梦穴 . Dreamcavern

Moved house from a Cavern somewhere Nice

2009-11-02T21:53:00.002+08:00

I have actually reserved the below url for a long time. And I finally have enough courage to leave behind Dreamcavern as my standard online moniker for a name that I feel fits my blog content better - Positively Nice

http://positivelynice.blogspot.com

I hope to see you over there. *smiles*

My Learning Curve

2009-11-02T17:51:00.005+08:00

Wow! I thought I have reached a small plateau in my beauty learning curve, but I suddenly found a whole lot of new and good reads through The Body Shop Blog, after voting for Viva Woman to win the Naturally Beautiful Blogger Award.

Those other blogs offer perspectives that are different, refreshing, and thus brings me new beauty knowledge. As usual, I like to take down notes as I read, and here are some of the highlighted ones that I want to incorporate in my life, and so wish to share with you:

1. 5 Wonderful Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
~ by Beauty Secrets Revealed

Picture Courtesy of Beauty Secrets Revealed

Actually, I have known of Apple Cider Vinegar for 10 over years already. And I have tried drinking it before. But gave up, cos it is just too horrible to down a normal 250ml cup.

But what caught my eye is "just ingesting 2 teaspoons before meals"!

hahaha. That's so clever!

For locals who have listened to FM97.2 and know of Easy Billy/Dongfang Billy, you may have heard of him talking about using Apple Cider Vinegar for slimming. My mother bought his "secret recipes" book back then. But he didn't say in his book that 2 teaspoons before each meal is enough. So I tried to drink a whole cup a day. LOL.

Note: The book was written as a notebook about the food explorations done during his fight against throat cancer. Accordingly, he says that those health recipes helped him recover from cancer the first time. Unfortunately, the disease has now returned, after some 10 years.

2. Minty Mouthwash
~ by Wellness Oasis

Picture Courtesy of Wellness Oasis

What I really like about this is that it does not contains alcohol. Alcohol mouthwash can actually be bad, as alcohol is drying, and may end up inducing bad breath instead. There are also tonnes of worries of how alcohol mouthwash have the same effect as drinking alcohol, thus causing cancer etc.

Also, Wellness Oasis has so many super duper natural recipes for weird things, like nail treatments, footspray, deordorant etc. haha, just like how Viva Woman has yummy DIY masks recipes and more.

I totally must try all these out some time.

3. My #1 Piece of Health Advice
~ by All Natural Annie

Picture Courtesy of All Natural Annie

To fight flu, just use "one finely chopped clove of garlic and a tall glass of water".

Sounds like a really good idea! I normally drink 3 in 1 ginger tea if I feel the flu coming. I never knew garlic could be drunk like that.

I don't like to take medicine when I fall sick, because I belong to one of those who subscribe to the belief that taking so much panadol and antibiotics will make your immune system so use to it, that you develop resistance towards simple medicine, like panadol. And then you will end up having to take stronger and stronger medicines. But potent medicines have A LOT of side effects. Don't forget, they are still drugs afterall.

So natural garlic method is the way to go! =)))

Note: I have a friend who was wrongly diagnose of SARS during the SARS period, and he was made to take the SARS antibiotics, because the country just couldn't risk having someone out in the public with suspected SARS. It now ends up that he complains his body has weakened drastically, and he has lost his pre-SARS size and muscles. Basically, he said "it's just not the same anymore."

4. Interview with Patricia M. Bannan, registered Dietitian.
~ by All Natural Annie

I am so glad to find this post, as it gives a very good list of health food to swap your current meals for. This is something that I have posted about, but mine is an incomplete list, and also does not explains why each food is good.

I think those who like me, are trying to eat healthier, will find the tips really useful.

Below is a snippet of the list that I have taken the liberty to make. All credits to All Natural Annie and Patricia M. Bannan:

You hear of a lot of top 10 lists for healthy food/super foods, what top 10 items come to your mind when you think of healthy food?

A variety of colorful vegetables (e.g., spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli)
A variety of colorful fruits (e.g., oranges, berries, kiwis)
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, barley, whole wheat)
Nuts (e.g., pistachios, almonds, walnuts)
Omega 3-rich fish (e.g., wild salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel)
Beans (e.g., black, kidney, garbanzo, navy)
Lean meat and poultry – natural when possible (e.g., Hormel® Natural Choice® deli sandwich meat)
Whole soy (e.g., tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, edamame)
Tea (e.g., black, green, white, oolong)
Low-fat dairy (e.g., plain low-fat yogurt, skim milk)

Enjoy!

The Body Shop Honey Moisturizing Shampoo

2009-10-28T13:32:00.003+08:00

Time for raves again! After that mini-rant against TBS all natural image, here is something for it. =)

The Body Shop Honey Moisturizing Shampoo

Available: TBS outlets @ $16.90

Volume: 250ml

Star Properties: For Dry/Damaged/Chemically Treated Hair. A rich, creamy, moisturising and gently cleansing shampoo that leaves the hair softer, more manageable and healthy-looking. With regular use it will help improve the condition of the hair over time. (Copied from TBS website.)

TBS Honey Moisturizing Shampoo, picture courtesy of TBS website.

Packaging
Ok, I think we are all too familiar with TBS bottles. hahaha. All I can say is that the suction power is there, despite the way it looks like a toner bottle and everything will flow out without control. It doesn't. Coupled with the viscosity of the shampoo, one definitely has control over how much you want to squeeze out.

Spreadability
Very unfortunately, I find that this shampoo totally doesn't spreads. I squeezed out equal volume as I use from 1 pump of shampoos like Essential/Asience. But ended up, it wasn't enough, and I had to squeeze out another 2 more times that same amount!

So given the small 250ml volume, I think if I use it everyday, I am gonna finish it in a break neck speed of 1 bottle a month!

$16.90 for one month vs $16.90 (for Asience) for 6 months. *faints*

Shampooing Feel
To be honest, I hate this shampoo when I am using it. Unlike other shampoos, this one doesn't gives the immediate smooth feel effect. There was just no way I could glide my hands and comb my hair while shampooing. Very irritating.

The Ultimate Surface Finish After Hair Dries
Superb! I don't know if it's because I couple this with Essential's Orange Hair Treatment as conditioner (since I didn't buy the TBS conditioner), but wow wow! I can feel my hair ultra soft, untangled, straight and smooth throughout 2 days.

And guess what? I couldn't bring myself to wash my hair the next day. Cos I am so scared of losing that silky hair feel.

I really think that the softness is comparable, and maybe even slightly better than Asience shampoo and conditioner. It's definitely better than both Essential Pink and Orange Conditioner.

Just a shampoo alone can make so much difference? I am amazed with TBS Honey Shampoo.

My Skepticism
Yes, I was very skeptical about TBS Honey Shampoo, cos if you ask me, NO, Honey doesn't works for hair.

I have used the full range of L'oreal Elseve Royal Jelly for dry, damaged hair, but none of it works. Not even the night leave-on and day cream. (Maybe I was using a wrong range that's why. But I can swear by L'oreal Elseve Anti-frizz range.)

As for Essential which claims to use high purity honey, I am satisfied for the price. I like the pink conditioner for its volumizing and detangling properties. But the Orange range doesn't seems to work at all. Only the Orange Treatment is quite good.

Yep, so I love it: 5 hearts!
That's if you can afford $16.90 a month for shampoo. I got it cheaper at the atrium sale to try. So probably not buying again.

Something to Say About The Body Shop

2009-10-28T12:50:00.003+08:00

I am sure a lot of us know of the TBS Atrium Sale at Tampines Mall, and have been there already. My SO and I have also been there, and gotten some loots. =)))) Congrats to those who have picked up useful things and saving beauty money!

But what really makes me want to write about TBS is that I cannot understand why people keep thinking it is natural. And some try to argue their way out.

I am not against TBS, in fact, I like their products, and think some of them really works! But I feel that it is great injustice to really, truly natural and/or organic brands that TBS is seen to be on the same level as them. So I hope to open things up, and shed some light on this issue.

TBS products are NOT natural. Neither are they going huge on being natural with their products. They don't even have a full fledged mineral cosmetics range. The closest I can think of, which I have not seen in Singapore stores, is what Viva Woman alerted the public to: Nutriganics from The Body Shop.

They are just practising beauty ethics, and being Green, and eco-friendly. (In fact, I am not sure if going to far-flung places and digging out new plants is REALLY eco-friendly or not. For those who have studied human geography, and know about the side effects of eco-tourism, and eco-industrialization, you know what I mean.)

Step 1: Feel their bottles. Squeeze it.
You will notice that the plastic is very much softer than others. Look at the plastic label at the bottom, and you should see a triangle with 1 inside. That is plastic indication, meaning Polyethylene Terapthalate.

It is low strength plastic that is recyclable.

So if you want to be more beauty natural and eco-friendly, please kindly recycle all your TBS bottles. =))) I do! I wash out the soap from the bottles and send them to my Town Council's fortnightly recycle group.

Step 2: Look again at their paper bags.
Notice that they give you takeaway bags without handles for small purchases, and large paper bags for things like the Tampines Mall Atrium sale. These are all made from recycled paper. And of course, you can, and should recycle it.

Step 3: Look at their movements and promotions.
The Help is At Hand, Stop Sex Trafficking advertisement is still around in some MRT stations. Movements like these help us to be aware of the less fortunate around the world. So help if you can afford the hand cream. =)

Apart from the things that our eyes can see, here is the rest of the Green efforts that they are making: Values & Campaigns: Our Green Efforts.

The Reason - Why I say they are not natural in terms of products
Step 1: Look at the ingredients list.
All the bodywash the I have seen contains SLS.
I did not get rashes from it, to my delight. =)

Step 2: Look at the ingredients list again.
Their body lotion and hair creams etc contains a lot of silicones which some, including me are quite sensitive to.

Step 3: Compare the ingredients list to something organic.
Now you will see the difference. TBS has mainly all chemicals.

haha, so that's all for bringing justice to truly natural and/or organic products.

Below is a you-can-try-it-too list: (they are all things that I like from TBS)
- Cassis Rose perfume
- Brazil Nut Anti-Frizz Hair Cream
- Honey Shampoo
- Musk Shower Gel (this is my favourite. ALL the other flavoured gels are just simply, flavoured, nothing special.)

5 Traits Successful Weight Losers Share

2009-10-26T16:15:00.000+08:00

5 Traits Successful Weight Losers Share

Cosmetics Expiry Checklist

2009-10-26T15:53:00.000+08:00

Cosmetics Expiry Checklist

DeCosmet Gentle Cleansing Gel

2009-10-23T11:41:00.004+08:00

I think I have doing my dear old cleansing gel a great disservice by procrastinating a post on it for this long. The main reason being, my cleansing gel can't be bought easily off shelves, so I feel a post on it wouldn't help others much... ...

But over the years, quite a handful of people have asked me, that if I can't use off-the-shelves/counter brands cleanser, what am I using???

haha. And my usual answer would be, "oh, it's just a some Swiss brand."

I think this answers satisfies their curiosity, because the name Swiss seems to say something good. Think in the direction of Swiss alps, good water, makes sense for a skincare company to go there right? haha.

So finally, this is dedicated to the First Non-irritating Cleanser in my life, which I have been sticking to for 3 years.

DeCosmet Gentle Cleansing Gel

Available: Probably through me. I will contact my beautician, she will contact her supplier, and the supplier will pass back the product, then I can mail you or something. $42 iirc.

Volume: 135ml

Star Properties: pH balanced. Extremely little ingredients. Planty-based. Contains beads of cleansing agents.

Decosmet Gentle Cleansing Gel. Picture courtesy of decosmet.com

Packaging
Good: Transparent. Pump bottle.

No good: Heavy (bad for travelling, but I still bring the whole bottle anyway. lol.). The plastic cap is lose after long term usage, and it cracks easily.

Fragrance
Really nice mild smell! Love it so much. Non-offensive, or over-powering at all. There is no stated added fragrance. =))

Ingredients
Really very little. Till now, I can't find a cleanser that has as little ingredients as this, yet feels so nice, cleanses well, and does not irritates my skin.

Everytime I hear "for sensitive skin", I check the ingredients, and it just turns me off. Either the list is too long, or the chemical content is too high. Brands like Simple, are actually not simple at all.

Ingredients list:
Aqua, Copaiba Balsam, Glycerin, Orchid Fruit extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Green Spheres, Propylene Glycol, Photo-Reflecting Agent.

pH balanced
Honestly, I am not sure if this factor is really so important. But since this cleanser is working well for me, I guess it plays a part.

Form
Gel form. Pardon me, cos I can never understand why people say that gel form is drying. This cleanser never leaves my skin taut.

This is also water based, so it's really light, spreads well with good coverage, and suitable for sensitive skin.

Pump Amount
Actually, if you press down the entire pump, it's a lot. Too much for my face, imo. I have to control the pump and press about a black bean size/two red beans. Yup, just so little is enough. Strange right. If you really find it not enough, just use 3 red beans size, no need the whole pump.

Doing it this way, the bottle actually lasts me 8-9months. Amazing right.

The gel hasn't spoiled. Cos there is no smell or change in colour, and it works just as effectively. I don't breakout from it as well. So I don't think it will spoil.

I think it's because the planty ingredients are just extracts, not exactly natural or anything. But I am not particular about this. My main concern is that it works, and don't irritate me. As it is way to difficult for me to find something that can go on my skin (I can't be fussy).

After Feel
Very good. Never taut. My skin feels smooth enough. But not as softening as some products I've used, like masks...

I like it: 5 hearts

I don't think I will ever find another product like that - with little ingredients, yet higher amount of non-chemical ingredients, and at quite an okay price for the 9 months that it lasts.

Note: A forumer told me that there is a brand called Isoderm, which is also pH balanced, and for sensitive skin, and at around half the price of mine. Just fyi for those other people with sensitive skin, you might like to check out Isoderm too.

Fighting Acne - The Unconventional Way

2009-10-20T11:23:00.003+08:00

Prevention is better than cure.

I have read countless posts on how to treat acne/pimples/cysts. Extremely helpful as they may be, the take home message that I always get is that, prevention is better than cure. (I am very thankful for some of the articles, like Splendicity, and Viva Woman's.)

If in the first place, I don't have a pimple to begin with, then what for would I need a pimple cream, or tea tree oil (lol. I invested in a 100% pure one from Thursday Plantation, and it's left on my shelf collecting dust now.), or honey, or go through painful needle extractions during facial?

So after concluding from some of my observations, I decided that one of the best ways to fight acne, is by the "torturous", maybe time-consuming, but very beneficial way - A Healthy Lifestyle.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is the indirect, frequently overlooked, unconventional way of stopping all that unpleasant zits from popping out all over. And I have many athletic friends who can "prove" it. I am always so envious of the guys' baby smooth face. And even more envious when they say they use nothing but normal soap and/or water to wash their faces.

******

So how did I go about trying to lead a healthier lifestyle?

In my opinion, I feel that this can be divided into 2 big catergories, that is exercise and diet.

Exercise
1. DECIDE that you want to lead a healthier lifestyle. (I wouldn't say healthy, just aim for moderate, healthIER lifestyle)

2. Start moving.
I started off with the little exercises that one kind friend devised for me. That includes things like leg bend, calf lift, squats, cruches, and swimming. Very simple, at low intensity, low repetition.

Then I also added in cycling.

Subsequently, I cut out magazine articles and start to follow them. This is very good! Just grab any girly mag, like Seventeen, Cleo, Women's Weekly, sure to see a page of healthy lifestyle.

3. Increase the repetitions and intensities as you go along.
I just increase after around 1 week, then 2, because by instincts, I feel that I am stronger, and can do more times. So this is up to individual to judge for yourself.

4. Stick to whatever movements you are doing for 4-8 weeks to see results.
Then you might like to change, e.g. your aerobic exercise can change from cycling to jogging, swimming, dancing/workout, ball games with friends.

Anyway, by that time, the next issue of magazine would have come out with new ideas, so just keep a lookout.

Diet
I don't mean go on a diet, starve yourself. I find it torturous to feel hungry. And I am against being extremely underweight, anorexic, bulimic etc. (My reasons range from being unable to donate blood, lack nutrients/hormones to have baby, bad fatless dry and hairy skin and more.)

Diet simply means change the things and way you eat, not don't eat.

1. Start by replacing one meal.
I chose lunch. Instead of just eating any amount of whatever I want, I choose boiled stuff, soup stuff, vegetarian, such as brown rice.

Also, take in protein from soy, beancurd, eggs, nuts, instead of meat. I don't abstain. Just take less. Cos I believe we should eat from every catergory.

Then for dinner, I also try to cut down on the processed food.

I am aiming to replace my peanut butter bread breakfast with banana, milk and oat by this week. (Here is a fellow beauty blogger's post on banana breakfast.)

2. Be on a calorie deficit
haha, actually this is for losing weight. But oh well, having a smaller waistline is part of beauty right. hehe.

Calorie deficit simply means eat lesser calorie than you use in one day. Normal sedentary lifestyle adult should be around 1500 kcal - 1800 kcal a day.

***It's very important to include the calorie from your drinks!!!
Simply don't take sweet drinks, you should be fine with this part.

3. Take vitamins the right way. Eat fruits, eat dark green leafy vegetables. Kiwi, banana, brocolli, mushrooms, all these are good food.

This is very important. Because it is quite common for people to think that going on a lean diet means cutting everything. You need to cut the bad things, but increase the nutrients. So that's why choosing is important. Choose the nutrients dense stuff.

The following is a simple list I can type off-hand:
Wholegrains/Carbo (oat, barley, brown rice, wholemeal bread)
Good fats (salmon, sardine, mackerel)
Vegetable (brocolli, spinach)
Fruit (kiwi, banana)
Protein (soy bean/milk (lactose free), plain boiled beancurd, eggs, skim milk/cheese/yohurt)

The idea is to cut fats/saturated fats. Protein makes us feel we are full, so we eat lesser. They are also used to build our DNA, bones, everything. Carbohydrates are to make us think we are full. We crave sweet things, and carbo, so if you cut carbo totally, you will just keep thinking you are so, so, so hungry. As for fats, the latest article I read says a normal adult only needs less than 50g a day.

