been favouring the 90s' lip trend of late and absolutely adore this Chanel Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in 406 Antoinette*. Antoinette is a brick red with strong coppery brown undertones and tiny gold shimmer particles. This shade may be aging on some but I like how it looks on me as it gives that classy vintage look that is currently right up my alley. This lippie glides on smoothly without tugging on the lips. It does slightly emphasise fine lines but it is very moisturising and does not leave the lips feeling dry. The hydrating formula does mean that it fades and transfers quite easily - but sometimes that's the beauty of lipstick - reapplication! This lipstick also has a lovely rose scent which is not overpowering and irritate sensitive noses. Being the rose scent lover that I am, this is a huge plus point. When I'm feeling it, I also use this lipstick as a cream blush to add some colour to my cheeks. Talk about multipurpose!

So that wraps up my simple yet glowy makeup look using only three products! I am pleased with all the products as they did not cause me skin irritation, rashes or breakouts. Did I mention that I got them from COSME-DE.COM? Oh, yeah I did. Anyhow, if you are interested to check out their website, all new customers that register with COSME-DE.COM will receive a US$5 coupon.

For more information about COSME-DE.COM, you can check out the following:
Website: www.cosme-de.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COSME.DE Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cosmede/ Twitter: @cosmede
P.S: COSME-DE.COM have also kindly provided me with a discount to give to my lovely readers! To get a 10% off discount on their website, use the code "BBXMAS2015". All you need to do is to add the code on the shopping cart page after you login at the "Enter Promotion Code" portion and the discount will appear at CheckOut. For your reference, the code description will appear as 'X-mas Special & Beauteebeauty' and it is valid from 1 December 2015 to 30 December 2015!
The code is applicable only for one order per customer and cannot be applied to previously placed and existing orders. Please note that the code cannot be used on promotion items, best value items and clearance items. It is also not transferable or redeemable for cash or credit. =)
What do you use when you create a simple makeup look? I'd love to know! =D

Evening Pamper Session | feat. Happy Socks

2015-12-20T23:18:00.001+08:00

Hi loves!
It has been a few weeks since I last posted. Been so busy with work that I have not had the time to blog. Finally took some time out so I decided to relax and unwind. Here's me sharing my quick pamper session with you! =D

After taking a nice, warm shower and washing my face, I put on some lavender aromatherapy and proceeded to give my face some tender, loving care. I used my BeautyMate Natural Care Moisturising Peeling Gel to gently scrub the dead skin cells of my face. It is a gel which I apply all over my face and rub in circular motions. The gel dries up and becomes little rubber balls which gently exfoliates the skin. I really like this as it leaves my skin feeling soft after use. I don't see this in stores anymore (though it is apparently still available on the Watson's Malaysia website) but I definitely want to repurchase so if anyone has seen this, please let me know!
I then applied a decent layer of the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX all over my skin. I used to think this product was just 'okay' but for the past year or so I have given it another go and am rather liking it this time round. It smells refreshing (reminds me of the ocean) and leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated the next morning. I do find this to be slightly sticky so I make sure to massage this into my skin like I would with moisturiser to help reduce the stickiness.

The face is done - let's move on to my feet! I slather a thick layer of foot cream to soften and hydrate my feet. I like the Elemis sp@ home treat your feet Foot Cream. It is not too greasy and has a herbal scent which I find relaxing and calming. I don't like walking around or even lying in bed with cream-covered feet though. That's where Happy Socks comes in! I'm wearing the limited edition Fangs & Blood Socks*. It's made of 80% combed cotton and its very lightweight and comfy to wear. It works great for helping the foot cream absorb into my skin and prevents greasy bed sheets! I also thought I'd feature the Zig Zag Women's Brief* - it's so colourful and feels oh-so-comfortable to wear too!

Once all the moisturising is done, I curled up in bed with the book I am currently reading - "It's Not Me, It's You" by Mhairi McFarlane. It's a lighthearted chick lit story about a woman who proposed to her boyfriend but discovered he was sleeping with someone else. Recently I've been rather sick of chick lit but this book has really sucked me in and I'm really enjoying it. Won't say too much except that it's 531 pages long but I'm almost done with it - it's quite a good read and I've been really liking it.
So that's my pamper sesh done. I'm gonna go head back to chillin' and finishing up my book!
Oh, before I forget, for more information on Happy Socks, check out their:
Website: happysocks.com Facebook: facebook.com/HappySocks Instagram: @happysocksofficial #HappySocksUnderwear
Happy Socks have also kindly provided me with a discount to give to my lovely readers! To get a 15% off discount on their website, use the code "beauteebeauty". The code can be used more than once and expires on 15 January 2016. Please note that the code cannot be used on sale items, limited edition items and gift cards.
What do you do when you pamper yourself? =D

Review: Kleraderm Antiage & Klerasol Products

2015-12-06T23:55:00.000+08:00

Hi dears!