******

THE RESULT

A healthier, prettier, happier you!

Asides from my skincare, I do think that this change in lifestyle has contributed significantly to the fact that I don't need to touch the pimple cream for weeks already.

Not only for the face, but I read that if you suffer from body acne, diet also helps a lot. But I am unable to testify for that, as I only get one or two body acne if my clothes are too tight, and I fail to bathe quickly after sweating (during chalet).

I know, this post is so long. But I sincerely hope it can help someone out there. Signing off here. =) Bye.

O2 Skin Fruit Yoghurt 5-min Wash-off Masks

2009-10-15T21:27:00.005+08:00

I am so happy to find yet another item that can be added on to my MoneySense tag. And that is O2 Skin Fruit Yoghurt Masks!

I first came across O2 Skin Fruit masks when I brought a dear friend to O2 Skin outlet at AMK Hub. My friend bought both the Mango and Orange wash-off mask, and I asked her to let me have a look.

I did not try it, but from the looks of it, it's really wow! It looks and smells like real Mango. I had to try hard to suppress the urge to eat up the tub of Mango mask. hahahaha. (Unfortunately, at that time, I did not take a picture, so I can't show you anything. But there are quite a few O2 Skin outlets around, and do take a look if you pass by one of them.)

So, that has led me to have quite a good impression of O2 Skin Fruit Masks. And when I got a free 3-piece Fruit Yoghurt Mask packet from O2 Skin Workshop, I was delighted, and excited to want to try it.

O2 Skin Fruit Yoghurt Mask

Available: O2 Skin outlets

Volume: (I will check this out.)

Star Properties: 5-minute and all the goodness will be infused!

O2-Skin Fruit Yoghurt Mask x3 Free Trial Pack

The back. The ingredients are okay. Not poisonous, but definitely not natural, for those who are concerned.

Looks/Smell
It is white, with dense dots of fruit (strawberry/cucumber/orange) everywhere.

Texture
Very good! Not too thick, not too watery. Easy to spread all over face.

Effects
Strawberry: No effects, in my opinion.

Cucumber: OMG! This IS good! I think this is a must try. It's super hydrating, smoothening, and softening. If anyone remembers my rave on Blanc de Blanc 3-in-1 Hydrating Mask, now, I can say that, this cucumber mask is better than that! My face was super velvety and soft after I only used half that packet of cucumber mask. Velvety as in really the slightly furry, smooth feel. Literally. haha. Sorry, but this is too amazing that I have to emphasize it.

Orange: I haven't try this.

The Best Part
Of course, the best part for this would be it only takes 5 min! I personally always find myself very busy, and I can't bear waiting 20 - 30 minutes for masks to have their effects. The waiting time bores me out, as I can't have any facial expression for so long. haha.

Not sure if you also like to be fast, and save time like me. But a 5-min OK mask is really appealing for city-dwellers.

Sensitive Skin
So far so good. =) No problems with Strawberry and Cucumber. Will try orange soon.

I love it: 5 hearts.
This only applies to the cucumber mask, as it is very hydrating. I wouldn't recommend buying the strawberry at all.

Latest Beauty Discovery to Share!

2009-10-14T17:59:00.004+08:00

I think some people already know about this, but I think it would still be good to share what I've just discovered for myself.

My eye gel can be used for removing laugh lines. Hooray!! =)))

Laugh lines are the lines that normally begin from the nodes of your nose down to the sides of the mouth. It is where the skin folds when you laugh, and sort of defines the cheeks. And the appearance of these lines will make you look a lot older than you actually are.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin like I do, you will notice that these fine lines appearing, even at a very young age. Mine has been slightly visible since around 3 years ago. And they have recently becomes a crease that doesn't goes off even when I have a straight face.

I personally think laugh lines are fine for middle age ladies as I am all for graceful aging, but it's just not fine to see it on someone still schooling.

So you can imagine out freaked out I was when I see that my lines did not go away. I have two, because I laugh evenly, I only laugh when it's really funny, I don't sly smile. hahaha.

I've heard that you can just have one. And if it's on the right side, the person is a sly and cunning one. If it's on the left, the person is a meek, shy one.

******

Yup, so I needed to find a quick remedy, and I thought, hey, since eye cream is for smoothing out fine lines and dark circles, why can't I use it to smooth out my other fine lines???

So I tried.

And tadaa! I am so glad to announce, and I believe many of you will be so glad to hear, that it works!! And it works very well.

Within two days of apply my eye gel to my laugh lines, I can safely say that it disappeared. Now my laugh lines spring back, and doesn't stays as a crease.

So I continued using it to maintain that part as hydrated as possible. (Fine lines form because the skin is not hydrated enough.)

I am fine now. =))) And I now believe that eye gel is more hydrating than normal moisturizer, and that mine works. LOL. Cos I always thought that my eye gel is rubbish, as it doesn't do much for my eyes. But now, I think, it's the undereye fine lines that are beyond hope. Just too deep.

So, I hope this will help somebody out there. If you have laugh lines, don't fret. Quickly try your current eye cream/gel on your laugh lines!! All the best!

Recipe No.2 - Fruity Pink Pond

2009-10-13T13:02:00.007+08:00

Okie, just want to share something I have made from a recipe in NTUC magazine.

The Fruity Pink Pond.

haha. Honestly, it doesn't really tastes nice. So I guess, I will skip the recipe part. I think it's because I changed the fruits to kiwi and mango. And I used too little milk to mix with the agar powder.

But I sure must say, I think it looks good enough for me. LOL. And it looks absolutely delicious on the picture of the recipe.

Giovanna Ballet Flats

2009-10-13T13:02:00.005+08:00

Giovanna is one of my favourite local shoe brands. I find their designs stylish enough, and their shoes comfortable, and affordable, though they are not the dirt cheap kind.

I believe a lot of us Singaporeans will know that Mondo is the really cheap one. And DMK is also very affordably priced, though DMK seems to lack in the style factor.

In this post, I just want to share my latest loot: Giovanna Ballet Flats Gold, with checkered prints.

Giovanna Ballet Flats Gold, with checkered prints.

I think the Gold buckle suits my skin. There is the black and silver one too.

And I really, really like checkered pattern. Can imagine how much I love Burberry. hahahahaha.

Got it at one the outlet's closing down sale, so it's only $15. Wouldn't have bought it at the normal price, as I feel that flats are just not worth anything more than $20, unless it's really high end branded.

So far so good. =) The sides are made of cloth, not leather or plastic, so it doesn't cuts. I just love the softness of cloth.

The only drawback is that the soles do not grip very well, so there were instances when I almost slipped.

Best Buy Contact Lenses

2009-10-13T12:35:00.007+08:00

I have always been buying my contact lens, of the brand Puriyves, from the optician under my block. And their pricing is quite reasonable, at $70 for 6 months wear.

It was actually $60 when I first bought it. The price was increased the last time I purchased. And because of this, I became less satisfied with my lenses, as many customers would if the price of their daily use items increase.

My PuriYves Monthly Disposables. I doubt many would have seen this before.

In addition, the curvature and width of Puriyves are also not an exact fit for my eyes. I can feel that because I tend to feel the lines of the contact lens while wearing. I didn't know I was wearing something not of perfect fit, as I had no means of comparison until I met my current lens brand.

Note: Puriyves is actually very moist. And I have no problems at all wearing them for longer hours.

As such, I was on the lookout for cheaper contact lenses since that 6 months ago.

******

Very, very fortunately, just as I was about to go back to my optician to repurchase Puriyves, I stumble across this website advertised on Facebook, Wee-Mart.

Wee-Mart's webpage.

(LOL. I really love Facebook these days because of the advertisements! I can't believe it. Cos I hate advertisements. But those on Facebook are not only catered to the needs of online youth population, but also non-invasive yet easily visible and eye-catching enough. So it means, if I want, I can click on it. If I think it's rubbish, I can simply ignore it. Heavenly for consumers.)

And I am very thankful to it for giving me wonderful new contact lenses.
I chose Baush & Lomb Soflens 38, at only $56 for 6 months.

And I am so loving it now. The people are right! Bausch & Lomb isn't famous for nothing. And Soflens isn't named soft for nothing!

Bausch & Lomb SofLens 38

The curvature and width fits my eyes so much more. And I feel so comfortable in them. In fact, I don't even feel it, at all!

Plus, it is indeed thinner in the middle so that my eyes can breathe, and thicker at the sides for hold, and strength. This makes the right side and wrong side shape much more distinguishable. Previously, I always got lost trying to figure out if I've got Puriyves the right way or not.
$70 for a very, very normal pair of lenses, and $56 for a real quality pair of lenses, which would you choose?

******

It also helps that Wee-Mart offers meet-up, cash on delivery services for first time customers, for those people who are scared that this is a cheat website.

I am one of those people, and I am glad I chose the meet-up, because then, I got to know the boss, and that he is a nice guy. And I could see his sincerity, and desire to keep this business going for long term.

Plus, I am quite glad to know that he has so many, many, many other customers besides me when I saw his other goods on the day we met. Because this means that a lot of Facebook users from Singapore have also ordered from Wee-Mart. And this sets my mind more at peace, that I will not be cheated.

So if you are living in Singapore, and want trustable and quick receipt of good quality contact lenses at very low prices, do order from Wee-Mart. =)

Nail Art Escapade No.2

2009-10-13T12:34:00.004+08:00

My second time.

hahaha. So inspired indeed by Pretty Beautiful, that I continued nail art after those from the previous attempt chipped, and I washed it off.

Here goes:

The Half-Half, using City Girl, Revlon Cherry Rush, and Clatty Purple (for dots).

I don't really like this design, though I think I did a much better dot painting within the lines. No dirty overlaps, and the surface finish is much smoother than the Sweet Snow Cake one I did on first try.

My SO also thinks this design is a bit weird.

Though it may be due to the colours I chose. Those tutorials that I have seen are all using Black and White. But I don't like Black.

Nail Art Escapade No.1

2009-10-13T12:18:00.005+08:00

Guess what? haha. I am so inspired by Pretty Beautiful's pretty and beautiful DIY Nail Art, that I made an attempt on DIY nail-art as well!

I believe a lot of you might have stumbled upon her beautiful nail art already. But do check it out, if you haven't already done so. She has really nice reads on other beautiful things too. =)

Here's mine: (Caution! I have ugly fingers and toes.)

The Sweet Snow Cake nails. Done with Rainbow White, O2 Skin Pink, and Revlon Cherry Rush.

My SO commended me for this one!! He thinks I did a really good job, and he likes the sweet colours too. Compared to when I only had the pink on, he didn't even notice the pink on my nails. LOL.

But I feel I can definitely improve my techniques. See the pain on my index finger? It's overlapped wrongly. I didn't mean to overlap.

The Simple Flower Red nails.

My SO just likes the Revlon Nail Enamel in Cherry Rush, with or without flowers. haha.

Overall, I am really very happy at my 1st time results. Much easier than I thought DIY nail art would be. And the colour combi that I chose works out well.

I did do a practice for the Sweet Snow Cake one, and I had to wipe of everything the first time. But I soon got the hang of it. Like the length of white to put, how much I should dip for each nail polish, whether I should overlap the colours or not, etc.

Yup, it's pretty easy. Actually, you just pain whatever you see in those pictures, and try to find the right tools to pain them.

Here is what I used: (Nothing fancy. No branded nail polish and all.)

From Left to Right: Rainbow, O2 Skin, Revlon Cherry Rush, Clatty, O2 Skin Base Coat, O2 Skin Top Coat.

I also used the round ends of toothpicks to dot the dot. Dirt cheap, and it works. Change a new stick about every 4-5 nails. As the dots will get bigger and bigger, then not nice.

I will review the Rainbow White Nail Polish. I actually bought it because there were many recommendations that does the job well, and is only $2.

O2 Skin nail polishes are really cheap and good. I have two shades of pink, and this is one of them.

Clatty is a $3.90 brand from Venus. I think some of you who frequent Venus might have seen it. It's no good. So don't buy. (Which explains why I am only using it for the dots.)

Revlon Nail Enamel is the ultra good one. =))) It's my 2nd time using it, though I have bought it for quite some time. It's the colour that is on my toe nails. And the good news it, I did this nail art 3 weeks ago, and my toe nail colour is still fully on!!

Revlon Nail Enamel in another colour has been reviewed by My Women Stuff too:
Revlon Red Hot Tamale for the Sexiest Toes Ever!

Yep, hope my noob attempt at nail art may inspire other girls to try DIY too! I am sure you all know it saves quite a sum of money. Plus, I had a good time relaxing myself, and having fun Me-Time while I was doing that.

Things Can Crank Up

2009-10-13T11:53:00.007+08:00

I am really quite frustrated right now about my latest online purchase - MBD masks from Sunnanz.

Don't get me wrong. Asides from slightly late post out of my items, I don't think it's their fault. It should be the postman.

I ordered boxes of MBD masks from Sunnanz on Monday night, made the payment and filled out the paid form. And I am supposed to receive confirmation of my payment after that. Sad to say, I didn't.

However, I was pretty confident that Sunnanz will deliver my items no matter what, so I didn't do anything.

But until yesterday, which is the Monday 1 week after I placed my order, I still have not received my registered parcel.

Thanks to the help of some forumers, I emailed Sunnanz about it, and the in-charge actually called/sms me about my items.

Apparently, Singpost has sent it out on Friday, 09/10/09. But on my side, how could that be??? Since I did not receive the failed delivery notification card that would direct me to collect it.

I am not happy with the postman. Because this way, I would be waiting forever for my items had I not checked. Moreover, I wouldn't know where my parcel is if I don't take all the trouble to ask Sunnanz for the article number, and then go to Singpost website to check it, and request a redelivery.

All these troubles when I thought online purchase should actually be comfortable, pay, sit down, wait, and receive your items.

Disatisfied.

Many forumers say they would receive within 2 days of order. But mine? Being a first time customer, Sunnanz only allowed it to reach my doorstep on Friday when I ordered on Monday. 4 days. Double of what others get. Really bad impression right now, even though the missed delivery isn't their fault.

I saw some websites that sell the masks at $1.20 instead of $1.30 by Sunnanz. What am I paying that extra $0.10 per piece for if they don't provide better service and assurance? Furthermore, their tagline is "The Right Choice". What an irony.

Sorry Sunnanz. Try harder next time. I am most likely transferring my orders for MBD masks to other sites. No doubts, they have other things on the site too, which is still worth looking at.

My Sunnanz, MBD loot!

EDITED: Hi girls, haha. By the way, I went down to the post office personally to retrieve my package. 4 types of masks here. All the limited edition ones.

The much loved chocolate that was out of stock, for whitening, brightening and firming.
The also popular Japanese Cherry Blossoms, for brightening, soothing, and regenerating.
Strawberry, for brightening, improving fine lines, and oil control.
Mixed berries, for brightening and firming.

Looks like all are good for my skin! The other time, I bought Apple for my SO, which is more for acne skin. So I didn't use at all.

I will try and review them asap! =)))

PS: Bought 10 of each, will last me a long, long time.

EDITED AGAIN: lol.
Shi Wei from Sunnanz told me they sent out my items promptly on the 7th. Haiz. But I don't know. Not sure what to think. I don't want to malign Sunnanz, so I am posting this part to say that I may be wrong about what I posted earlier on.

I guess, perhaps, yes, they do deserve a second chance. Since Shi Wei did tried to call me 2 times, and then sms me when they receive my query email. For this, I am very happy. Yup. So a second chance it is. I hope things don't crank up again. =)))

Happy Belated Mid-Autumn Festival!

2009-10-06T21:22:00.005+08:00

This is so late right? I have been so busy and fell very sick with blocked nose, runny nose, headache, body aches, and very mild fever over the weekend. Still trying to recover now, having cough and sore throat. And still will be busy with school... ... Just finished a test yesterday. Yep, I had to study despite feeling so sick.

So, Happy Belated Mid-Autumn Festival!

I don't usually celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival, although I eat mooncakes every year. But this year, my SO happened to have two tickets to a concert on Saturday itself. So we went for it of course. =)

The faces below are pretty recognizable right? For people who listen to Mandarin songs. They are Zheng Zhong Ji and Su Yong Kang, from Hong Kong.

The opening screen, took while I was waiting for the concert to begin.

This is my first time going to a concert. I have been to several dramas, but not a music concert. The ticket says 730pm, but we had to wait till 8pm before it began.

I actually didn't understand 80% of what went on, as I totally don't know Cantonese. I didn't understand the songs, the speeches, and the jokes. To me, all those were just some sounds, which are more strange to me than Japanese.

So I guess, if you don't understand the language, and don't really like the singers, better not go to something foreign. hahaha.

I think I had a good time scrutinising their clothes, skin, build and all. hahaha. Both have really smooth skin! Or maybe it's powder? But I don't think so ehz.

Both really keep fit. Quite old already still have very good figures.

Yup, I guess that's all. Hope you all have eaten enough mooncakes, eaten very delicious ones (like I did), and enjoyed your Mid-Autumn Festival. =)

Say Goodbye

2009-10-06T21:03:00.004+08:00

There is always some kind of sadness in me when I have to throw away my skincare product bottles. Today, it is time to say goodbye to two more bottles, my first pimple cream, Decosmet Acne Cream, and my first eye cream, Evarro Eye Treatment Essence.

I am quite a hogger, and I practically keep everything and anything. lol. Especially skincare bottles. They are so nice, and so useful for traveling.

My two beloved bottles of creams.

I always take so long to finish these things, and they end up expired. Both are at least 2 years' old... ... They both smell sour.

I tried to wash out the creams so that I can reuse the bottles. But even with detergent, a lot of cream was still left sticking at the bottom.

So no choice. Must throw.

PS: The bottles look exactly the same. Actually they were sister brands. But have now split up.

What do you normally do with finished tubs/bottles of skincare? Do you wash and keep any? Or everything just goes into the bin?

If you do keep them, like I do, what do you use them for?

If you throw, does it sadden you? Especially if you have been using the product for months and months... ...

Essential Damage Care

2009-09-29T13:05:00.002+08:00

Essential Damage Care is the new hair care range to try on the market. With its bright sweet pink and radiant lovely orange, it shouts "Sassy Kawaii" to all the girls who love their hair out there. =)

Both ranges of Nuance Airy in Pink, and Rich Premier in Orange, promises to care for even the last 15cm of your hair. And true enough to its words, I found my hair un-frizzed and detangled all the way to the end.

Presenting my latest rave together with a mini competition vs Asience Deep Nourishing Range (Gold):
Essential Damage Care in Nuance Airy (Pink)

Available: Watsons, Guardian, NTUC, Shop&Save, $3.95 at many places for 200ml, $9.95 for 500ml

Volume: 200ml, and 500ml

Star Properties: *1 Protection ingredients: honey and whey (milk) of very high purity
*2 Repair ingredient: lanolin fatty acid

Essential Damage Care in Nuance Airy, picture courtesy of Kao Essential website.

Packaging
The design for the 200ml pour out bottle is simple amazing. It fits *clicks* right into my palm. Staying there so beautifully and will not slip like many other shampoo/conditioner bottles.

Fragrance
All of them, the shampoo, conditioner and treatment, smells wonderfully of sweet fruits, yet not overwhelming.

This is the first time my SO commented that my hair is fragrant after knowing him for so long. Previously, I have been using L'oreal and Asience, which are not known to leave any smell on the hair.

Colour
All of them artificially coloured to be beautifully pink, exactly the same as the bottles of course.

Texture
It is definitely not as smooth nor easy to rub in as Asience. I had to take more to shampoo the whole length of my hair.

Effect
1. Ultra duper volumizing! I didn't expect the results to be so good, and as promised. Can you imagine my eyes wide open when I saw how "popped" up my hair suddenly became, when I sat down in front of the mirror for the first time? My hair has grown so limp from the number of rebonds I did. It always lies flat on my head like forever already. Nuance Airy actually made the silhouette of my head wider by 2 inches around!! 2. Totally detangled! Even with Asience Deep Nourishing, I always found the inner portion of my hair to remain frizzy, and thus easy to tangle/tangled. I think Essential Damage Care straightens out my hair so well that all the knotty problems at the hair ends are solved. As promised, it delivers care all the way to even the last 15cm of your hair.

3. Not soft and smooth. Maybe it is because the pink range only promises light and volume, it just doesn't makes my hair as soft and smooth as Asience does. With Asience, my hair has the super velvety soft feel and shine, like in many advertisements. But not with Nuance Airy.

Treatment
Nuance Airy treatment works. It does makes my hair softer, smoother and straighter than if I do not use treatment. But it is not as "dream-come-true" as Asience. Asience Treatment can keep my hair in the same soft, smooth and shiny state for two days. Which is the longest lasting I can find so far. Dove, Silkpro, L'oreal all doesn't works that well.

What I like about Essential is that it gives damaged hair volume. It's like a 2-in-1 actually. Because none of the other brands can repair damaged hair and give volume at the same time. They only offer a range for damaged hair, and a separate range for volumization.

Overall, I would recommend Essential if you looking for
- care for the last 15 cm
- detanglement
- straightening
- anti-frizz
- volumizing.

But I would still vouch for Asience if you looking for
- soft like flowing water and piece of silk
- smooth
- lasting softening and smoothening effects.

And definitely still recommend Asience Treatment over Essential's.

As for personal preference, I still like Asience, and I would still stick to Asience despite the $3 more price.

Verdict:
I love this: 4.5 hearts

VERY value for money!!!
It delivers the promised quality as written in description despite its lower pricing strategy.

Metholatum For Men Charcoal Cooling Facial Wash

2009-09-24T13:16:00.002+08:00

Metholatum For Men Charcoal Cooling Facial Wash
Available: Watsons, Guardian, very affordable.

Volume:

Star Properties: Has unique charcoal formulation to help control oil in male skin.

Packaging
I think this is my all-time favourite packaging so far. It still sounds quite impossible to me now, that a men's range packaging actually wins all the beautiful, colourful, wonderful bottles of women skincare bottles.

This Charcoal Cooling Facial Wash comes in a diesel-like water bottle shaped pump bottle. Which is so easy to dispense, so easy to hold in my hands (it's quite tiny), so cute to pump out.

I definitely prefer this form to those tubes that even expensive women brands come in.

The Liquid
Oh, it's such a very beautiful, shiny shade of silver. I am quite sure that's artificial colour. But I am alright as long as my skin doesn't reacts to it.

The liquid flows very well, feels very smooth when I glide it along my face. And it is absolutely non-foamy at all! That's what I love about it. I hate cleansers that foam. LOL. A lot of even expensive brands have cleansers that foams.

Foaming is not definitely a good thing. As they just add more surfactants to your product. Surfactants do not have any direct skincare benefits. They are merely added to give you the psychological illusion that the cleanser is doing its job, and the more foam, the cleaner your skin is. No, it does not, and this is a myth.

Surface Finish
Much as charcoal is supposed to dry out the excess oil, and supposedly more suitable for oily skin, I am so happy that this face wash does not dry me out till my face is squeaky.

I really like it so much compared to something like Kiehl's Centalla Facial Wash (I have ditched Kiehl's already).

This is probably due to the low amount of active carbon too. The amount of charcoal is Daiso Charcoal Cleanser is so much more, according to the ingredients list.

Maybe that's why I can use this. I know it's men's skincare. haha. But it's more or less the same. Of course, I wouldn't purposely choose this over my other products choices. But I am just using it for the sake of writing this review. If I were a guy, Yes, I would choose it. But I am a girl, haha, so no, I already have my HG cleanser.

Sensitive Skin
No problem at all. So surprised. I think I am only sensitive to strong potions and oily formulas. So I guess, this cleanser is non-oily, and non-drying, not too potent too. My SO is also loving it.

Price
Really affordable. I wish female skincare products could be this cheap. Expensive is not definitely better. It's just part of marketing, prices must be tweeked to appeal to different target groups. e.g. Tai-tais wouldn't want to buy LV if LV is not 4 digits and above.

I love it: 5 hearts

No complains about this. =)))

Oh, and the sub-website for Mentholatum For Men is much clearer. Click HERE to view.

Mentholatum SPF15 Sunscreen + Moisturizer

2009-09-24T13:03:00.002+08:00

I am very sorry that I cannot provide the pictures for the Acnes range right now, as there isn't a proper Acnes website, and I haven't taken photos, since the products are not my house.

If it would help, here is the Mentholatum Acnes sub-website: Click to view.

Mentholatum SPF15 Sunscreen + Moisturizer

Available: Watsons, Guardian

Volume:

Star Properties:

Packaging
Pretty strange packaging for a moisturizer. Normally bottles in this shape contain very fluid sunscreen, like Biore, or Sunplay.

Texture
It felt strange when I squeeze out from the bottle an opaque but non-fluid cream, that is quite watery.

Considering the gel-like texture of this sunscreen moisturizer, I think it would be difficult to squeeze out the last bit of it! LOL. I really don't understand why the dispense mechanism was designed this way.

A tube or tub would be more appropriate.

Surface Finish
Pretty okay. This is not a WOW! product for me. If I were forced to use it, I will just use. But I think there are better choices for me out there.

Sensitive Skin
I had no problems with this cream at all, despite slapping 1/4 teaspoonful of it, to get the maximum SPF15 effect.

I love it: 2.5 hearts.

If I am not wrong, this won the Cleo Beauty Awards. Cos my SO was choosing between this and Mentholatum Charcoal range's Soybean Moisturizer. Moreover, the soybean moisturizer is cheaper, and he still chose Acnes. Must be because of the award.

Overall, I think if I were still in my teens, going through puberty and have severe acne problem, I would appreciate Acnes range much, much more. As compared to now, I only like the Medicated Sealing Jel.

Mentholatum Acnes Toner

2009-09-24T12:47:00.003+08:00

Mentholatum Acnes Toner

Available: Watsons, Guardian, quite cheap

Volume:

Star Properties: It has powder that will dry off the excess oil on your face.

Packaging
This is the usual toner bottle with the holed cap, so you just have to turn it over to dispense. I am fine with it, as I am already used to pouring out toner. I don't use cotton pads nowadays though. Just pour 3 drops on my palm.

But I understand that some people would prefer to have it in a spray bottle, as this saves on the volume used each time.

My favourite is the still a pump bottle though, like TFS Eco-Vert Toner.

Form
This is a powder-water bi-phase toner, which means you have to shake before use. Honestly, I don't like bi-phase stuff. To me, it's very troublesome. Plus I am particular about how I shake. Cannot be too vigorous, as this will cause bubbles in my products.

I will overturn it, wait patiently for the particles or oil slowly mix with the water. Then overturn, and overturn again. Swirl gently in between too. This is time-consuming.

Surface Finish
This toner is very drying, as it contains alcohol. Definitely only recommended for people with oily skin. My SO, who is the main user of this product, says it is mattifying, and controls oil on his face, lasting a whole day.

I personally stay away from alcohol products.

Sensitive Skin
It is okay for me. Despite the dryness, nothing happened to me.

I love it: -
I can't exactly rate this, as it is not for my skin in the first place. So I hope the description in this review may help you to judge the product by yourself.

Just want to say that it's kind of so far so good that Acnes range of Mentholatum really does help those with more serious acne problems. Haven't read serious complains before... ...

If anyone has used some Acnes products before, feel free to post your thoughts. =) Heard that the cleanser is not too bad...

Himalaya Herbals Acne-n-Pimple Cream

2009-09-23T10:39:00.002+08:00

I found a new pimple cream that is mild but works for me!

This time, this cream is the winner of Cleo Beauty Awards 2009 and absolutely natural. I am currently trying to take baby steps to go as natural as I can when it comes to skincare. And this time, I have found something that is pretty cheap, and pretty good.

Himalaya Herbals Acne-n-Pimple Cream

Available: Watsons, Guardian, $10+

Volume: 30g

Star Properties: Silk Cotton Tree, with its astringent and cooling properties, controls acne and pimples and prevents future breakouts. Five-leaved Chaste Tree reduces skin inflammation. Aloe vera heals and softens the skin.

Note: Himalaya Herbals promises on its label that it is 100% plant active ingredients.

Himalaya Herbals Acne-n-Pimple Cream, picture courtesy of Himalaya Herbals website.

Do take a look at the website, here, cos I found it quite useful, with the amount of ingredients stated and all.

Packaging
It comes in this cute, short and fat, little tube. haha. Very adorable, compared to ACNES Sealing Jel, which is long and normal geometry, like mosquito itch cream. The Himalaya Herbals tube is made to stand on your vanity table, rather than lie down.

Texture
Okay. I don't really care that much about the viscosity of pimple creams, as it doesn't matters, since I am supposed to dot it anyway, not spread it all over the face.

Colour
I like the way this cream comes in beige colour, so it acts like a medicated concealer. I have been looking for a good medicated concealer for ages. So why not the other way round, look for a concealing pimple cream instead! hahaha.

Although the price of this cream is still more expensive than ACNES, as both have 20% student discount, I think this concealing point is quite worth paying for.

Effectiveness
I was very surprised to feel the tingling sensation on my acnes/pimples, right after application, since the ingredients of this looks so mild. And as I hoped, I woke up the next morning with pimples gone. =) Not all gone-gone-gone, but gone such that my skin is smoother. So I am satisfied. Like I said, if my pimple really was gone-gone type of gone, then I am applying poison, not pimple cream.

I need to be very responsible to my readers... So here's the down side:

My SO thinks this cream totally no use on his pimples at all even after applying quite a lot for one week. His are those volcanic type, and erupted volcano some more. Really can see a pea size thing on the face.

So it might not work for you too, if yours is pea-sized erupted volcano.

I love it: 4.5 hearts.

Yes, I am not going to give this full marks, much as I prefer this to ACNES, if I can shell out the extra few dollars. Cos my SO says it doesn't works on him, but ACNES does.

So now, I am going to exchange my tube with his Himalaya Herbals. lol.

I'm Lovin It!

2009-09-22T22:45:00.002+08:00

Yes, that's the tagline of MacDonald. I'm Lovin It. Lol. I really like starting to like McCafe so much nowadays, as they serve high quality stuff at a much cheaper price than I can find anywhere else. (Especially Starbucks.) It is no wonder that the emergence of McCafe killed at least half of Starbuck outlets in US.

It is reported that in the US, Starbuck outlets used to dot the streets, with 2 to 3 within one street. That's recipe for money loss, IMO. When economy is good, sure can earn. But once economy turns slightly bad, the company is going to have difficulty staying afloat, as the overheads will suddenly become more than the profits, resulting in negative turnover.

Okay, enough of lessons on the economy from me. I am not even qualified to say anything. LOL. Just reiterating the things I pick up over the years from all sorts of reports.

Yup, anyway, so what is it that I like about McCafe?

1. Definitely the drinks and food. I love the Mango Smoothie, and the Himalayan Tea Frappe is WOW! So special too. Both are $5.10. But Mango Smoothie can be bought in a smaller size at $4.30 I think.

2. The cheesecake! OMG! The cheesecake is absolutely fabulous for just $3+. I have eaten the famous, and arguably best in Singapore Hilton Hotel cheesecake before, and I say, McCafe's one is sooooooo close to Hilton Hotel! Very dense, and heavier in taste, towards the saltier side.

And I recently tried the Secret Recipe Award Winning Marble Cheesecake. It's like *EEEEK*. Want to vomit. I don't understand how that marble cheesecake won cooking award. So hard, so dry, not much taste. Eat one mouthful, don't feel like taking another.

Whereas for McCafe, I keep feel like eating and eating another bite.

3. Ambience, and convenience wins me over. =) I think McD is a very smart enterprise.

Must try McCafe cheesecake, Mango Smoothie and Himalayan Tea Frappe if you haven't, okay! hahaha. =)

Dr. Jart Black Label Detox Healing BB Cream

2009-09-18T11:46:00.002+08:00

This is the last sample of my 1st fr3b.com order.

Dr. Jart Black Label Detox Heeling BB Cream

Available: Watsons $32

Volume: 50ml

Star Properties: Triple function of whitening, wrinkle decrease and UV protection.

Cream Texture/Spreadability

The Black Label is substantially thicker than TFS Skin Extra BB Cream, and therefore harder to apply. And I also had to use slightly more to fully cover my face.

Colour

This cream has no problems blending into my yellow undertone and more tanned skin. It should not be a problem for fair skin people too. As I have read that good BB Creams do blend into your skin.

Healing Properties

Good! I am very satisfied with it. Again, I wouldn't say that it works as well as a proper pimple cream like ACNES Sealing Jel. But I am indeed happy with the all-in-1 results (foundation + healing + protection) that a good BB Cream promises.

Surface Finish

Super smooth, unlike TFS Skin Extra, where I could still feel my standard skin texture after application. Black Label has really good coverage, and filling/concealing properties. I would promise the sky that it works like a proper concealer, but I am very satisfied that it can cover some of the tiny flaws on my skin, and make pimples look less red too.

This is the main reason why I really, really love this cream so far. My best choice for now!

PS: LOL. I realise I use the term "surface finish", as if I am producing a metal machine part in engineering industry. hahaha. Occupational hazard.

Sensitive Skin

As most of my readers would know by now, this portion is MUST write for me, since skin allergy reactions are such a great concern for my dehydrated sensitive skin.

Very, very happy to announce that I am fine with Dr. Jart Black Label!

Actually, I am quite over the moon right now, as I feel that contrary to my initial belief, it seems that BB Creams are not so poisonous for me afterall. I am elated that I can stop using just loose powder (even though I have hardly finish 1/2 of my Silkygirl LP and still have a stock of Palgantong LP 10g to spare).

I try to remember to put loose powder everyday as we live in a bustling city that is full of pollutants and dirt. And it should be quite well-known beauty knowledge that a layer of powder (any powder) can protect our delicate facial skin from the harms of this concrete jungle.

PS: Maybe it's just crap by the industry people. But all these news keeps appearing in newspapers and articles, I think it's better safe than sorry to adhere, protect and prevent when we can afford to.

Price

I am so pleasantly surprise that this is $10 cheaper than TFS. TFS Singapore is really a cheat-people company, in terms of price. All the TFS Korea items are much, much, much cheaper.

TFS really shouldn't price their BB Cream above that of any Dr. BB Creams. (Just me ranting.)

Anyway,

I love it: 5 hearts.

PS: I have amended that rating for TFS Skin Extra to 4.9, as I want to distinguish between what I feel is the best, and what I feel is very good. Plus, the price of Dr. Jart is also better than TFS.

Aries - The Old Times Hair Accessories Haven

2009-09-17T18:31:00.005+08:00

Aries, a hair accessories chain has been around since forever. I remember it being around when I was a kid, and my mum would sometimes bring me in to shop with her.

Aries sells mostly hair accessories, like a whole wall of hairbands, all sorts of clips, combs, wigs, mirrors, scissors and whatnot. It also carries other accessories like rings, bangles, scarves, belts and more, but in much lower quantity. As well as nail polishes, very obscure and small brands of makeup.

However, over the years, there seem to be sprout in the number of accessories boutique, such as Chameleon, Chomel, and Diva. And all these new brands have chic, bright and oh-so-nice ambience. In particular, I feel the chain that poses the greatest challenge to Aries is Chameleon.

Chameleon is the one that you sprouting up everywhere, and at very eye-catching locations. As compared to slightly higher end boutiques like Chomel and Diva, which only locates at city areas.
I must admit that I am one of those who fell victim to Chameleon. And every outlet I see, I just can't resist the temptation to step in. I particularly like the ultra bright lights, white-washed floors and walls, and the exceedingly neat categorization of items, plus built-on-shelf mirrors on every shelf.