Kleraderm is a brand I was not too familiar with, but I was recently contacted to try out their products so I thought "sure, let's get to know more about them!". Kleraderm is an Italian beauty and wellness brand founded in Bologna in 1981. Kleraderm has entered markets all over the world, including the Middle East, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore. The company offers a wide range of skin care products to cater for the different needs of the consumers and its product ranges include products for sensitive skin, aging skin and acne-prone skin. I received 4 products to test, so without further ado, let's jump right into the review!

The first two products are from the Kleraderm Antiage line. As this line is tailored for mature skin, I let me aunt test out the goodies and provide her feedback. I'll be giving my first impressions too! *wink*

Kleraderm Antiage is a range which caters for aged skin with products which claim to promote hydration, nutrition and a fresh feel to the skin and provide an immediate lifting effect for a renewed, velvety and bright look.

The two products that I received are the Antiage Botofit Serum 20%* and the Antiage Botofit Cream*. Botofit is the result of technological and innovative research, based on a hexapeptide that reproduces a botulin-like effect, but without the side effects of botulinic toxin injections. It acts by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, reducing the transmission of nerve impulses to the facial muscles with a significant relaxation of the muscles, preventing the formation of wrinkles and reducing their existance. This range claims to visibly lessen facial expression lines, especially those on the forehead and around the eyes, giving the face new freshness, radiance and splendour.

The Botofit Serum 20% comes in a beautiful frosted 15ml glass pump bottle which feels really solid and looks luxurious. According to my aunt, this serum has a watery, runny texture and sinks into the skin very quick, so you would have to be fast with applying this. She uses one pump for her whole face in the morning and at night and it leaves her face feeling smooth and supple. Her skin feels hydrated without feeling greasy and sticky. The scent of this baby is amazing - and I have to agree. It has a rather strong floral perfume scent, but she says that it does not last long and is not overpowering so it's fine for those with sensitive noses. The scent also did not irritate her skin - which is great! Botofit Serum 20% also did not cause her any skin irritation, rashes or breakouts, so it would probably be suitable for matured, sensitive skin. I tried this product twice and based on first impressions, I have to agree with what my aunt says. I especially love the scent - it smells so good! In terms of reducing wrinkles and fine lines, she says that there has not been much difference except that her skin looks slightly brighter and more even. One month may be a little too short to see a difference so she thinks that there will be more improvement the longer she uses this.

The Botofit Cream comes in a 50ml jar with the same luxurious frosted glass. It has a protection seal sheet to prevent product contamination prior to the product being opened and used. This face cream has the same gorgeous scent as the Botofit Serum 20%, except it is a milder, lighter version of the serum. My aunt says that the scent fades off quickly too so it will not be an issue for all those sensitive noses. The product is a light cream texture which she says spreads easily and absorbs quick into the skin. It does not leave the skin feeling greasy, oily or sticky and she says it feels so soothing and comforting on her skin. The cream hydrates her skin and makes it feel nourished from within - which she really likes! She uses a pea-sized amount day and night but feels that she prefers this as a day cream because she feels it leaves a thick feeling on her skin the next morning every time she uses it as a night cream. The few times that I have tried this, I feel that it works better for me as a night cream because I feel it can feel a bit heavy on the skin, so I guess this really boils down to preference and what works for each person's skin. Again, she has not seen a significant difference after using this for a month but her skin is soft, smooth and brighter and she feels she would see better results with continued use. Overall, she likes both products and would definitely recommend them to those who want something hydrating and nourishing for the skin.

Kleraderm Antiage Botofit Serum 20% Ingredients List

Kleraderm Antiage Botofit Cream Ingredients List

Kleraderm Antiage Botofit Serum 20%

Kleraderm Antiage Botofit Cream

Next up are two products which I tested and was so glad to receive - sunscreen! In sunny Malaysia, you can never get enough sunscreen - trust me. The products are from the Kleraderm Klerasol line: Klerasol SPF 50+ Ultra Protection Sunscreen* and Klerasol SPF 50+ Coloured Ultra Protection Sunscreen*. The Klerasol sunscreens have 5 major ingredients, which are titanium dioxide, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenol triazine, ethylhexyl triazone and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. I am not too familiar with the ingredients but I will take their word that these ingredients are safe as they have been approved by the EU, USA, Japan and Australia. Both products come in a 50ml pump bottle which I really like as it is hygienic and prevents oxidisation of the sunscreen.

Both sunscreens have the same type of formula - a lightweight cream which blends out oh-so-easily and feels like moisturiser instead of sunscreen. It sinks in easily into the skin and does not leave it feeling greasy. It does feel sticky upon application, though, so I tend to leave it on for maybe 5 minutes to let it dry before I move on to apply my foundation or face powder. I have tried using it many ways and I feel this works best on my skin without any moisturiser underneath it, or if there is moisturiser, a moisturiser which leaves a matte finish. I find that a hydrating moisturiser leaves this feeling a bit heavy on my skin and I tend to feel icky by lunchtime. However, without any moisturiser, this sunscreen feels lovely on my skin and doubles as a moisturiser - which is awesome because that's two in one and saves me time! Both sunscreens have a typical sunscreen scent but it is very mild that I barely notice the scent. I have sensitive skin and these babies did not irritate cause breakouts and rashes to my skin.

The only difference between these two products is that one is a coloured cream and the other is a cream that applies transparent. The coloured sunscreen is a light beige shade which provides very light, natural coverage. I do not find much of a difference between the finish of both sunscreens on my face. If I press hard, the only difference would probably be that the coloured sunscreen makes my skin look slightly more even and brighter. What I really like about these is that they do not leave a white cast on my skin! So no worries about looking five shades whiter in pictures with these goodies. Hee! Overall, I think these sunscreens are good for what they are - they do not make my skin oily, there is no white cast after application, and the high SPF is a plus! Between the two, I still prefer the coloured one, only because it makes my skin look slightly brighter, but other than that, both are exactly the same!

Kleraderm Klerasol SPF 50+ Ultra Protection Sunscreen Ingredients List

Kleraderm Klerasol SPF 50+ Coloured Ultra Protection Sunscreen Ingredients List

Kleraderm Klerasol SPF 50+ Ultra Protection Sunscreen Swatch

Kleraderm Klerasol SPF 50+ Coloured Ultra Protection Sunscreen Swatch

I hope you enjoyed this review! I have not done a review of quite a few products in one post so hopefully this is not too lengthy hee! I am so pleased I got to try these goodies out as they turned out lovely and I am now introduced to another brand which produces good skin care products - yay!
For more information on Kleraderm, you can check out their website at www.kleraderm.com or contact Clarence at fully@singnet.com.sg .
Have you tried Kleraderm products? What do you think of them? =D

COSME-DE.COM Beauty Haul & Experience

2015-11-30T16:29:00.000+08:00

Hello loves! There are so many online websites offering skincare and makeup products nowadays that we are spoilt for choice! However, have you come across many that stocks both high-end and drugstore brands? I sure haven't - but one such website is COSME-DE.COM.

COSME-DE.COM was started by a Japanese entrepreneur and is an established global online shopping site for skincare and beauty products with more than 10 years of experience in retail and the wholesale of international skincare and cosmetic products. COSME-DE.COM offers more than 500 brands and 8,700 products. The products, from what I see, are all authentic and genuine. What's best is that it provides free shipping worldwide if you spend over US$40! COSME-DE.COM also aims to provide excellent customer service by having a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee for unopened items.

I was given the opportunity to try out COSME-DE.COM so I got a few things from their website. I cannot tell you just how gobsmacked I was when I browsed through the website. There are so many items and brands that I spent quite a bit of time browsing to look at all the goodies in store. Amazing! One thing to note though is that items run out pretty quick so if you want something, you have to quickly place your order before it runs out - unless you are willing to wait for it to be restocked! Anyhow, I got three items and they are the following products:

- Guerlain Compact Light-Revealing Powder in 2 Light*

- Lunasol Three Dimensional Eyes in #01 Neutral Beige*

- Chanel Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in 406 Antoinette*

After you have placed your order, you will receive an email notification informing you of your order date, date of dispatch of the products, tracking code and a list of the items you have ordered. Delivery time to Malaysia is quite decent. I placed my order on 13 November 2015. It was dispatched on 18 November 2015 and arrived at my doorstep on 27 November 2015.

My items were packed in a small white cardboard box and each product was individually wrapped with thick bubble wrap. Packaging-wise, I give them an 'A'. This is because the box was just the right size for the number of items I received and the bubble wrap made it compact and prevented any breakage or movement during shipment. There was adequate protection and the products arrived in good shape. So happy!

For those worried about whether the goods are counterfeit, fret not, as I am pleased to say that the items I received are 100% authentic and genuine. The products are also "fresh" in the sense that they are nowhere near their expiry dates - which is always a good thing! Although I did not receive any free samples with this order, I understand that the website does send free samples to their customers from time to time. That’s always nice because who doesn’t love a lil’ freebie? Hee!