Even if I don't buy anything, it is just so nice for a girl to step in and preen herself like nobody's business.

It really all started when I started to grow my hair long. I had to tie my hair everyday because of the school rules, and as a Gemini, I couldn't stick to one colour or one pattern. So I went to look around for nice scrunchies. And Chameleon always stocks nice scrunchies. I can't find the same thing at the same shine and same quality at other places like May Fashion of Aries.

Though these other places sold everything at much cheaper prices, they didn't bother to restock frequently enough, and update to the latest pretty things. Scrunchies remained at pass level of black and blue.

So the love-hate game with Chameleon began. I can't stand how certain bling bling items could be sold for as much as $100+, and a normal clip would cost somewhere between $5 - $10. But if it is unique enough so that I wear it often, I guess, I just have to go with it.

All these endured until some time last week, when I discovered that Aries carried the latest fashion of hairbands. Those with super-sized exaggerated hats or flowers, like the one you see on the Caucasian model for Orchard Central ad, pasted all over the MRT.

Pretty amazed that Aries is making effort to reinvent themselves.

I am quite interested at marketing and branding, especially of fashion/skincare retail. And I like to watch how people do things, look at why some brands succeed after remake, some brands don't, spot which are the failing brands and think about how they should revamp, etc and etc.

Right now, I think Aries is one of those in need of rebranding. Maybe not renovation, I hate renovation because it means passing on the extra cost to customers. But sales would run faster if they give a counter to more popular and quality items like Rainbow Nail Polish and the latest trendy items, like the hairbands.

Merchandising is a good way to kick off the rebranding. As this means more astute purchasing/sourcing for items that catch on quickly from the New York/Paris runway. Nowadays this becomes easier because of massive remakes and manufacturing in places like China and Thailand. This translate into highly affordable fashion.

Okay, I guess I should end my post here before I go on and on, rambling about marketing theories and strategies. (Geminis can talk all day long... ... :PPP Please pardon me.)

PS: Will upload the photo for my loot soon.

Latest News

2009-09-16T17:06:00.002+08:00

Juice Organics

Juice Organics is a new drugstore line created by Juice Beauty (a higher end line selling at Sephora@Ion), that can now be found in Watsons.

I am longing to try the serum from Juice Organics right now. Reason being my current dead sea mineral serum (which I do like), is probably going to finish in 1 month (only lasts 2 months, and so expensive).

Juice Organics, picture courtesy of Juice Organics website.

The part that really attracts me is the cheap price for certified organic products. Organic is good if it is affordable. =)

Do check it out here if your skincare is running also. =)

******

The next news is more of something that I have learned to do over the week. I credit this to chiaberry of Cozycot, who is very well-informed on anything to do with sunscreen.

The TIP!

Layer your sunscreen if it is too thick to apply all 1/4 teaspoon/1.5ml at one go.

Layering means to apply say 1/8 teaspoon at a time. Which is what I do. So I basically apply sunscreen two times. Each time, I will massage the sunscreen gently until it feels drier, then I will pat and pat it in. There is no need to wait 20 minutes for each layer to fully dry before putting on the other.

But this procedure actually lengthens my skincare time by another 10-15 minutes, as I really spend time massaging it in.

I think this layering + patting in is working very well for me so far, since I am using Eversoft Intensive Moisturizing and Whitening SPF 50 sunscreen. Cos after doing this, I feel that my skin is getting fairer by the day. This is the only whitening product I have, so I attribute the fairness to Eversoft. =))) Still in deeply in love with this sunscreen.

kawaii TOKYO Melting Dew - Makeup Dissolver Series

2009-09-16T16:26:00.004+08:00

Another sample from fr3b, and I love it! My latest rave for now.

kawaii TOKYO Melting Dew - Makeup Dissolver Series

Available: Watsons $36

Volume: 150

Star Properties: All cleansing and moisturizing ingredients are plant derived, ensuring the makeup dissolver is gentle enough for your precious skin.

kawaii TOKYO Melting Dew - Brighten-Up Makeup Dissolver Series, picture courtesy of fr3b.com.

Form - No stinging of eyes, no blurring of vision.
This is called a Deep Cleansing Liquid, but I feel that it is more of a jelly or gel. Jelly form is really good, as it doesn't flows all around so freely, and even drip like cleansing water or bi-phase removers (e.g. Fasio Point Makeup Remover =( ).

When a makeup remover flows too freely, it will seep into the eyes no matter how tightly you close it, as you can't possible seal your eyes with rubber and magnet like the refrigerator.

So saying, this Melting is so wonderful to just stay on my eyes like an eye mask. Definitely no stinging, not even blurring of vision, as with cleansing oils. (Even my HG cleansing oil, Laneige Refreshing CO, seeps into my eyes and blurs my vision. It just doesn't stings, that's all.)

Spreadability
Since this is in a jelly form, definitely, the spreadability will be compromised, and with quite a big difference compared to cleansing water and Laneige Refreshing Cleansing Oil.

However, what I do is to cleanse parts of my face separately, as compared to when I just lumped eye cleansing together with face cleansing, and do all at one go when I use Laneige RCO.

1. Take 2 x 10-cent coin amount and spread it around each eye gently as if you are applying eye gel mask. Spread until you can feel that your mascara has come off. Rinse off with water.

2. Take a 20-cent coin amount, and use one finger to dab it on your eyebrows, then spread it until brow liner comes off. Dab another amount onto the other eyebrow and do the same. Use a separate two fingers to dab the Melting Dew on both cheeks. Spread as if spreading moisturizer. Dab another fingerful of Melting Dew for the lips.

For the remaining amount on your palm, dot it around your face and spread, as if applying moisturizer.

Rinse everything off.

3. Since I still somehow think the above is not clean enough, I took another 50-cent amount, and this time quickly spread it all over my face like a cleanser. Instead of the dab-dab method for precise makeup remover, this step is just to ensure the whole face gets cleaned. Rinse off. Now you can proceed to double-cleansing with your cleanser.

Effectiveness
Needless to say, if I can be raving so much about this, its power of removing makeup must be great! No problems with removing my most stubborn Maybelline Gel Liner at all.

After-feel
Definitely no feeling of toutness/dryness at all. No film coating on my face. Strangely enough, I feel extremely clean, like rid of sunblock, rid of BB Cream and all, but yet my face texture is perfectly normal.

However, sad to say, it does not leaves my skin soft and supple the way Laneige RCO does. haha, now you know why I keep raving about Laneige. Love it!

Fragrance
No fragrance. But it has a chemical smell. This is the only part that I am not so happy with. But tolerable.

Sensitive Skin
No irritations. I don't expect any allergic reactions at all, because the ingredients are good, except for methyl paraben somewhere in the middle of the list. No Sodium Laureth Sulfate or normal stuff in cleansers.

In fact, there are quite a number of special ingredients --> View Website.

I love it: 5 hearts.

Now, I am seriously considering converting from cleansing oil to cleansing jelly. haha. I really love Laneige, and nothing anybody says about other MU removers, like Shu Uemura, Bobbi Brown, Dove, Mandom etc, and etc, ever moves me. I always believe so much that Laneige will still be No. 1 after I compare it to its rivals. But kawaii TOKYO Melting Dew has shaken me... ... Tough choice now.

Silkygirl Magic BB Cream

2009-09-16T16:14:00.003+08:00

LOL. This BB Cream is my first, and is a gift from my SO, cos he saw it at one of the front counters in Watsons.

Silkygirl Magic BB Cream

Available: Watsons, Guardian

Volume: -

Star Properties: Contains Hyaluronic Acid to prevent fine lines and Vitamin E Derivatives to fight against free radicals.

Silkygirl Magic BB Cream, picture courtesy of Silkygirl website.

Colour
Both the 01 Natural and 02 Beige are extremely light, suited for fair skinned girls. It makes me look like a clown... ...

Texture
Thin, easy to spread. But IMO, not as thin and easy to spread as TFS Skin Extra BB Cream.

Also, it sort of disintegrates into a powdery feel upon application, which I don't like.

Coverage
Very, very poor. It hardly does anything to my face, if at all. Contrary to what is posted on Silkygirl's website, it has zero concealing property.

Healing Properties
None that I know off. I highly doubt the amount of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E is sufficient to render any effects.

Sensitive Skin
I suspect that it does irritates my skin. A few more pimples did popped out after using it.

I love it: 0 heart.

No good, no good. Not worth the money even though it's dirt cheap for a BB Cream. Maybe at the most, you can use it as foundation or makeup base. Should be fine.

The Face Shop The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF 20 PA++

2009-09-16T15:07:00.004+08:00

As I previously posted, this is the 2ml sample that I got from fr3b.com. =)

I chose to this sample because I have read so many raves about TFS BB Cream. It is known to have very good coverage and suits darker, yellow undertone skins, which means it will suit my skin colour. =)

The Face Shop The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF 20 PA++

Available: The Face Shop Outlets, and some blog spree sites.

Volume: -

Star Properties: Smart 3-in-1 cream the nourishes protects and correct in just one easy application.

TFS Skin Extra BB Cream, picture courtesy of fr3b.com.

Cream Colour
It is beige, like all other normal BB Cream. But I think if you have tried quite a few BB Creams, you will notice that TFS BB Cream is on the darker and browner side.

As all the other reviews have reported, this cream is indeed very well suited for darker, yellow undertone skins like mine! I don't feel like a powdered-face, Barbie doll wannabe.

Cream Texture
The texture is very good, very thin, easy to apply, and all. After application, it feels pretty much weightless, not sticky or oily. It's really super thin and wouldn't disintegrate into powder feel like SilkyGirl's one.

Fragrance
I wouldn't call it fragrant. haha. It has a very weird herb smell. And sometimes, I even think it's smelly. I can still smell the weird smell on my face after application. But of course, after a short while, it wears off.

Coverage
I think coverage is the second most important attribute of a BB Cream. This is because, if BB Cream is to be used as a makeup base + foundation + loose powder substitute, it has got to have good coverage, wouldn't oxidise, and best, some concealing properties.

And I am so glad to say that TFS BB Cream is very good in this aspect! Very good such that I have so convinced now that I should never ever use foundation ever again. Except maybe for mineral foundation.

The reason being, I have hypersensitive skin, and normal liquid foundation, powder foundation or two-way cake, make me breakout.

Healing Properties
This is the No. 1 attribute that I feel a BB Cream should have.

In the first place, BB Cream was made for patients who have undergone face peel, which is a very mild cosmetic surgery that uses laser to remove the top layers of skin, so that the perfect baby-like skin underneath can grow out.

This skin regrowth procedure is said to be able to remove scars, acne black or white marks, and of course also means that besides smoothed skin, the patient will suddenly have soft and supple skin.

And after sessions of peeling, the patient will be given BB Cream to apply day and night, fall healing and protection, as the skin after laser treatment will be hot, itchy, and weak. (IMO, something like doing a mild burn on your face.) In addition, the patient will also have to avoid the day time sun (which explains SPF in BB Creams), such as stay indoors, use umbrella etc.

And because of how amazingly BB Cream has helped patients recover from the peeling, BB Cream shot to fame in the (Korean) mass market, as something like miracle all-in-one cream for problematic skins.

Okay, anyway, that's basically the story...

As for TFS BB Cream, I do feel the healing effects. If you remember, I broke out after using the chemical sunscreen from L'oreal UV Perfect. So while I was on TFS BB Cream, I really saw my pimples being soothened over the week. I wouldn't say it is exactly a pimple cream that will give me total cure, but I am happy with the results from TFS. =)

Sensitive Skin
Last but not least, no allergic reaction! I keep reading reviews of how BB Creams clog pores, give some people breakouts and all. I am so glad TFS is fine. Just remember to use makeup remover.

Price
If I am not wrong, TFS BB Cream is around $40. Pretty high mid-range. Considering nobody dares to price BB Cream higher than BRTC's $50.

I think I will feel the pinch if I decide to get the full tube. But currently, I am still abstaining from foundation, only using loose powder. Plus, for BB Cream, though it says with SPF, one should only use about 1-cent coin amount, should be enough to spread. 5-cent if you think you have a bigger face. Thus, 1-cent coin amount each day should stretch the full tube to at least a good 3-5 months. =) This makes my heart not so painful. hahaha.

It is recommended that one refrains from using BB Cream as a substitute to sunscreen, as this would mean you are going to have to use 1/4 teaspoon of it per day. This will almost definitely lead to clogged pores. Just imagine piling on that much of liquid foundation or powder.

I love it: 4.9 hearts!

Besides the slightly steep price, I think TFS BB Cream is worth it if you are looking for a BB Cream right now, really SiCk of liquid/powder foundation, and have more tanned yellow undertone skin.

Random updates + Notes for myself

2009-09-15T19:19:00.002+08:00

I have been busy with school and also quite a lot of beauty/skincare products this week. So much to update about.

Coming soon, will be:
- SilkyGirl BB Cream - Cheap, But Is It Really Worth The Money?
- The Face Shop Extra BB Cream - Good Reviews All Over The Net. For The Budget Conscious, Is It Worth It To Save For and Splurge On?
- kawaii Tokyo Melting Dew/Makeup Dissolver - Miraculous New Form of MU Remover, Bye Bye Cleansing Oil?
- Essential Damage Care Series - Sweet, Kawaii, Cheap. Does It Works?
- Himalaya Undereye Cream (NEW!)
- Acnes SPF25 Moisturizer - Cleo Award Winner, But Does It Lives Up The Title?

Also, I've got loot from Aries! Nice things can still be found in budget stores. Forget Chameleon! It's daylight robberrrrryyyyyy!

Yes, yes, yes, I definitely must blog about Chameleon VS Aries/Other "Olden Day" Shops.

I have to go off now. =((( Haiz. Busy, busy, busy.

FOTD September 11, 2009

2009-09-14T18:05:00.005+08:00

I tried my second attempt at FOTD last Friday. This time, I tried to be bolder with experimenting eyeshadow colours. And I basically used two colours, green and black, which I thought would turn out hideous. But ended up, I am quite satisfied with the combination. =)))

I think smokey eyes base is so versatile, as I can fit the silvery greyish black with so many different colours. I really don't think smokey eyes is limited to dark purple, which many claim. I have tried dark olive green this time, and I think next time I going to do red or pink, or perhaps blue. I am also thinking of using lighter shades like lemon green or sky blue, instead of the dark shade, that will tend to fit in more with smokey eyes.

haha, though I am a total newbie to makeup, I think I am having quite a lot of fun with it right now. And my learning curve is still at the steep part of the sigmoid curve. Long, long way to go. (I love logging on to forums and YouTube to learn more about makeup.)

Here goes my pictures:
(Please pardon me for the amateur skills. Thanks for your tolerance. =))

Face with eyes open.

Face with eyes closed.

This is what I had on:
(not very different from my 1st FOTD.)
- The FaceShop BB Cream
- Maybelline Gel Liner in Black
- SilkyGirl Eyeshadow Duo in Smokey Eyes
- IN2IT Green Eyeshadow Palette, darkest shade in Olive Green for the inner part of eyes, and lightest shade in Cream Gold for corner of eyes.
- Maybelline Intense XXL Mascara
- Rhomlon Eyebrow Pencil in Black (This time I decided to draw my eyebrows. haha.)
- SilkyGirl Duo Shimmer Blusher
- Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm
- Make Up Store Lipstick

By the way, I think not many people would take notice of IN2IT eyeshadow palette or Rhomlon eyebrow pencil, because it is much cheaper than brands like L'oreal and Maybelline. But to be honest, they are good!

The blue IN2IT eyeshadow palette is not really nice. The blues are really weird. But I like the green palette a lot. The shades are nice, and the colour stays. Comparatively, SilkyGirl eyeshadow falls off much faster, and is normally gone within 2 hours.

Moreover, for eyebrow pencil, it's just an eyebrow pencil! Unlike lipstick or blusher, you can't feel it, and your skin at the eyebrow will hardly ever be sensitive to any ingredients etc, etc. Therefore, I find it incredibly hard to justify something like a Shu Uemura eyebrow pencil.

PS: I just modified this look with a brighter shade of green, and using pink base today! It's very nice, IMO! I will do the modified version, and post it next week.

School Food

2009-09-10T22:41:00.004+08:00

I really love Japanese cuisine, and I am so happy there is reasonably good Japanese food in my school's foodcourt.

I ate the Teriyaki Chicken Don again the other day.

Teriyaki Chicken Don

The sauce tastes rich and good, neither too salty nor too sweet. =)

They give quite a lot of chicken too. And I like the shredded crabstick. (I don't eat crabstick except for this shredded one.) There is the tasty mash potato too. And miso soup. But I never finish my miso soup as I feel it is too high in MSG. LOL.

Quite a lot of ingredients given.

Enjoy the food. =) I hope I have taken good enough pictures.

L'oreal Glam Shine Lipgloss

2009-09-10T22:14:00.003+08:00

In this post, I just feel like talking about my first ever lipgloss, L'oreal Glam Shine (old version).

This lipgloss was recommended to me after I complained to my beautician about the Lipice Lip Colour being so extremely drying.

L'oreal Glam Shine Lipgloss in 116, Rose Shimmer

Available: $13.90 (iirc), I don't see it around already (old version).

Volume: 12ml

Star Properties: Supposed to shine? None that I know off...

L'oreal Glam Shine, in 116, Rose Shimmer

Packaging
I like it! I like the size, I like the way it looks like a female's body with nice curves, I like the gloss metal finish of the cover, and the standard transparent bottle.

The Applicator
The applicator is a feather pointed tip brush, which is the pattern that I like best so far, as compared to tube applicators, or straight brush applicators (like SilkyGirl). This is because the pointed tip allows me to apply the lipgloss precisely within my lips, and therefore remove the need of cleaning off extras.

The Applicator.

The Look
Though Rose Shimmer is a very sheer colour, it turns out satisfyingly rich on my lips, and does change the colour of my lips, rather than merely giving it a gloss.

Unfortunately, the gloss is too glossy, and a friend of mine commented that it makes my lips look so oily.

I like the rich colour. =) Sorry about the lack of good lighting.

Texture
It is very sticky, and always sticks my hair.

Staying Power
Very poor. Glam Shine falls off withing an hour or so. And will definitely come off after eating.

Drying
It is also very drying, and I have to apply quite a thick layer of good lip balm underneath to keep my lips from chapping.

Price
On the high side, considering Majorlica Majorca's gloss tubes are only $7.50, and SilkyGirl's gloss with flat brush applicator, and non-drying is also very cheap. Not really worth it, cos Glam Shine is drying.

Overall, I really don't understand why my beautician says this is not drying.

I love it: 1 heart.

Will not buy the old version of Glam Shine again, as I only like the rich colour. It is too drying for my own good.

L’Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise UV Perfect SPF50/PA+++ sunscreen

2009-09-10T21:48:00.003+08:00

L’Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise UV Perfect SPF50/PA+++ sunscreen

Available: Watsons $20.90, Guardian etc

Volume:

Star Properties: Enriched with Meroxyl SX and Meroxyl XL with proven efficacy on UVB as well as UVA rays. Tailor made to suit Asian women phototypes by preventing the appearance of brown spots. Contains also Activa-cell, to reinforce skin's natural capacity to defend itself from aggressions.

L'oreal UV Perfect SPF50/PA+++ Sunscreen, picture courtesy of fr3b.com.

Ingredients
This is one of the sunscreen that should be recommended because it does not contains alcohol, which is drying for the skin.

Back of packet, with description of properties, and ingredients list.

However, it is a chemical sunscreen, so the active ingredients may irritate sensitive skin. A lot of people have reported allergies to chemical sunscreen, that's why fr3b.com is good! haha. As someone with sensitive skin, I am really afraid to try something that is widely claimed to be irritating. Yet, I have to try it, because this is a good sunscreen if your skin is comfortable with it.

The Cream
This is the lightest cream form sunscreen that I have ever felt. It is watery, and so easy to spread. And it makes me want to pile on more, unlike all those other sunscreens that are so thick and icky to deal with. No problem putting 1.5ml/0.25 teaspoon at all!

After Feel
It dissolves into my skin well, since it is thin and watery. On the back of the packet, it says this will serve as a good makeup base. So another plus point for L'oreal UV Perfect.

Sensitive Skin
However, so unfortunately, and as predicted, my skin (the sides of my face, near my hairline) really itched like crazy upon application. And a number of pimples popped out.

Price
Last but not least, this is one of the more affordable, more branded sunscreens with SPF50, on the market.

I love it: 4 hearts.

This really is the best in texture so far, with high protection of SPF50, and other properties, I do recommend it to people who have no history of allergies to skincare products. For those who have, perhaps you can try a sample from fr3b.com too. =) Too bad, I can't use it.

fr3b.com

2009-09-10T21:29:00.003+08:00

Hi again! I am finally back from school.

Today's muse is about fr3b.com. I am sure many people already know about this fresh and innovative website which allows very normal people like me to be able to test all sorts of products before shelling out the money for an item.

So it is definitely a must for me to introduce this on my blog. --> More savings! No more wasteful purchase of products, then finding out that they are not suitable, and leaving the whole bottle at the back of your cupboard!

I am sure many people already know about this. So without further ado, I unveil my first mail from fr3b.com: Ta daa!

fr3b.com envelope(front)

I am quite impressed that fr3b has printed their own envelop. And they use of satisfyingly big one to mail me the samples, though my samples are all 2ml sachets.

fr3b.com envelop (back)

The back more information, like you should introduce your friends to fr3b.com, to get more points, for you to redeem more products.

My 4 items.

fr3b.com limits users to redeeming at most 4 samples per mail. And one mail is $2. So it comes to $0.50 a sample.

My items are:
1. L’Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise UV Perfect SPF50/PA+++ sunscreen
2. The Face Shop THE SKIN EXTRA BB CREAM SPF20 PA++
3. Dr Jart Black Label Detox Healing BB Cream
4. kawaii TOKYO BRIGHTEN UP MAKEUP DISSOLVER

I chose L'oreal UV Perfect Sunscreen because a cotter recommended it. I have tried the sample, and I will review it in a subsequent post. Look out for it. =)))

As for the TFS BB Cream, I really can't resist the urge to try, as so many beautiful bloggers have given good reviews about it.

Dr Jart is just for me to try a doctor product, which I have never tried before, and actually don't intend to convert to doctor products.

kawaii TOKYO is for me to try out a kawaii Tokyo product. I have tested its 5-in-1 moisturizer in Watsons, and am very satisfied with it. But it's $50++ a bottle (though supposedly for 5 products), which is out of my budget right now.

Sign up for fr3b.com, read reviews, explore and get samples right now! =) I believe it will be very beneficial for people with sensitive skin like me, and who are also budget conscious.

Beauty DIY: Rice Water Face Wash

2009-09-03T18:25:00.005+08:00

I am neither the first, nor will I be the last person to blog about using rice water to wash face. But this the first time I am venturing into DIY Beauty, and I am so excited about my experience! haha.

It happens that my mother cooked today, so I asked her for the rice water. And wow! It's such a big tub.

DIY Rice Water Face Wash

Available: From washing rice before cooking (May filter the water from first wash, or start collecting from the second wash). It's free of charge if you eat homecooked rice everyday. =)

Volume: One big tub. I think at least 1 litre.

Star Properties: Ever heard of SK II Pitera? Rice washing brightens the Granny's hands and keeps it smooth even at her age.

My big tub of rice water.

Ingredients
Honestly, I don't know exactly what the nutrients in rice water are. But my mother has been using rice water to water the pot of plant for as long as I can remember. So there must be good nutrients inside for the plant, besides water. And presumably, the nutrients are also good for our skin! hahaha.

Cleansing
Basically, I had such a big tub that I was trying to finish it up, so I used the rice water for everything. I first cleansed with my cleansing gel, then rinse off once with warm water. Then I used the rice water to splash on my face until all the rest of the cleansing gel came off.

Masking
I had this dried up mask cloth from another sheet mask, so I soaked it in the rice water, then press some sort of hydrating serum generously onto it. The one I use is Phyris Profession Hydro Elixir. I rubbed the serum all over the mask sheet, and placed the mask sheet on my face.

The mask sheet. Look kind of scary hanging there. :P :P :P

I did this because that bottle of serum has expired, but still looks and smell okay. And looking at the amount left, I know I would never be able to finish it soon enough (before it degenerates). So I thought of taking this chance to squirt out a lot and finish it up.

Expired bottle of Phyris Professional Hydro Intensive Elixir

I took off the mask after 10 minutes (actually should wait for 20 minutes), as I was tired of waiting for it to dry. hahahaha. Then I rinse off with cold tap water until I think the serum is gone.

Toning
Next, I soaked a cotton pad in the rice water, to use it as a toner.

Moisturizer
I even used the rice water as a moisturizer, as my current night cream is very, very thick. Using about a 10-cent coin amount of rice water on my palm, I rubbed my normal amount of night cream into it, then spread it on my face. So much easier to apply now!

I read somewhere that we can use facial mists like Evian Braumister or Avene Thermal Water to spray once/twice on our face, then use the moisturizer. The water droplets will help carry the moisturizer into the skin, cos water is a good carrier of all sorts of stuff, and the water molecule is also small enough to pass through the lipid layer of cells.

However, water oxidises things like Vitamin C. So if you are using a Vit C cream, which may be quite thick, I think it is not so advisable to spray water over it.

There is still half a tub left after I tried to use it up in so many ways. lol.

After Feel
I must admit, the after feel of using rice water is good!

My skin is very smooth and very soft. The effect is quite immediate, as I could feel it right after I use it to wash off my cleansing gel.

However, like all masks are, this is no miracle recipe. Even Genefique takes 7 days to see the effect. So continue using if you hope to see real visible effects.

Sensitive Skin
Yay! I am alright. I have read some reviews about girls complaining that rice water irritates their skin. I thought that nobody should be sensitive to rice water... ... Fortunately for me, I am okay with such a wonderful nutritious water.

Remember to do a patch test by soaking a cotton pad in the rice water and leaving it on your face. Remove if there are stinging sensations or sudden itch.

I love it: 5 hearts.

Free and good. haha. Just be careful of splashing you face and washing off with normal water too many times. Because water washes off the face's natural oils, and make the face dry.

Cleaning My Brushes

2009-09-02T14:43:00.002+08:00

I finally got down to cleaning my brushes after 3 whole years! haha.

When I bought my first brushes from Make Up Store (in October 2006), I was a real greenhorn, and did not even know that makeup brushes have to been cleaned.

My mother never cleaned her brushes all her life. And she was quite surprised when I took mine out to wash. The reason being that she uses cheaper brushes, and basically just threw them away and buy new ones when the bristles start to get messy and fall out.

It was only until I started to take more interest in makeup, and found this thing called Brush Guard, that I discovered that we have to clean our makeup brushes, quite frequently actually.

I did not buy any Brush Guard, as I feel that I have no need to wash my brushes too frequently, and neither do I soak them in water.

All one has to do is pour a 1-cent coin amount of body gel/foam/(whatever you are using) onto the middle of your palm, and swirl the brush on the gel. Keep swirling and swirling until one is satisfied that enough colour has come out. Then wash the dirtied gel from your palm first. Do not put the brush under direct running water to prevent soaking it and loosening the glue on the bristles. Turn down the tap, and let a small, gentle steady stream of water onto your palm. Swirl the brush in the little puddle of water until the foam bubbles stop coming out.

If you feel that the brush is still not clean, just pour another 1-cent coin amount. I prefer to wash in a staggered way, rather than pour a lot a lot of gel at one time. So I repeat this step a third and forth time if I still feel the brush is not clean. For foundation brushes and blusher brush, which are bigger, you can pour a 50-cent amount.

You can roughly gauge whether the brush is clean or not by looking at the colour. If no more colour comes out into the gel when you swirl, means it should be alright.

Double check that the brush is clean by using kitchen towel (thick tissue paper) to blot it dry. No colour trace should appear on the tissue if it is clean. Also, blotting dries the brush faster, so that you don't have to air/sun dry it too long.

By rights, if you makeup everyday, you should wash the brushes every fortnightly to once a month. And especially if you feel that the brush gives you pimples or is too hard because of the dried up makeup on it, like for eyeliner brush and lipstick brush.

I am currently using The Body Mango Shower Gel to clean the brushes, as I really like the mango smell while I doing this chore. haha. I use Dettol for daily shower, but I feel Dettol may be too strong for my brushes, and I definitely wouldn't want them to smell of Dettol after that. lol.

There, you have it. =) Clean brushes that will not give you pimples.

Daiso Natural Pack Charcoal Masque

2009-08-31T15:53:00.005+08:00

This is the all famous charcoal mask that everybody in the Daiso thread on beauty forums like Flowerpod is raving about.

Daiso Natural Pack Charcoal Masque

Available: Daiso $2

Volume: 80g

Star Properties: Charcoal for deep clarifying of toxins, especially good for oily skin types and acne.

Packaging
I like the very cute black face woman sticker paste on top of the tube! hahaha. I tore it off though. It is made in Korea, which I like. And made of good quality plastic.

And see how the tube is sealed with aluminium foil, so you can be careful to buy an untouched tube? So nice right? For $2. I didn't expect this.

The sealed tube that I just have to show readers. =)))

Texture
Not easy to spread at all. For the rough 20-cent coin amount that I first squeezed onto my palm, as shown, I could only spread it far enough to cover 1/3 my forehead.

The black as charcoal masque. I didn't expect the colour to be so rich too. lol.

This 20-cent coin amount could only cover 1/3 my forehead nicely.

Subsequently, I squeezed another 2 and a half ful, full palmful of thick gel before I could cover my entire face nicely, as shown in the picture below.

Covered my face nicely in enough charcoal. =) Probably the most unglam pic I am ever going to post up on my blog. hahaha.

Effect
Squeaky clean. It's like, wow! I've never felt my face this clean before. I guess it does removes toxins and deeply clarifies.

But then it left my dehydrated skin too dry, that I broke out later in the day.

I love it: 4 hearts.

I think this is a very good quality mask. Comparable to those that I get during facial. Not to mention the $2 only. But it is not suitable for my skin.

I have passed it to my SO, who also has oily skin. After he used it, I see that his face really looks lighter, as the charcoal has cleansed out the dirt. (Just like how my skin looks so much brighter, and not dull, after I started going for facials.)

Daiso Charcoal Face Wash

2009-08-31T15:28:00.005+08:00

Daiso Charcoal Face Wash

Available: Daiso $2

Volume: 80g

Star Properties: Contains Charcoal powder to help remove toxins

Packaging
It comes in a normal screw open tube, which has very good quality plastic for something this cheap.

Ingredients
It does not contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate. And the main cleansing ingredients are very similar to Eversoft, aside from the charcoal powder added around the middle of the list. Which is very good, as according to ingredients list reading technique by Viva Woman, this shows that charcoal is indeed added in a substantial quantity.

Compared to male charcoal lines, like Vichy Homme, and Mentholatum For Men Charcoal Cleanser, Daiso Charcoal Face Wash is more true to the consumers. I've checked the ingredients list for both the former, and I found that Vichy's one does not even contain charcoal. As for Mentholatum, they name it Carbon, and is placed at the end of the list. Which I feel is too little an amount to do any real good. Makes me feel cheated.

Texture
It is easy to foam up and spread. Pretty much the same as many other cleansers.

Effect
Drying as charcoal may be known to be, I did not feel my face as tout as Eversoft Pomegranate Whitening & Firming Cleanser that I wrote about earlier. My face felt very clean though. Not squeaky, but clean. =) Happy.

Since I don't have oily skin, I really have no idea whether it helps to control oil or not. And I can't vouch much for this.

However, my mum very kindly agreed to test this out for all of us, as she has very oily skin. She says that it's not bad in quality. And it does seems that her face is less oily after using for 2-3 days. But it has been raining in Singapore, and she feels it could be due to the cooler weather making her oily skin condition better. As such, she says she will have to test it for around 2 weeks before she can really conclude.

Sensitive Skin
According to Avene, there is such a thing as oily and sensitive skin. So just for those in concern, this is not irritating for my sensitive skin. I think it is due to the absence of SLS.

There are two brands of charcoal face wash in Daiso. One is the same brand as the charcoal mask, and it contains SLS, while the other one is what I bought. Do read the ingredients and make sure you buy the one without SLS.

I love it: 4 hearts.

Unfortunately, I have to deduct marks for the slight dryness it cost me. Charcoal is just not suitable for already dehydrated skin.

But if your skin is oily/normal, $2 for 80g is a real bargain even if you compare to supermarket prices, like 100g for $5 kind. haha. Now my mum is contemplating switching to Daiso.

Bio-essence Tanaka White

2009-08-31T13:58:00.004+08:00

Once again, I have to thank Cleo for the Bio-essence Tanaka White samples. =)))

The promotion pamphlet.

My samples. Which all can last at least 7 days.

Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream
Available: Watsons, Guardian, NTUC

Volume:

Star Properties: Contains Tanaka, to whiten and cools skin, prevent evaporation of moisture, provide coverage to even out skin tone, lighten pigmentation, and prevent future melanin.

The description and ingredients list on back of sample sachet.

Packaging
Since I got the sample in a sachet, there is not much I can comment about the packaging. Except that from what I see on the shelves, it comes in a tub. Which I don't really like, as I find it slightly unhygienic to be dipping my nails into the cream over and over again.

Of course I do wash my hands before using, as skincare regime is always after bath. And I do cut my nails very short and very regularly. But I still can't help feeling guilty of polluting my cream.

The Cream
It is a very pretty beige pink colour, which I like.

The texture is quite light, and easy to spread. But I can feel that it is not the very water-based kind, e.g. Garnier Aqua Defense texture. This is not a problem to me.

The smell is kind of strange, yet pleasant. I suppose, it's the smell of Tanaka. As usual, I like fragrances, so again, no problems with it.

Note: Thanakha, also known as Tanaka, is a traditional whitening secret used by all women in Myanmar for 2000 years. The Tanaka tree bark extract has deep nourishing, hydrating and cooling properties, and is a tried and tested formula used to maintain skin fairness even under the hot sun, blocking out harmful UV rays and external pollutants. (Information copied from Tanaka White pamphlet that comes with the sample.)

Effect
I feel that after 7 days of use, I do not exactly see whitening effect. (Honestly, I've already given up hope that I can recover the fair skin I had before I learned swimming.)

But I always have the strong feeling that my skin is indeed a lot, a lot softer. I really like to tap tap my face because it feels so nice! lol. Very springy, and smooth. I guess Bio-essence is right by saying Tanaka has deep nourishing properties.

Sensitive Skin
Unfortunately, even after some 3 days of use, I still always feel the slight itchiness every time I apply this day cream. I must be sensitive to something in the ingredient, which puts me off this day cream.

I love it: 4 hearts.

Deducted marks for the skin irritation. But I highly recommend people with non-sensitive skin to try this for the long term.

Bio-essence Tanaka White Skin White Perfecting Lotion SPF15

Available: Watsons, Guardian, NTUC

Volume:

Star Properties: Uses bio-engineering techniques to blend Tanaka bark extract, Bio Mineral Essence, and Bio Energy Fluid with other precious herbs extracts to moisturize and nourish skin.

The description and ingredients list on back of sample sachet.

Packaging
This comes in a pump bottle, so it's much more convenient and hygienic for use.

The Cream
It's white. Perfecting or not, I have no idea, as I did not see the effect. I suppose it can be used for a makeup base. But I do not usually put makeup, so I am not sure if it feels pores or anything. It is also very easy to spread.