Overall, I am happy with my COSME-DE.COM experience. Shipping was quite quick and they provided details about things such as the estimated arrival date and dispatch date which are little things I always want to know so that I can ensure that I will be there to accept delivery of the parcel when it arrives. The website is user-friendly and there is a wide array of products to choose from. I have not tested out my goodies but I will have an upcoming post about them so stay tuned for that!
If you are interested to check out their website, all new customers that register with COSME-DE.COM will receive a US$5 coupon. So, what are you waiting for?!
COSME-DE.COM have also kindly provided me with a discount to give to my lovely readers! To get a 10% off discount on their website, use the code "BBXMAS2015". All you need to do is to add the code on the shopping cart page after you login at the "Enter Promotion Code" portion and the discount will appear at CheckOut. For your reference, the code description will appear as 'X-mas Special & Beauteebeauty' and it is valid from 1 December 2015 to 30 December 2015!
The code is applicable only for one order per customer and cannot be applied to previously placed and existing orders. Please note that the code cannot be used on promotion items, best value items and clearance items. It is also not transferable or redeemable for cash or credit. =)
For more information about COSME-DE.COM, you can check out the following:
Website: www.cosme-de.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COSME.DE Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cosmede/ Twitter: @cosmede
Have you purchased anything from COSME-DE.COM? What was your shopping experience like? =D

OOTD | Hint of Mustard & Happy Socks

2015-11-26T11:30:00.000+08:00

It's been a long, long time since I last posted an outfit of the day ("OOTD") post. In all honesty, that's probably 'cause I'm too shy to show my face and body in pictures - hee! Happy Socks contacted me and asked if I would do an outfit post featuring their socks. I thought "why not?" and decided to step up to the challenge! I also recently had my hair snipped - so I thought I might as well show it off a little *wink*

It's sunny pretty much all year round in Malaysia but that does not stop me from loving my autumn colours. Mustard yellow has got to be one of my favourite and I've been sporting this colour quite a bit in my recent outfits, and this one is no exception. To kick things up a notch and add some edge, I paired my cotton Mark & Spencers mustard T-shirt with a faux leather skirt from New Look.
I hardly wear accessories nowadays except for a necklace but I thought my wrists were looking somewhat bare so I decided to wear my Noah's ark-themed bracelet from New Look. I bought this bracelet about 2 years ago and I absolutely love it! The design is so unique and quirky - it's right up my alley!
To add a bit of 'retro' to my look, I sported my Burberry's handbag. This bag was my mum's but she did not want it anymore so I happily adopted it. The bag still has the 'Burberry's' tag on it (which is what Burberry was called before it changed its name to Burberry -little bit of trivia!) - vintage or what?!
The finishing touch to my outfit was my Polka Dot socks* from Happy Socks for me to channel that preppy/retro (hopefully!) look a-la Rachel Berry from Glee. The socks are made of soft cotton making it oh-so-comfortable to wear. Happy Socks has many designs to choose from but I decided to stick to dark colours (i.e. black) and simple polka dots because I'm conservative that way - hee!
Black leather heels, light makeup and a slick of red lipstick... and my look is complete!
For more information on Happy Socks, check out their:
Website: happysocks.com Facebook: facebook.com/HappySocks Instagram: @happysocksofficial #HappySocksUnderwear
Happy Socks have also kindly provided me with a discount to give to my lovely readers! To get a 15% off discount on their website, use the code "beauteebeauty". The code can be used more than once and expires on 15 January 2016. Please note that the code cannot be used on sale items, limited edition items and gift cards.
I hope you enjoyed reading this. It's something different but it was fun to create and write! Have you tried Happy Socks? =D

Note: I am not paid to provide a discount code and do not receive commission etc from any purchases made using the code. The code is solely for lovely readers' benefit should they wish to purchase Happy Socks products! =D

Review: L'oreal Hydrafresh Supreme Emulsion

2015-11-22T21:12:00.000+08:00

Hello loves!

Moisturisers are a staple in any skincare routine. There are many types out there in the market to cater for different skin types. Now that I am back in sunny Malaysia, I needed something that is lightweight in order to withstand the humid weather but moisturising enough to quench my dry skin. Enter L'oreal Hydrafresh Supreme Emulsion. Wanna know what I think of it? Read more after the jump!

The L'oreal Hydrafresh Supreme Emulsion claims to be a moisturiser which provides all day hydration for normal to dry skin. It's meant to penetrate like a lotion but act long-lasting like a cream, making the skin perfectly quenched and refreshed. This moisturiser contains the following antioxidants:

Grape Polyphenols - helps neutralize free radicals caused by daily pollutants

French Spa Water - helps stimulate the cell's vitality to strengthen the skin barrier for optimal hydration levels

Double Hyaluronic Acid - helps enhance hydration power to lock in more moisture in the skin's epidermis

Let's talk about the packaging first, shall we? This moisturiser comes in a sturdy glass tub with a plastic screw top cover. The thick glass feels lovely in my hand and makes the product feel more expensive than it really is. The glass packaging may mean that it's not the most travel friendly but that can be easily solved by transferring some product into a smaller container when I need to bring the product along on my travels. Tub packaging is also probably not as hygienic as a tube but I use clean fingers to take the product out so I'm not too fussed about that. What I like about tub packaging is that I can be sure that I've used up 100% of the product, unlike tube packaging where some product will definitely get left behind.

The texture of this moisturiser is something I really like - it looks and feels like a soft jelly but applies like a gel. It is so lightweight, spreads easily and absorbs real quick into the skin. It also leaves a cooling feel to the skin which I really like - it's akin to applying aloe vera gel or putting cucumber slices on my face. So refreshing! My skin feels soft and supple after application without feeling greasy or sticky. It also acts as a good makeup base. I do find though that I can get a little shiny by midday but a little dabbing with tissue and all is well again.

The scent of this goodie reminds me of water in the sense that it leaves me feeling refreshed. It has a very light scent which I doubt will annoy sensitive noses. Lovelies who dislike scents and those with sensitive skin may not favour this but my sensitive skin is fine with this (no adverse reactions or irritation) so it's all good for me!

Overall, this is a simple moisturiser which works well for my skin. It costs less than RM30 for 50ml which I think is pretty decent. I would definitely repurchase this after I am done with this!

What lightweight moisturiser is your favourite? =D

Product Empties #5 - October 2015

2015-10-30T10:30:00.000+08:00

Hello dolls!

I haven't done a product empties post in eons so I thought I ought to really start again with this series. There have been many products I have used up since my previous Product Empties post but I have saved a few empties for this post. I love that feeling of satisfaction I get whenever I finish up a product. More reason to buy new products! Anyway, let's jump right into this post =)

Herbal Essences Touchable Moisture Honey & Lavender Shampoo (465ml)

I purchased this and the conditioner below when there was a deal at Watsons for '2 for RM50'. This shampoo comes from the Herbal Essences Japan range and I was intrigued to try it. This shampoo claims to be for irresistible soft and moisturised hair. I have thin, fine hair with dry ends and as much as I would like to say this gave me soft and moisturised hair, it did not. It works fine as a shampoo - it gets the dirt out of my hair and leaves it feeling clean, but I did not really feel did this anything in the moisturising department. My hair felt the same (that is, dry) after using this so I do not think I will repurchase this. Oh, but can we take a moment to talk about the scent? The scent of this baby is gorgeous. It has a light, sweet floral scent with hints of honey. So lovely. *sniffs shampoo and sighs*

Herbal Essences Touchable Moisture Camellia Oil & Pink Rose Conditioner (465ml)

This conditioner also comes from the Herbal Essences Japan range and claims to give touchable smooth and fragrant hair in just one use. The scent of this conditioner is lovely - it smells lightly of roses and makes me feel happy every time I sniff it haha! I use about a teaspoon-sized amount of conditioner, run it through the ends of my hair and let it sit for about 2 minutes. After rinsing this off, I feel that my hair is smoother and definitely more fragrant. However, the smoothness only lasts till my hair dries. After that, I can slowly feel my hair start to feel dry and brittle again. So far I have not found a conditioner that can change the condition of the ends of my hair, so to me, this would just be another average conditioner. My sister really likes this conditioner and shampoo above though as she says that they make her hair super soft. I guess that goes to show what may not work for me may just work for you - hee!

Lolita Lempicka Gel Moussant Parfume Perfumed Foaming Gel (4ml sample)

I got this little sample in one of my online Korean beauty hauls I made some time ago and it is sufficient for one use. This foaming gel smells amazing. It has a strong floral scent with a hint of musk (I am so not good at describing scents) which makes me feel elegant. The scent lingers on the skin even after I have washed it off and toweled dry. The texture of this shower gel is also quite interesting- it's a gel but feels like a mousse. Very luxurious feel which also leaves the skin feeling soft. I have not seen this sold in Malaysia but am glad I got to try a sample of this!

Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner (25ml sample)

This Freshner (why it is spelled as 'Freshner' instead of 'Freshener' I have no idea) is a toner for intensive pore care. The one I tried is the one with '7-in-1 Solution' where it claims to: deep cleanse, control sebum, have pH 4.5, tighten pores, provide clear skin, give elasticity and moisturises. I believe the latest version is the one with the '10-in-1 Solution' formula. I used this after I cleansed my face by pouring some toner into the palms of my hand and patting the product into my skin. The first few times I used it, my skin felt tight and there was a strong scent of alcohol. After some time, my skin got used to it and it helped make my pores look smoother. I did not find it very moisturising though so I probably would not purchase this.