Effect
But one thing is for sure. It instantly whitens my face by giving it a white coating. I could see the difference between my face and neck every time I apply it. So if you want to look fairer, you could apply this all the way down to the collar bone area.

The white colour really lasts throughout the day. When I was washing my face, I could see the whitish water, something like when we emulsify cleansing oils, that kind of look.

Anyway, it contains SPF, so I was careful to give my self 1.25ml/one-quarter teaspoon of this Perfecting Lotion. And I use makeup remover to cleanse first before my usual cleanser.

Sensitive Skin
Same as the day cream, this cream irritates my skin slightly.

I love it: 4 hearts.

Bio-essence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream

Available: Watsons, Guardian, NTUC

Volume:

Star Properties: Contains Tanaka and ginseng extracts, combined with Bio Mineral Essence and Bio Energy Fluid. Brightens and firms skin while you sleep, leaving you with fairer, radiant and blemish-free complexion (<-- I swear by this).

The description and ingredients list on back of sample sachet.

Packaging
Comes in a tub like the day cream.

The Cream
It is more like a curd, rather than cream, unlike the day cream and perfecting lotion. Thus the texture is slightly thicker, and a bit more difficult to spread. But it is still a pass for me.

Effect
I cannot fully describe how much I love, love, love this night cream with words alone! Try to imagine all your pimples gone in one night (or perhaps a few), your milia seeds reduced, and fine undereye lines also visibly reduced. Imagine how over the moon you will be, that's how I feel about this miracle night cream!

Before I tried this, I used both the charcoal face wash and charcoal mask from Daiso that I talked about in my previous post. As most of you would know, charcoal is very drying, that's why it is especially suited for males who generally have oilier and thicker skin than females.

But I was silly enough to use both the face wash and mask at the same time, knowing full well that I already have dehydrated sensitive skin.

So my face got so dry that it started producing so much oil that night. And boo hoo hoo, I got a breakout the next day. =((( Possibly coupled with my period, the breakout was quite bad. I had pimples all over my cheeks, some fighting to pop out on my forehead, nose and chin.

I am so grateful that Tanaka White saved my day!

Those pimple with pus about to ooze out were soothen, and went down in just 1 night!!! And the next night, they flattened out. And now, they disappear. Including the scar or any black dots. I had a blackhead stucked inside my cheek for a few weeks. And that too disappeared. My milia seeds were so greatly reduced. (I have quite a bad case of milia seeds, due to misuse of my previous eye cream.) My fine line, oh, my fine lines also reduced. To think I have long given up hope of ever, ever finding anything to combat fine lines...

Sensitive Skin
And the best part? The Renewal Night Cream does not irritates my skin at all. SO HAPPY.

This is so going into my Holy Grail after I finish up my current moisturizer.

I love it: 5 hearts.

Watsons is having 20% all many products, such as L'oreal, Maybelline and SilkyGirl cosmetics. Sally Hansen nail products. And it includes Bio-essence items, and Tanaka White range. The Renewal Night Cream only costs $19.95 after discount.

Rave of the week!

2009-08-31T13:43:00.002+08:00

I feel really obliged to dedicate a post to my rave of the week, Bio-essence Tanaka White skincare!!!

Before I move in, just want to apologise for the lack of posts since I started school. Have been more busy doing assignments when I am online, rather than blogging.

Anyway, my skin has been so beautiful for a whole week, the most flawless I have seen it since I started going for facials and taking care of my skin. *touch wood* (I hope my skin stays this way forever. hehe.)

Anyway, thanks to Tanaka White, my whole face is more radiant, free of red bumps about to form pimples, rid of pimples that were about to mature, and very, very soft.

I am beginning to realise that lots of Ginvera's products work, even though Ginvera is a relatively affordable brand. Even their Bio-Gold range is still cheaper than brands like Avene or Vichy.

Here is Ginvera's online shop website: ShopOnlineGinvera.

My SO showed me to this website. Depending on the situation, you might find that prices on the website is cheaper. But for this period of time, drugstores in Singapore (Watsons, Guardian) are having a lot of promotions, so I think it's better to catch the discounts in-store.

Also, the website is not exactly updated, so some ranges, like the Tanaka White and Bio-Pollen are not available online.

Aloe Bubbling Make-Up Remover

2009-08-25T19:13:00.002+08:00

I think most of the girls would be very eager to know whether a $2 makeup remover works well right? haha, I was also equally curious.

Aloe Bubbling Make-Up Remover

Available: Daiso $2

Volume: 80g

Star Properties: Contains Aloe Vera stuff to help remove dirt from makeup.

Packaging
The tube and cap is as good as any other tubes of skincare, like Nivea, or Vichy. So no worries. If one just saw the picture alone, with all the Japanese words, one would probably guess that this is a Japan-made product, or at least a Japanese brand that may cost anywhere from $10 to $30 (like those The Face Shop products).

Ingredients
I almost wanted to put it back on the stand, when I saw that the second ingredient is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS). My body skin is sensitive to SLS, and I get little red bumps if I use those body foam with high SLS content.

The last line of ingredients also contain Methylparaben, Ethylparaben and Propylparaben. But I figure that this is still better than my Sasa two-phase rose makeup remover, which has paraben in the middle chunk of the ingredients.

Sensitive Skin
I am so happy to announce that despite the not so stella list of ingredients, my sensitive skin did not break out from it!

The Gel
It comes in a transparent and very watery gel form. If you buy this product, please remember to cap it immediately after pouring the gel out. Otherwise, it will flow and flow and flow. Yes, I left mine uncapped, and lying down... So as gravity and Science dictates, the gel flows until the level of gel is level with the mouth of the tube. And my floor was foamy when I flushed it. =((( Wasted a lot.

Fragrance
As usual, I notice the fragrance. Definitely there, since fragrance is the last ingredient on the list. It smells very familiar, like something I have used before. Neutral to me. I don't find that I especially like the smell. But I wouldn't call it unpleasant. (Vitamin E and Tea Tree are the irritating ones that I dislike.)

Feeling
It's a nice feel. Smooth enough. No rubbing during wash.

After feel
Be assured that this is not stripping at all. My face felt very normal. Not as soft and smooth as Laneige Refreshing Cleansing Oil will leave me. But $64 vs $2, I am not expecting Daiso to give me soft and smooth after feel like Laneige.

Makeup Removing Effectiveness
VERY effective, in my opinion. Maybelline Gel Liner is the most stubborn makeup that I have, which even cleansing oil like Neutrogena also failed to remove it (which is why I fail Neutrogena Deep Cleansing Oil, not recommended to buy that).

I am so, so, so amazed with its capabilities.

Just follow the instructions, and take a cherry size amount, foam it with a little water, and wash your face.

I don't own the Majorlica Majorca mascara, which is very famous for being so stubborn. So I can't give a review if this removes MM mascara. But I am using Maybelline Intense XXL, which I believe many girls have too. And it comes off without any tugging.

I love it: 4.5 hearts.

Deduct marks for the too watery texture that pours out of the tube the moment you open the cap. And also deduct marks for the ingredients containing more no good stuff like SLS and paraben. Otherwise, this is a so awfully worth it product. $2 only. Exceeds expectations by a lot!

Daiso - Your Beloved $2 Shop

2009-08-25T19:00:00.005+08:00

I specially made a trip down to Daiso yesterday to buy their famous charcoal mask. But I ended up buying 5 more items than planned. LOL. I guess that's how it will end up for any beauty lover who steps into the tempting $2 shop that originates from Japan.

Everything in Daiso is a flat $2. Much as The One 99 Shop has failed, there is still space in the Singapore market for another Japanese products based $2 shop. Daiso is in fact opening its 5th outlet at Rivervale Mall, Seng Kang MRT station soon (this year). So residents in the North can finally get Daiso nearer to their homes. =)

These are the things I picked up:
- Charcoal Mask
- Charcoal Face Wash
- Aloe Bubbling Make-Up Remover
- Raspberry Scented Nail Polish Remover
- Pack of 3 Highlighters
- A4 Carrier File

Besides all that, I like the way Daiso has Japanese style crockery. There is the black and red Japanese bowls and trays, like those you see Sakae using. And there is the blue designs clay teapot and tea cup etc.

I think the containers, glass, plastic or clay, are very worth it to get also. I especially like those glass candy jars, those olden day kind, that is capped by an aluminium cover.

Haha, okay. So next, I will review the 3 skincare products that I got from Daiso, starting with the Aloe Bubbling Make-Up Remover.

Blanc de Blanc 3 in 1 Hydro Retention Gel

2009-08-18T18:30:00.004+08:00

I got this free from my beautician, and I actually wanted to sell it off on ebay, as I thought I did not need anymore hydration products. But fact is, I need.

I have so many fine lines now. I learned from someone that if you pull your skin, and the lines disappear, then it is fine lines, that are a result of dehydrated skin. That means my skin needs more water.

I am so lucky nobody bought this off ebay, as I did not know what a gem it is until I tested it. I have already used it twice so far, and I plan to finish the whole tube.

Blanc de Blanc 3 in 1 Hydro Retention Gel

Available: My beautician

Volume: 60ml

Star Properties: Contains plant extracts, can be used on lips, as an eye mask or as a massage gel.

Blanc de Blanc 3 in 1 Hydro Retention Gel

Packaging
Good. Nothing to complain about. I like the transparent look, so I can see how much there is left.

Ingredients
I like the way the ingredients look so natural. I am definitely avoiding the more common bad ingredients, such as alcohol and parabens.

The description and ingredients list.

Texture
Very soft.

Fragrance
Present and pleasant. =)

Spreadability
Extremely spreadable.

Absorption
Extremely easy to absorb. In fact, I applied one layer on my face, and it almost immediately goes in, so I applied another layer. And another. Cos I love the feel on my face so much.

I was supposed to leave the layer on as a second skin for 20 minutes. But it dissolved into my skin so well that I had the barely there feeling. Love it.

Effect
My face is the softest I have ever felt it to be. And very smooth too. In fact, it stayed this way for at least 3 days!!!

Compared to NuTeen Acne Away Gel, NuTeen gave me a smoothest finish ever, but this gave me the softest finish ever.

I love it: 5 hearts

So loving it. I am looking forward to the next time I can do this mask, since I schedule my skin treats to be twice a week. =)))

Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell

2009-08-18T17:31:00.006+08:00

Finally have time to blog about Acnes Sealing Jell.

Acnes is a new brand on the market made by Mentholatum, for teens. My SO bought it as both our pimple cream had run out. And I am happy to announce that it is so far so good for us!
Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell

Available: Watsons $8.90 (with Student Card, discount 20% now), Guardian, NTUC

Volume: 18g

Star Properties: Contains Vitamin E and B6 to prevent dry and rough skin.

The box front and ingredients list.

Description on box: > Contains Triclosan to penetrate the pores and prevent formation of acne bacteria > Soothes discomfort of acne prone skin > Keeps oil secretion under control and helps remove excessive sebum > Contains sulfur which helps unblock pores and promotes healing - Oil-free and mild formulation - Mild and pleasant fragrance

Box back, with description of the jell properties.

Packaging
It comes in a normal cream tube shape, like how you would get your mosquito bite creams or burn creams. But unlike those normal tubes, Acnes tube is made of plastic, not aluminium. This means that it can't be bent until it breaks. So we girls can keep it safely in our handbags without it going out of shape or tearing apart! (Those of you who have experience Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Cream would be familiar with the aluminium tube tearing accidents.)

The tube with the cute Mentholatum logo there. Reminds me of Smith's Rosebud Salve logo.

Texture
It is good. Easy to absorb, easy to spread.

What I do, is squeeze out a green bean size amount, then use the forefinger of my other hand to touch/dab a teeny weeny bit, then pat it repeatedly on the pimple ONLY, until it is roughly absorbed.

Fragrance
None that I can smell. Only a very, very slight tinge when I brought the cream very close to my nose. LOL. Yes, I was checking for smell, as there really is none normally. And no, I was unhygienic enough to bring the tube to my nose. I squeezed out a pea size to try.

Feel on Face
Slightly cooling. Which I like.

Effect
Very good. Both my SO and I could see our bumps going down, and redness soothed, plus after a few days, the pimple will be gone.

Price
Cheap and good. Many pimple killers are priced at $30-$40.
Note: This is definitely no instant miracle cream. It takes time to heal.

Side note: If you are looking for one day drop off creams, I think things like Oxy10 or Clearasil would work better because they contain benzoyl peroxide. Creams like this dries your pimple off to bits, and so making it fall off.

But the thing to be concerned about is that potent creams are in a sense poison. And for people like me, I can't afford to poison my skin cells. I have used both Oxy10 and Clearasil before, and all I can say is that, I am allergic to them. And more and more pimples pop out eventually.

So I'd rather get something like Acnes, which encourages healing rather than drying, so that I can nurse back my pimples, not kill them. Killing and plucking out should be done when you are doing deep cleansing/clarifying, or during facial.

Anyway,
I love it: 5 hearts.

Another Holy Grail product for me. =)))

Eversoft White spf50pa+++ Intensive Sunscreen Moisturizer

2009-08-17T22:19:00.006+08:00

Yet another cheap and good thing to rave about. =)

Eversoft White spf50pa+++ Intensive Sunscreen Moisturizer

Available: NTUC (promo $11.30)

Volume: 40g

Star Properties: Sakura extract and lipo-vit C concentrate, to give whitening and UV protection

Eversoft White in box.

Back of box, with description in English and Chinese.

Packaging
I think the packaging is very good. No problems. Both the box and the tube are in nice colour combination of blue and white, which I like. And both have detailed description of the sunscreen.

The tube is easy to squeeze, and the mouth is just nice for you to control the amount dispensed. It also has a secure twist open cover.

The pretty white and blue tube that I really like.

Back of tube with description.

With the cap open. Easy to squeeze and control mouth.

Ingredients
The first thing that I consider now when I wish to buy a sunscreen, is whether it contains alcohol or not. I believe most of you would know that alcohol dries your skin and clog pores, thus causing the skin to age and pimples to appear. And I am so happy to announce that though cheap, Eversoft is one of those sunscreens that is alcohol-free!

The ingredients list.

Spreadability
Eversoft is so much easier to spread than the Avene Very High Protection Cream. For its SPF of 50, I really love how well it spreads.

Fragrance
Some people may not like fragrance, but for me, I like it. And I think it's a very pleasant smell that lasts a while.

After feel
After applying on my skin, my skin feels a bit sticky. But definitely not oily. Which I like. Once the cream is absorbed into the skin, the stickiness goes off, leaving my skin very soft. I think the moisturizer property is definitely there. =)

Shine
There is a slight sheen of silver on my face. But I am not really concerned about that. It makes my face looks oily, but it is not. I can apply loose powder to matte it out after the stickiness goes off. But for those who don't like shiny sunscreen, you will be disappointed with this.

Sensitive skin
Apart from the very first time, when I experience a slight slight tingly sensation at the base of my nose (probably due to Vit C
This is definitely my Holy Grail product! When NTUC gives discounts, I hope to stock up on this, so I can use it on my body too. =))))

Now I use Avene for my body, to finish up the tube, cos Avene is just too oily. And Eversoft for my face. Love it. Love it.

I love it: 5hearts.

If planning to buy, please note the silver sheen. Testers are available at NTUC, so try before purchase. =))) And there is the tinted version but in spf35 too.

My 1st FOTD (14/08/2009)

2009-08-17T19:19:00.004+08:00

This is my first Face of the Day.

Cosmetics used:
- SilkyGirl Loose Powder
- Maybelline Gel Liner
- SilkyGirl Eyeshadow Duo, in Smokey Eyes, and Purple
- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
- Maybelline XXL Mascara
- SilkyGirl Duo Blush in Peach
- Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm
- L'oreal Glamshine Lipgloss in 116

No photoshop was done (except for my website stamp).
No makeup primer and foundation was used.
Did not draw my eyebrows too, as I just had it trimmed, and I thought it shouldn't look too strong, since I did smokey eyes.

I must say, I really love SilkyGirl smokey eye eyeshadow duo! As recommended by another beauty blogger too, the colour turns out very nice, and you can match it with other colour, like purple (as I did), or blue or green.

Just that SilkyGirl eyeshadow drops if your lids are oily. For me, it's fine. I was at mahjong session till 3am, and it's still there.

NuTeen Oil Control Series

2009-08-17T17:25:00.003+08:00

I actually wanted to post on Kiehl's hand cream, just to complete my hand cream series of reviews. But I just discover something that I really want to rave about - NuTeen Blackheads Away Gel.

I can't give a complete review because I only got a 3ml sample packet from a promoter during the John Little Bazaar in my school. But I hope to take this chance to rave about this product, introduce this brand to some of you, and hopefully get kind reviews from those who have tried NuTeen.

NuTeen brochure from my school's John Little Bazaar.

On the inside is the elaboration, and see the two sample packets at the top?

I understand that NuTeen has been the sponsor of some Channel 8 TV shows, such as those Superband or Campus Superstar, I think. So this is not an entirely new brand.

And of course, as the name suggests, NuTeen is for teens. But as most of us probably already know, acnes are not restricted to teens. Even 40 year olds can have breakouts.

In my opinion, I actually feel that teen targeted acne creams or treatments are effective for all ages. I can't confirm since I am not old enough to test that out for you. But at least for my age, teen acne creams still work.

According to what I know about marketing and pricing, products aimed at older women are much much much more expensive than anything else. And according to my scientific knowledge, the pricing is ridiculous since the general ingredients and effectiveness are very much the same. (Unless it is a patented thing, like Pitera.)

So rather than spending your hard earned money on working class products or mature people products, why not go for teen products that are so much cheaper and work as well?

NuTeen Blackheads Away Gel

Available: -

Volume: -

Star Properties: Specially blended with active ingredients such as Salicylic acid, Thanakha extract and Triclosan to thoroughly cleanse the skin, thus making your skin look new, smooth, fine and clear.