Bioré Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash (150ml)
This was a little gift I received from my sister when she returned from one of her Japan travels. It was very sweet of her although I think we have it here in Malaysia, too? Haha! It is the thought that counts though so I am touched. This face cleanser is a foam facial wash. The pump dispenses a decent amount of light foam which gently cleanses my face. I like the foam as it does not tug or pull in any way on my skin. The foam also has a bouncy feel which adds to the fun of washing my face with this cleanser. My skin feels clean after rinsing this off and it does not cause my skin to break out or flare up. However, at times I find that this leaves my skin feeling a little tight and stripped of its natural oils. Nothing that a moisturiser cannot combat but I prefer cleansers which do not leave the skin feeling taut so I'm on the fence about this one. Love the foamy formula as it's suitable for sensitive skin, but not quite loving the after-effects.

Elemis freshskin Dreamy Sleep Night-Time Moisturiser Overnight Replenishing Cream (50ml)
This moisturiser (and let's just stick with 'moisturiser' as its name is a mouthful! *wink*) was something I purchased in the UK mainly because I was curious to try Elemis skincare products. Plus, I got it at a major discount - and that's always good! Key ingredients in this night moisturiser include chamomile, geranium, lavender, liposome complex, blackcurrant seed oil and barley extract. The packaging is sturdy and the pump dispenses quite a lot of product so I normally only pump about half a pump for my whole face. The light herbal scent of this product is something I adore as I find it very calming and soothing. The texture of this moisturiser is a light cream which requires some blending in order for it to absorb fully into my skin. It feels sticky to the touch at first but that feeling goes away after a while. My skin always feels moisturised and supple the next morning every time I use this and it does not cause me breakouts or irritation. Shame I can't seem to find it here in Malaysia; otherwise, I would consider repurchasing this.

Nivea Body Whitening Night Serum (200ml)
'Whitening' - that was the word that caught my attention. I had just returned from a holiday looking tanner at that point of time and was looking for something to make me fairer and I decided to try this out. This serum is a lightweight lotion which claims to provide, amongst others: 10x whitening efficacy, visibly fairer and radiant skin, smoother, more supple skin, even skin tone, and 24 hours hydration. I use a decent amount after I shower at night and this sinks quickly into my skin leaving it soft and moisturised. I like that it is also non-greasy and non-sticky on my skin. The scent of this baby is also quite invigorating - it has a floral scent with a very tiny hint of orange. The scent is quite strong and does not fade quickly so expect people around you to definitely notice the scent wafting from you when you walk pass them. I've used up the whole tube and I only noticed a slight whitening effect so I would not purchase it for that purpose. It does, however, make my skin look slightly more radiant and healthy and leaves it moisturised. For that reason (and because I really do like its scent), I would very likely include this in my "Repurchase" list!

Review: Sudio VASA Earphones | Rose Gold White

2015-10-26T16:23:00.001+08:00

Hi loves!
Music is a huge part of my life. I love listening to different genres of music such as pop, alternative rock, indie etc. I used to commute a lot back when I was studying and I would always listen to music with my earphones while taking the bus or Tube. Sudio Sweden very kindly offered to let me try a pair of their earphones and I thought "why not?". I chose their White VASA earphones* for iOS devices (they also have the same earphones for Android devices). So here's a slightly different type of review - on a pair of earphones!

What is Sudio? Sudio is a Swedish lifestyle brand which makes elegant-looking earphones with studio quality sound. Their earphones collection comprises of three different ranges: VASA, Klang and Två. Each collection features earphones of different designs, colours and specifications to cater for the different needs of earphone users.
Fun fact - The name Sudio comes from an incident when one of Sudio's founders spotted the musician Phil Collins in New York having problems with his headphones. With the frustration of not yet being able to offer any better alternative to Mr Collins, the only words he could say were: "trust me I know the feeling", as they shared eye contact. The name Sudio is homage to Phil Collins' song 'Sussudio'. I think that is quite sweet!

Sudio VASA in-ear earphones feature a 10.2mm driver and 3-button remote and mic. The VASA collection has four different colours: Rose Gold Black, Rose Gold White, Blue and Pink.
When I received my parcel containing the earphones, I was surprised at how it was so well packaged. There must have been about 3 layers of bubble wrap - that's well protected! The packaging of the earphones itself is simple, understated yet classy. The packaging is a sturdy cardboard box which opens to reveal to smaller boxes within. The box with the words 'SUDIO VASA' contains the earphones and the other box contains a leather case, 4 different sizes of earphone sleeves, Owner's Manual, Guarantee Certificate and metal cable clip to clip the earphones to your T-shirt.

The earphones design, now, that I like. The design features a slim, flat cable with very pretty rose gold metal detailing which perfectly complements the white of the earphones. It makes such a pretty accessory! The sturdy leather case (I'll take Sudio's word that it is genuine leather!) is a nice size to store the earphones in and it definitely prevents me from destroying the earphones whenever I take them in and out of my handbag, so that's a definite plus.
I also really like how the earphones come with four extra pairs of earphone rubber buds as it helps us choose the right bud size to comfortably fit into our ears. I tried all sizes and the bud size that fits my ears the best is the smallest pair. It's so dinky and falls out sometimes but the others just fall right out of my ears, so it will do as it fits my ears the best out of all of them. One thing to note is that the earphones have rather long which sometimes got in the way of things for me. I guess that's where the cable clip comes in to clip the cable to my top to prevent swishing - hee!

Now, one of the most important questions - how is the quality of the sound? When I push this in proper deep into my ears (until I can hear a 'pop' sound of air being blocked out), I think the sound quality is great! I can hear the bass notes clearly and the sound clarity is awesome. Better than my iPhone earphones hands down any day. My only pet peeve is that I find pushing the earphones that deep into my ears quite uncomfortable. However, if I put it in in a manner that is comfortable for my ears, the music sounds clear but somewhat distant, like it's coming from somewhere slightly further away.
I also find that this earphones does not cancel noise as well as I would like it to (I am fond of earphones that cancel out noise) and I can still hear people speak quite clearly in the background. Maybe my expectations for this earphones was high but I expected it to be more noise-cancelling and provide me with that 'surround-sound' effect I oh-so-treasure when looking for earphones. Or maybe it is the fit of the earphones in my ears. However, I would not ponder too much over this as I have looked at Sudio's website and I did not come across anything which claims that the earphones have these qualities. The boyfriend has tried this and he experienced the noise-cancelling effect so I think earphones are something really personal and it boils down to the sound quality (which this earphones definitely has) and the fit of the earphones.
I also found that a few weeks after using the earphones, the left earphone would sound softer and more distant after I have used the earphones for a few hours. I would normally then stop using the earphones and let it 'rest' for about an hour, and when I put them back on, they sound fine again until the next time it happens. I'm not sure if this is common but I have experienced somewhat similar problems with other earphones I have used so it may just be a slightly dud pair that I have received.

Overall, I would recommend this earphones to those looking for good-looking earphones that provide sharp sound quality. The clarity of sound and fit of the earphones is something very subjective. Everyone experiences it differently so you won't know till you try it *wink*
The VASA earphones retail at RM315 (US$80) per pair and can be found on Sudio's website or in store depending on your country. If you purchase from their website, shipping is free worldwide so fret not! For a 15% discount on any earphones purchase from Sudio, feel free to use my code "beauteebeauty" which is valid until 30 November 2015!
For more information on Sudio, check out the below:
Sudio's website: http://www.sudiosweden.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sudiosweden/ Twitter: @Sudio_Sweden Instagram: @sudiosweden
Have you tried this earphones? Any earphones you would recommend that is noise-cancelling? =D

Note: I am not affiliated with this brand. The discount code is provided purely for my readers' benefit =)

Guest Post | Gelatine Hair Mask DIY Recipe for Hair Strengthening, Growth and Shine

2015-10-18T21:39:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone!
Luscious locks are something I strive to have. Alas, I have fine, dry hair which is prone to split ends and I am always on the lookout for treatments to help improve the condition of my hair. Today, I have a guest post from Victoria Howell from Le Reve Hair Salon, New York about a gelatine hair mask DIY recipe which helps restore hair strength. So without further ado, let's jump straight to the guest post! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The additional usage of hot styling tools and other salon treatments (colouring, perming, etc.) have a damaging impact on the health of our hair, making it brittle and weak. Gelatine masks help restore hair strength, shine, smoothness and elasticity.

Classic mask with Gelatin for all hair types

Ingredients:

Gelatin powder - 1 tablespoon

Water - 3 tablespoons

Quality hair balm - 3 tablespoons

Vitamin A - 3 drops

Lavender essential oil (or you can use rosemary, ylang-ylang and sage) - 3 drops

Lemon juice - 3 drops

Application:

Mix the gelatine with water and let it stand.
After 40 minutes, put the mixture of gelatine and water on a slow fire with low heat to get a gelatinous liquid without any lumps.
Add the hair conditioner and the other ingredients of the mask into the warm liquid.
Spread the finished mixture on wet, clean hair and wrap your hair with a towel.
After 30 minutes, wash away the mask with warm water.