NuTeen Blackheads Away Gel and All Clear Moisturizer sample sachet.

The instructions says to use this product on dry skin with dry hands, and before cleansing. I pressed all the 3ml of sample out, and massaged gently all over my face. Strangely enough, I felt balls of dirt, (like wet and teared up balls of paper), on my face.

The NuTeen steps to Oil Free and Flawless Skin! =)

There was quite a lot of dirt balls because I did not remove my sunblock prior to clarifying, since the instruction says use on dry face.

After 1 minute, I felt the gel used up. But my face was not at all dry or tout. I rinsed off the gel, and my skin felt super ultra smooth! WOW! After I cleansed, the smoothness still remains.

The feeling was so amazing, because this is the smoothest I have ever felt of my skin. Even my Laneige Cleansing Oil cannot produce the same feel. And none of my cleansers or moisturizers can produce this feel. Goodness, I am so tempted to buy the full size tube.

But I am hesitating because while the gel was on my face, I felt a slight tingly sensation on the area between my nose and my upper lips. I did not breakout though. So not sure if it was because I am sensitive or what... ...

I also don't quite like the strong smell, which smells slightly of chemical.

I love it: 4 hearts.

I think it gives a really good feeling. But I can't tell whether it does removes blackheads or not, as I have only use it once. And I did not steam my face before that. If I do get a full size tube, I will review it again and might give it 5 hearts. =)))

NuTeen All Clear Moisturizer

Available:

Volume:

Star Properties: Enriched with Thanaka extract for soft, crystal clear skin. Balances oil secretion and cools skin without menthol.

I was also given a pack of moisturizer from NuTeen. And I had to try it together.

I can't tell whether it does control oil secretion, cos I don't have oily skin.

But the texture of the cream is quite light, and dissolves very well into my skin (within 1-2 minutes), without leaving a sticky feel.

This is certainly performing much better than many other moisturizers I have tested.

And the best thing that I really like about it, is the cool feel without menthol. Because most of the cooling creams contain menthol, which is very unsuitable for sensitive skin. However, with NuTeen, I can vouch that this is completely sensitive skin friendly (not sure for eczema though).

And so,
I love it: 4 hearts.

I have deducted marks because I am unsure of the long term effects, and oil control power. If anyone has used this before, do let me know if I can give this 5 hearts. Thanks a lot!

PS: With NuTeen Oil Control Series, now you can have Oil Free and Flawless Skin!

Nivea Creme

2009-08-13T18:06:00.004+08:00

The Nivea Creme is like the grandmother of all moisturizers to me. And it has piqued my curiosity ever since I found out how cheap the whole big tin is.

Recently, Watsons even started selling the smaller tins at $1.95, so those who are just too curious can try before committing to the huge one. Which in my opinion, looks like it can last forever. haha.

Nivea Creme

Available: Watsons, Guardian, and many other little shops

Volume: variable

Star Properties: Contains skin-related Eucerit, a unique moisturizing ingredient

Nivea Creme, picture courtesy from Nivea website.

Ingredients
One of the top ingredients in this is mineral oil. Honestly, this is something that I will not buy on my own. I only tried it because my friend has a tin. Not especially after reading everything from Viva Woman. hahaha.

Packaging
Even though it is stored in a tin can, I think the tin can is actually quite strong and durable. I like the way it is flatter than most moisturizer containers, especially the smaller size one. As compared to those in thick, heavy and tall glass containers. I also like how it gives us so much surface area to use. So we don't have to dip in with one finger or two. For application on the whole body, it is so easy to swipe 4 fingers across for more cream.

Texture
I think the cream is very heavy, dry, and not easy to spread. Which is really surprising, given the number of good reviews I have read about it.

Absorbance
Quite bad, as I still can feel the thick layer of something on my skin.

After feel
My hands felt more of rough in the sense, it is not easy to glide my fingers across the back of hand, as I meet with the resistance from the hard to spread cream.

Smell
The smell is kind of weird. More towards the chemical side, which I don't like.

Irritation
Unfortunately, this multi-purpose cream irritates my hands so much that I kept scratching at it. Luckily I only tested on my hands. It could be because of the mineral oil, which is one of the top ingredients in Nivea Creme.

I love it: 0 hearts.

Sorry to say, but I really don't recommend buying this at all. Even though it is cheap, I think a cream is not really a good cream if it is hard to spread and does not leave a nice feel on your skin.

The good news for people who want big tubs of good moisturizers at the price of Nivea, is that Dove actually has a rich moisturizing cream. I just read this on Beautyholics Anonymous: here. However, the top ingredients are all petroleum derivatives, which many people are not willing to leave on their skin.

The bad news is, I have never seen it in Singapore. No chance to test it... If anyone has seen it here, please kindly leave a comment. If you have tried it, please leave a review. Thanks in advance! =)))

La Source Hand Therapy

2009-08-13T01:23:00.004+08:00

I actually got this quite long ago, but only doing the review now.

I previously got a sample of Kiehl's Hand Slave, and was really, really disappointed with it. So I went online to search for good hand creams, and stumble upon raves for La Source Hand Therapy. It really sounded like the No. 1 hand cream of all times after all the reading. And I've just got to try it.

It was just as well that my SO had cracked skin on his fingers then, due to long hours in air-con and lack of water. I thought I could buy him a saviour. haha.

And it also so happened that the annual Christmas gift exchange was coming, and I had to get something around $5 for it.

The best part is that Crabtree & Evelyn was offering a pack of 3, 25ml tubes for $24, if paid by UOB card. The usual price is $30 for the pack of 3. So that was my chance! One tube for myself, one for my SO, and one for the Christmas party.

Plus, I fell in love with the cream immediately upon testing. I was debating with myself whether to get the pump bottle of 250ml for $65. There is also the 100ml tube. But the more volume you get, the cheaper it is.

Okay, so here's the review:

La Source Hand Therapy

Available: Crabtree & Evelyn outlets

Volume: 25ml, 100ml, 250ml

Star Properties: Unique shea butter and herb formula soothes, moisturize and conditions dry or rough hands

La Source Hand Therapy, 25ml, by Crabtree & Evelyn

Packaging
The smaller ones are stored in an aluminium tube, just like normal mosquito creams. I have no issue with it, as I leave my hand cream at home. But I have read a lot of rantings about how the tube cracks after pro-longed time of bending, when people carry them around in handbags. There are also complaints that say the remaining little bit of cream cannot be squeezed out from the tube.

Fragrance
The first thing I notice is fragrance. La Source smells of gentle sweetness, very pleasant that I keep feel like bringing my hands near my nose to get more of the fragrant. It is addictive for me. lol. (I do like my skin care to mildly fragrant, so you can guess how much I love this.)

Spreadability
La Source spreads really, really well! You are going to love it.
Absorbance
It is quickly absorbed by my skin the moment I spread around. It is so lightweight, that you feel your hands soft and smooth, yet you don't feel the cream.

After feel
Soft and smooth hands, with absolutely no stickiness or oiliness. Super good, as this is my top priority criteria for an effective hand cream. I don't want to be spreading oil all over my keyboard or handphone right after I apply hand creams.

Lasting
It is really lasting, as I can still smell it after 8-9 hours. It still stays there after I rinsed my hands with water. Must really rub under water for enough time before it comes off totally. This means that if you are going out for a short while, you don't have to carry it along. Just apply before going out. =)

Sensitive
This cream does not cause itch. =)))

Availability
I like the way they have the 250ml pump bottle. So good for office use (put in front of the computer), or even at home, place one in the bathroom, one by the bedside. haha.

Price
$8 for 25ml is definitely slightly more expensive that drugstore brands. But it should be affordable for working class people. For students, I think this is worth saving up for. Just use it sparingly. A red bean size amount can spread nicely on 1 hand for me, so the tube lasts pretty long.

Definitely will repurchase. Wait for the Christmas sale. hahaha.

I love it: 5 hearts

I do not exactly consider hand cream a necessity. Perhaps, unless you are in air-conditioned environment for long periods of time.

But I am really wondering if VERY, very soft and smooth hands are a must for me. My palm is rougher than a lot of older and old people I have shaked hands with. Even some senior citizens have softer hands than me. haha.

Not that my hand is rough. It's just not that smooth on the palm, also because I have lots of fine lines. (Some people I know have hardly visible lines, which is inborn.) But the outside is still really good.

I really don't think I need to try other hand creams already. I don't feel like I would find anything else better than this. haha. :P

What do you think? Is it a must for you?

Avene Thermal Water

2009-08-12T20:12:00.004+08:00

Finally! Now, for the most famous, extremely popular special water, the Avene Thermal Water!!!

Avene Thermal Water is actually my third brand of facial mist. I have been using DeCosmet Miracle Swiss Essence and then Evian Braumister as a moisturizer ever since I started my skincare regime.

Since I was looking for a cheaper alternative to the very expensive DeCosmet water, I decided to buy Avene after reading a whole thread of raves about it.

I will roughly compare Avene with my other 2 facial mists, since Avene is like the King of facial mists.

Avene Thermal Water

Available: Watsons, Guardian

Volume: 50ml (promo bottle)

Star Properties: From the Avene spring in France, and with a truckload of uses.

Avene Thermal Water

Packaging
I think the aluminium bottle is okay. Evian uses aluminium bottle too. However, the DeCosmet one comes in a thick, thick plastic bottle that looks aesthetically much more appealing. So I guess, the best packaging actually goes to DeCosmet (Mind the price tag though!).

The Pump
Evian's pump is clearly inferior to the other two. It's sort of unstable when the water goes low. Like you will feel that you are pressing the left or right side down more... Also the dispense is not uniform. When full, the water "gushes" out. But when nearing the bottom, there is so little water. I am guessing this is due to bottle of the aluminium bottle being an inverted semicircular dome.

DeCosmet's pump is the regular shape kind, that you find is standard perfumes.

Avene's pump is a short fat cap.

Avene Thermal Water, uncapped, showing the pump.

The Spraying Motion
For Evian, the dispense is not uniform. When full, the water "gushes" out. But when nearing the bottom, there is so little water. I am guessing this is due to bottle of the aluminium bottle being an inverted semicircular dome.

Avene's bottom is also an inverted semicircular dome. But I have not used it to the bottom, so I don't know about the spray then.

DeCosmet spray is good. Very steady throughout the bottle, and still feels the same at the bottom. This could be because DeCosmet's bottle is rounded at the bottom, instead of flat, or the inverted dome.

The droplets
I don't really notice any difference here. But there are reviews that say Evian's droplets are larger, and Avene's is finer. It doesn't really matters to me though.

Droplet of Avene Thermal Water on my hand.

Water
Seriously, all the water are the same to me.

Effects
No particular really good effects from any of them. Although DeCosmet's is said to balance the skin's pH.

Evian just says it's for refreshing and setting makeup.

Avene gives a whole long list of uses for its water. And touts it to be anti-irritating and will soothe sensitive skin.

So I don't exactly think there is a winner. But since I normally choose skincare based on effects, rather than packaging or dispense effectiveness etc, I think I would choose Evian as the champion.

There are no visible effects from any of the water, so if you just want to spray something on your face, for setting makeup, or for cooling effects, just choose the cheapest facial mist will do. And that is Evian.

Anyway, for Avene Thermal Water,
I love it: 3 hearts.

I am not a facial mist person. To me, they are not a must in any skincare regime if you already have a tub of moisturizer. Even though I use water as my moisturizer, I still think there is no difference as to where the water I use comes from. As long as it's clean.

Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel

2009-08-12T19:50:00.003+08:00

Since I talked about the promo pack in the last post, I think it is more logical to continue my reviews for Avene products.

Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser

Available: Watsons, Guardian

Volume: I got the mini sample bottle...

Star properties: Avene Thermal Spring Water. Soapless.

Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser, for Oily, Blemish-prone, Sensitive Skin

Packaging
I like the transparent bottle through which you can see translucent green soapless gel. What I do not like is the wide open mouth of the bottle, because this means that it is very hard to control precisely how much I want to pour. And I often over pour... I have no idea whether the regular bottle has a pump or something. I hope it does.

Feel
This gel is actually more like water than gel. It is very thin. Just by turning over the bottle, you can see how well it flows. It feels fine, quite nice. I like it on my face. Soft, and non-drying.

Sensitive
Unfortunately, my face broke out after 2 days of use. =(((

Upon checking the bottle, I realised that it says for "Oily, blemish-prone sensitive skin". Okay, that explains it. I have a history of breaking out after using products meant for oily skin. Those are the most toxic for me. I should have read the label properly, and shouldn't even have tried it.

I love it: 3 hearts.

It feels good during use, but causes me to breakout due to unsuitable skin type. Please don't purchase it if you do not have oily skin.

Conclusion: I think what I can conclude from the Avene sunscreen and this Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser, is that Avene really, really, do tailor their products for every skin type precisely. Before using their products, I had the impression that it says for sensitive skin, means as long as I have sensitive skin, confirm can use. But this is not true.

I learned that there are really many types of sensitive skin, as there are normal skins. Mine is dehydrated combination sensitive. And to my surprise, Avene shows me that oily skin CAN be sensitive. Goodness, cos I thought oily skin is the type of skin that can use everything, except extra moisturizing stuff meant for dry skin.

What a lesson!

Avene Very High Protection Creme SPF50

2009-08-12T17:46:00.004+08:00

Actually, I got this in a promo pack long ago. But haven't thought of posting about it, because I don't feel that it's worth raving about.

Avene best-sellers in a promo pack: Avene Thermal Water, Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel, Avene Very High Protection Creme SPF50+

haha, but my Polymer Technology professor talked about why some creams/moisturizers are harder to spread than others, so I am reminded of Avene sunscreen. Because Avene sunscreen is the most viscous (hard to slide) skincare product that I own.

Avene Very High Protection Creme SPF50

Available: Watsons, Guardian

Volume: 50ml

Star properties: Made with Avene Thermal Spring Water in France

Avene Very High Protection Creme SPF50 in a tube.

Basically, Avene is a brand specially made for people with sensitive skin, including eczema sufferers. All their products are made with their Thermal Spring Water in France. And this water is uncontaminated, thus especially suited for sensitive skin. I shall not make my post too wordy by introducing Avene. You may check out their website here, for details.

Description and directions for use.

Ingredients list.

Looks
Honestly, I do not like the look of this product. Kind of too white and too wordy, even though my favourite colour is white. And the logo of Avene is actually some messily coiled circle of lines, which if uninformed, I wouldn't know what it means. It just looks messy and unappealing. But that coil of lines is actually a sketch of the spring where Avene water comes from - the source of the miracle special healing water.

I wouldn't buy this if not for the number of raves from so many girls. Plus, I have sensitive skin, and I needed something with assurance.

Packaging
The first thing I noticed is that it comes in a tube, which is not my favourite form of dispense. But anyway, what gives the headache is the fact that the cream somehow sticks around the dispensing mouth. Even when I try squeezing vertically, the cream still does not falls cleanly into my hand. So it ends up that I always have to wipe the cream of with tissue.

If you look closely at the picture, you will see a slight pop up around the mouth. I think they should redesign that part.

Design of opening, that I find inconvenient.

Otherwise, the box and tube are in nice orange, so if you like orange, you will be very happy. =)

Smell
The second thing I notice every time I use it, is the smell. It is not unpleasant, but it is not the most pleasant I've come across as well. I just don't like the smell. hahaha, but anyway, just have to bear with it, because all sunblocks have weird smells, like Coppertone. LOL.

Spreadability
This cream is very difficult to spread. I need the length of one segment of my finger to fully cover my face once. But then again, it doesn't matters, because when applying sunscreen, you need the full length of your middle finger to ensure you get all the protection you are promised.

Weight
So saying, I need to cover my face 3 times to get SPF 50. And this cream feels so heavy... ... =(

Stickiness
It is sticky on the face. And it takes a long while to be absorbed so that I don't feel the stickiness anymore. Which makes me weary of applying makeup after that. Afraid that my sunscreen would mix with the powder.

Oily
Yes, this is VERY oily. And it gives me pimples. But I guess, it is by no fault of Avene, because the package does say "For Dry, Sensitive Skin". I have sensitive skin, but definitely not dry (I do not flake, and I don't have eczema). Dehydrated (lack of water), yes. But not dry (lack of oil).

So I think it is right to caution all readers that if you don't have dry skin, please don't buy the orange one that says "For Dry".

Avene has other sunblocks, like one in white tube, and one in a spray bottle. Maybe you can try the rest.

Sensitivity
I should think it is alright, as they say, since it does not stings. But I still got breakouts from the oiliness.

I love it: 1 heart

I am giving credit to indicate that it is highly raved about. And it is also known that doctors recommend the brand Avene to people who see them regarding sensitive skin problems. However, this product really does not suits me, and I don't like the feel of it too.

I will not repurchase.

G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)

2009-08-07T14:08:00.005+08:00

I really think I should review this before the weekend, since I was so lucky to catch it yesterday. Thanks my SO for asking me out. =)

I don't know what G.I.Joe is, but I definitely have heard of it before I watched the movie. In my database, this seems to be some old time action film hit. And I thought it is a remake, that would turn out pretty lame.

I was apprehensive about it, but my SO seemed extremely upbeat. And according to facebook sources, everybody who saw the preview on Wednesday was WOWed by it. Sounds like a must watch...

haha, and indeed it is. If you are rushing for time, or don't want to see potential spoilers, don't read anymore, just go watch it. Now. It's worth the ticket. =)))

Picture credits to http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2322499584/tt1046173

So you see the pic. Apparently, if you can infer from the advertisement, this movie is divided into two armies - the group with the white ninja on top, and the group with the black ninja below. I will leave you to guess which is good, and which is bad. (LOL. They look equally bad to me.)

And both armies have a hot babe in line. So for those who are concerned, no worries about lack of girls. Comparatively, Transformers only has one lead girl - Megan Fox. haha. And Night at the Museum 2 only has one girl, in the ENTIRE cast.