Tip: For added oomph and effect, gelatine can be dissolved with milk, fruit juice (apple for all hair types, lemon - for blondes, carrot - for brunettes) or herbal infusions (chamomile, nettle, linden, burdock root).

Some things to note about gelatine masks

It is important to dissolve the gelatine: First, mix it with cold water and let it stand for 40 minutes. After that, dissolve any residue on a low heat fire (do not boil).
It is important to add the hair balm into the gelatin mask.
It is necessary to apply the mask on clean hair.
The gelatine mixture should not be applied to the scalp. It should only be applied on the hair.
After applying the mask, you should wrap the head with a towel.
Rinse the hair with boiled water at room temperature. If necessary, use a mild shampoo.
Making a hair mask with gelatine is recommended in spring and autumn. The mask can be used once in two weeks and 8-10 treatments per season will suffice.

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I hope this post is helpful! I'm definitely curious to try this out - anything for stronger hair! Thanks Victoria for the guest post!

Have you tried making this mask before? What are your favourite hair mask recipes? =D

Note: The picture above was taken by the guest post author from flickr.

Be Bejewelled! Bausch + Lomb Lacelle™ Jewel Launch @ Sunway Pyramid

2015-10-11T18:46:00.000+08:00

Hello dearies!
A few weeks back I was invited to the official launch of the Bausch + Lomb Lacelle™ Jewel, a monthly disposable coloured contact lens which made its first appearance in Asia. Scroll on past the jump for some pictures on the event and more information about this contact lens!

Mr Jake Kim, Managing Director of Bausch + Lomb Malaysia and Singapore giving a speech

Kim (model) wearing Bausch + Lomb Lacelle™ Jewel in Topaz Brown

Amber Chia wearing Bausch + Lomb Lacelle™ Jewel in Peridot Green

What is Bausch + Lomb Lacelle™ Jewel?

According to Bausch + Lomb, Lacelle™ Jewel has a unique lens design that enhances lens centration. Due to the thin lens design with a centre thickness of 0.078mm, the contact lens wearer experiences great comfort. This lens material with a water content of 38% also minimises protein uptake from tears and provides hygiene and ease of lens wearing.

Bausch + Lomb claims that the jewel pattern design of Lacelle™ Jewel gives more depth and sparkle to the eyes, darkens and enlarges the iris to portray naturally bigger eyes. The result of wearing Lacelle™ Jewel is that it will make the eyes distinctive and bright, leaving the eyes looking naturally coloured rather than artificial.

Bausch + Lomb Lacelle™ Jewel comes in 7 different colours:

Melanite Black - Provides a demure look of a temptress that is bound to intrigue. Modest and yet sophisticated.

Topaz Brown - A natural sparkle that makes the eyes pop instinctively. A highly approachable presentation.

Crystal Gray - Gives a mysterious vibe whilst providing an illuminating look. A balance between dramatic and lively.

Amber Brown - Friendly and down-to-earth that resonates with a degree of sophistication and elegance. Appears to be stylish and classy with that shimmer.

Amethyst Violet - Provides a significant glimmer in the eyes with this shade that states playful and feisty. Creating an extravagant impression.

Sapphire Blue - For those who prefer a bolder look who is not afraid to be seen with a crystal sparkle that provides an idealistic personality. Exhibits confidence and tranquility.

Peridot Green - Blends very well with any skin tone and gives a pleasant glitter in the eye. Aura that reveals rejuvenation.

I had a look up close at all 7 colours and I find the design and colours rather appealing. I think they wold suit many skin tones too! I was given a choice of one pair to try at the event and I picked Peridot Green as I have always wanted to try green contact lens. I have not tried them out yet but will try them out soon and maybe include a review while I am at it! *wink*

The lens claims to contain pigment standards which is authenticated and certified by the FDA which creates comfortable and safe lenses to wear. Bausch + Lomb also claim that these lenses have shown to be non-toxic and non-irritant to the eyes as Lacelle™ Jewel practices safe colour additives. Sounds good to me!

Also, if you are short-sighted (like myself), don't fret as these come in a variety of different powers (not sure what is the maximum power, though). However, I believe these lenses do not cater for astigmatism, which is a little unfortunate as these are quite pretty.

Lacelle™ Jewel retails at RM68 per box (2 monthly disposable soft contact lens per box) and is available at all major optical dealers. It is a new line extension to the current Bausch + Lomb Lacelle™ and Lacelle™ Colours ranges.

Have you tried this range of colour contact lens? What is your favourite colour contact lens? =D