If you like Transformers I, I am 99.9% sure you will enjoy G.I.Joe as much as I did. It IS action-packed to the max! Every single moment is action. There is not one dull moment. Not a second for you to look away, or a minute for the toilet.

It's two hours long, so please empty your bladders before sitting down to avoid missing anything.

Much as it did not give me the roller coaster ride and butterflies in my stomach feeling that Transformers I did, I was still deeply enthralled by the plot, the scenary, the gadgets, the hunks and babes.

And now, I am 100% sure that all kids will love G.I.Joe. It has the Disney like settings within it, a sea kingdom, a desert kingdom, the sky. Plus the batman gagets (yes yes, there were so many parts that reminded me of Batman: Iceman). And the way it felt like I was playing a game, sitting in a motion simulator machine, controlling some fighter jet or weird flying boat cum plane, dodging the missiles, shooting the enemy.

G.I.Joe has it ALL!

I love it because it provided mental stimulation in terms of plot and content, and the issues raised, like war and terrorism, Science: its inventions and impact of the world. Suitable for the adults.

Yet at the same, it cleverly brought me back to my childhood, with the thrills, the hang on ends, waiting for the bad guy to die, wondering if the bad guy will die. And watching duels, like in Kungfu Panda. Suitable for the kids who do not understand the plot.

Hopefully I have not spilled too much, but,
I love it: 5 hearts.
Must watch, and worth your ticket, good for family, and class outings. For couples, the girl just may not like it, unless she liked Transformers like I do. =)))

The Asian Kitchen @ Republic Plaza

2009-08-06T16:10:00.006+08:00

I think this is my second time eating from Asian Kitchen. Asian Kitchen is very well-known for their roasted duck. But only for the Raffles City branch. I have not heard good things about the other branches... haha. And yes, I really love the duck at Raffles City branch, but not at Republic Plaza.

The duck noodles, featuring the soup

The soup is nice, though I prefer stronger soups, and darker ones, like that from You Kee@Koufu. This gentle soup tastes mildly of herbs and mildly of meat. It's oily, but if you want to eat duck noodles, this is expected. My SO says it's good though, better than their homemade barley drink.

The mushroom. One piece served, and this is half of it.

This is delicious! My favourite in this bowl of noodles. Very soft, and biteable. I hate Chinese mushrooms that are cooked badly, such that it feels of rubber, and never breaks no matter how I chew. How am supposed to swallow a big piece of rubber??? But rest assured, this is good, tastes of the soup, and not bitter at all.

The noodles.

Next, I tried the noodles. The noodles ties with the mushroom for first place. Absolutely QQ, absorbs the soup very well, which explains the heavenly taste of it. I can just eat it alone without other ingredients I think, since I am a noodle-lover.

The duck meat.

I dislike this. The part that I got is rubbery, and totally not chewable at all. It was such a waste as I couldn't eat like half the meat given. My SO says his share has no problem.

And for the portion that I could eat, it was dry, which I don't like.

Softshell crabs, anyone?

The waitress told us this is the hot favourite for side dishes. I can't take seafood, so don't know about the meat. But I love the sauce!!! hehe. The sauce is spicy, yet sour sweet. I kept taking the sauce to eat with my noodles, while my SO finished the crabs.

Pork with prawn XiaoLongBao.

I can bet you there isn't one bit of prawn in there. Firstly, I couldn't feel the prawn meat (unless they mashed the meat, which they usually don't). Secondly, I did not develop and allergic reaction after swallowing the whole thing. Well, if there is prawn meat, then all I can say is, I can't feel it. So don't waste your money on the prawn ones.

The meat is good. Honestly, I haven't tasted lousy meat in xiaolongbaos before. So I think the minced meat paste must be quite easy to make.

The skin is very dry, quite thick, and stuck to my teeth. My SO said they didn't steam it soft enough. But anyway, I failed this xiaolongbao because of the dry skin.

The juice does not squirt out like all Crystal Jade ones. But the juice taste fine. Not bad. Same like most others I've eaten.

This xiaolongbao is not worth it. The one at JP foodcourt is better and cheaper.

I love this meal: 2.5 hearts.
I only like the mushroom, soup and noodles. The rest are really fail stuff.

Remember to go to Raffles City branch if you must eat this.

And IMO, the best duck rice is by You Kee@ all Koufus.

My Small Nail Polish Collection

2009-08-06T01:43:00.003+08:00

Amazingly, I managed to even have a collection of nail polish. Since I only change the coat of polish after 2 weeks, and I rest my nails for 3 days in between. Plus, once I like something, I stick with it till it's used up.

Unfortunately, I have not managed to really find a polish that I think is perfect until Sally Hansen and Revlon came in. Hence, I kept on buying and trying different colours.

My little family of 15.

My criteria for the perfect nail polish:
- same colour as seen from bottle
- thin, very thin
- easy to spread
- dries fast
- shines
- no chip
- good brush
- don't dry up my nail and cause cracking

Usable Ones
O2 Skin Base Coat, Top Coat, the dark pink from O2 Skin, the Clatty Dark Blue one, Sally Hansen, and Revlon. The rest are deemed unusable.

My Biggest Disappointment
The L'oreal Star Magnet one. Spreadability is okay only. But what I don't like is that it damages my nails. It made my small toes dry up and peel off. Sigh.

The Cheap & Good One
O2 Skin base coat. O2 Skin tend to have discounts, and that's when you get it real cheap. But their colours are one tone lighter than in the bottle, so I think getting the base coat and top coat is okay, but maybe not the colours. For example, the dark pink I have, when applied, it looks like the light pink I have. The light pink, just looks like nail gloss with pink glitter.

What Looks Good On Me
Throughout all this colour testing, I've come to learned that I really should stick to warm colours, like the Precious Peach from Sally Hansen. I don't like warm colours, like brown, yellow, peach. But really no choice, since my skin matches with them more. Purple, pink tend to be a slight disaster. Not just for nails, but also eyeshadows, blush, lip colour. Sigh. So I must learn to let go off my favourite colours, and embrace those I hate but look good on me.

I guess the collection will stay small for now. Although I was amazed at myself for even having 15. Cos when I started using nail polish, I had thought that I would only have one or two, and stick with it till it finishes. But no. LOL.

Honestly, how many of you do this too?? haha. Like thought you would just get one red lipstick, but ended up buying all the shades, and every new invention that comes out, then end up with a whole collection of barely used lipsticks? :PPP hahaha.

Leivy Naturally Shower Cream

2009-08-04T14:51:00.003+08:00

I have been using Dettol happily for the past few years. Cos my mum thinks that the primary concern of a shower cream should be hygiene and anti-bacterial. Which is quite true, otherwise what do we bathe regularly for?

But recently I found out that bathing can be enjoyable in other ways. Cos I also use Leivy Naturally Shower Cream. And I like the strong yet pleasant smell in the bath, which also lingers on my body for a while when I come out.

Leivy's Naturally Whitening Shower Cream

Available: Beauty shop under HDB $4.90

Volume: 1100ml

Star properties: Papaya Enzyme and Licorice Extract for fairer and smoother skin

The big big bottles of papaya and goat's milk.

Packing
It's huge!! I like the way it is transparent, so I can monitor the level. It is made to be thin on the sides, so that I can hold it firmly with one hand. This is good when I want to take the bottle in and out of the cabinet. But the pump dispenses quite little cream. I have to press a little extra 2nd helping.

Ingredients
I think it has got better ingredients than Palmolive. And it does have a reasonable amount of papaya and licorice, as they fall into the 2nd third of the ingredients list, and not at the last.

Washing feel
I like the strong smell of papaya, it's very fragrant. It is also very spreadable and not foamy (I don't like foamy shower creams).

Yes, I bought the milk one too, cos I like the idea of milk on my skin. =)

After rinse feel
No difference to skin in using Dettol or The Body Shop. My skin is still soft and smooth enough... ... Slight papaya smell still lingers on my body.

Sensitive skin
Not irritating. Probably due to its non-foamy nature, since I normally develop red bumps only if the cream foams a lot.

Overall, this is really something cheap that I enjoy. I don't even enjoy The Body Shop Mango, or Strawberry as much. But I think TBS White Musk is nicer than this. 1100ml for $4.90 can last a family of 5 roughly 1 month.

Just camwhoring the shower creams.

I love it: 4.5 hearts.
In terms of skin softness, I think all shower gel and cream are the same. But I deducted marks for fragrance, spreadability, foaming and other during shower experience. Since I like TBS White Musk more, I guess there are other products that provide a better bathing experience. But I can swear, I did not enjoy Olay Total Effects Cream or Sephora's Mint Shower Cream as much.

The high marks were given for the price and volume ratio, which at the same time offers an above average quality and bathing experience.

It's Ever Soft Today

2009-08-04T14:00:00.003+08:00

I've never thought I will enjoy Supermarket products. I am not a brand snob. But although I aim to introduce only good and value for money lower budget beauty products, I also wish to maintain a certain quality in these products, so that we can all enjoy without worries.

But recently, out of boredom in my bathroom, and boredom from my own cleanser (I have been using the same bottle since August last year), I decided to try my father's cleanser (which is bought by my mother). And that cleanser is Eversoft Pomegranate Cleanser White and Firming.

Eversoft Pomegranate Cleanser White and Firming

Available: NTUC, Shop & Save $4.75

Volume: 100g

Star Properties: Geez, I will update this once I kope the tube from the bathroom.

The 100g tube of Eversoft Whiten & Firm Facial Cleanser

Description: Pomegranate is a powerful antioxidant that renews and firms up your skin by neutralising the damage caused by UV and free radicals. Vitamin C whitens, protects, and lighten dark spots for an even skin tone. Suitable for dry/combination skin.

Packing
I am indeed very attracted by their packing, which I feel is prettier than a lot of high end brands. I like the green. And I like the fact that Eversoft has so many flavours!!! I like the things I use to come in a 101 colours. The Rice Milk and Honey flavour caught my eye.

Ingredients
The reason why I decided to try it is because of the absence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate. I am slightly allergic to SLS, cos red bumps appear on my skin for most of the normal bath foams I have every used.

The ingredients list.

Amount
The thing about tube form stuff is that no matter how you squeeze, they never seem to finish. Pump bottle stuff always goes down more quickly. Like most of the facial products that come in tube form, just press a green bean size amount (about 2mm long from the tube) onto your palm, rub your palm together to foam it, then apply on your face. Given 100g of this product (I saw that there is new extra 30% tube), this tube will last more than a year for me. $4.75 for a year, WHOA!!!

Washing experience
It is very smooth, and I can do simple face massage without tugging at my skin. And I love the fragrance from the pomegranate I guess.

Rinse-off feel
This is the part that I am extremely particular about. Unlike many of the tube form facial cleansers that I've tried before, Eversoft does not leaves my skin dry and tout. It is slightly tout, or more like what I call firm, but definitely not dry. Which is simply amazing for a supermarket brand.

Sensitive Skin
It is not irritating at all. Which surprises me since whitening products normally contain allergens. Maybe it will not really whiten in the long run. But honestly, I am not even expecting supermarket brands to fulfill what they write on the package. My main concern is the rinse-off feel and allergen-free, plus a nice smell, I am happy enough.

Overall, I feel that Eversoft is by far the best Supermarket brand. Compared to Shokubutsu, Eversoft's ingredients are so much more skin friendly. Shokubutsu is just normal soap add whatever extract at the last part. And compared to the new UV White O2 Advanced advertise by Quan Yifeng, UV White is slightly irritating on my skin.

I wish to hear from people with Oily Skin who have used this product. Would like to know if this supermarket brand can effectively control oil... ...

I love it: 4.5 hearts.
Marks deducted as the after rinse feel is still not as good as my own cleanser. My Evarro/Decosmet cleanser literally leaves the skin smooth, soft, and soothe all the pimples and red bumps.

Most of the marks awarded are for it being able to beat brands like Bio-essence, Pure, Vichy, Kiehl's, in terms of after-rinse feel and non-allergy properties.

The Hangover

2009-08-04T13:10:00.002+08:00

GV gave this movie 5 popcorns. So we watched it.

Poster of The Hangover. Picture credits to http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3120597760/tt1119646

I think it's okay only. It doesn't has much of a story. Something like What Happened in Vegas. But What Happened in Vegas had so much more action and a proper plot.

Pretty much slapstick humour. Its lameness falls towards the extreme mild end of Scary Movie 4. I would only recommend this if you are willing to pay for comedy, and like Scary Movie.

1A Crispy Curry Puff

2009-08-04T12:59:00.002+08:00

I finally got to try this famous curry puff. I have only seen 2 outlets before, one at AMK hub basement, and another at Tampines Mall basement.

Honestly, I know this curry puff is famous because I heard that this is the brand that earns so much money, but boss report less to escape income tax. And he was jailed for this.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture, cos I was too hungry and busy finishing the curry puff.

But I think it is nicer than Old Chang Kee.

There is so much lesser oil. Though not as salty as Old Chang Kee's.

It is equally big, and nicer looking.

The curry is watery and flows as if you were eating curry noodles. Unlike most curry puffs that have dried curry.

I bought the normal one without chicken or egg. So that's all I can say.

I will definitely go back again to try the other flavours. =)))

Here is the website.

Rexona Women NEW Skin Light

2009-08-04T11:59:00.005+08:00

The name of this item is very long. What it says on the from of the roll-on stick is Rexona Women, New! Skin Care Skin Light with Sunflower Oil, 24hr Antiperspirant Deodorant.

The expiry date says May 2011, which means I have less than 2 years from now to finish this up.

I am very concerned about deodorant expiry cos my previous Nivea Pure No Residue Roll-On expired on me. I still have an almost full bottle left. But it is now sour, and gives me the sour smell, instead of odourless, colourless. So I can't use it. *sob sob*

Rexona Women New Skin Light with Sunflower Oil

Available: Shop & Save $3 (last week's promo), NTUC $3.75 (U.P), and other leading stores

Volume: 40ml

Star Properties: Don't risk underarms darkening caused by plucking or shaving. New Rexona Skin Light with Sunflower Oil lightens and smoothens underarms in just 2 weeks (description on back of bottle)

Directions: Apply 4-6 swipes on each underarm everyday. Do not apply to broken skin. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Ingredients: Water, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Oil), Glycerin, Steareth-2, Parfum, Steareth-20, Di-Sodium EDTA, Tetradibutyl Pentaerithrityl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate.

Front and back of Rexona New Skin Light with Sunflower Oil

Packing
I was so attracted to the light purple colour of this product. It caught my eye even though I was planning to get another transparent roll-on from Nivea. The curvy shape is definitely so much easier to grasp than Nivea's perfect cylindrical non-hand-shape friendly stick. However, I much prefer a see-through bottle than this opaque purple, since I like to countdown to when I will finish using liquids.

Price
The price is also very attractive, as all Rexona deodorants are not more than $4, but Nivea's ones are at least $4.10 for old versions, and $5+ for latest versions. Moreover, Shop & Save was having their weekly promotion on this latest product from Rexona, discounting $0.75. I might have chosen Rexona's older products at $2+ if not for the discount, cos I honestly think that all deodorants are the same, unless you are buying organic ones.

The Roll-On Ball
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Rexona rolls on so much more smoothly than Nivea! For Nivea, sometimes I don't even know whether the ball really did roll or not. I like this part so much.

The roll-on

Ingredients
I love the Sunflower Oil. It leaves a very fragrant smell on me which stays for a few hours, since the staying power of this liquid is probably much better than alcohol perfumes. Amazingly, even though deodorants are supposed to keep away smell, I didn't mind that this gave me a smell instead. If you don't like it, I supposed you could go for the older no Sunflower Oil versions. Even though Sunflower Oil is said to smoothen and whiten your underarms. And the best part is that I feel Rexona is not cheating us. Sunflower Oil is the 3rd ingredient, means it is quite high in content, and not some last ingredients that they only give use some minute trace of Sunflower Extract, then happily tout it to have Sunflower.

Effectiveness
This is true. After using Rexona, I didn't smell the sweat smell throughout the day, even after the Sunflower Oil fragrance was gone, the sweat still didn't come out.

Residue
Hopefully this wouldn't leave yellow stains on my clothes... ... I haven't tried. But Nivea Pure No Residue did not leave stains, so I am also expecting this new product to have taken that into consideration.

Sensitive Skin
This is suitable for all skin types. I did not suffer and irritations after a few wears despite my sensitive skin. =)

Overall, Rexona Sunflower Oil really makes me feel like putting on everyday. I only use deodorant when I am wearing sleeveless when I go out. haha. Nice one.

I love it: 5 hearts.

Watsons Member

2009-07-30T18:29:00.003+08:00

I am so happy to announce that Watsons has finally come out with a membership card!

I have been spending so much at Watsons over the past half year, ever since they rebranded and changed marketing directions. And I am very sure a lot of other girls have also made this drugstore their playground, that I think we are all delighted about the membership card.

The website homepage. =)

I like the way they offer so many choices, of everything, especially for the shampoos, as compared to supermarkets. It's like, I really can't have enough of Watsons, and the environment makes me feel like taking a walk inside every time I see, even though I know I have already been there just yesterday. LOL.

So, more happy shopping to all of us!

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Colour

2009-07-30T17:35:00.004+08:00

Previously, I only experimented with $2.90 to $3.90 range nail polish bought from places like HDB marketplace, private limited beauty stores like Venus, or The Face Shop, Missha etc. However, I find that nail polish is another beauty product whose quality really only comes with price.

So although I try my best to keep the recommendations in my blog to low budget items, I have to make another exception for the Sally Hansen nail polish. I assure you that you will find this exception worth every cent you spend on it.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Colour

Available: Watsons U.P$13.90 Now $9.90 Member Now $8.90, Guardian, and other big stores

Volume: 13.3ml Star Properties: Exclusive micro-diamond formula guarantees a brilliant, multi-faceted shine!

Description:

Stops Nails from Breaking!

Diamond Strength: Instantly bonds with nails to provide a shatterproof, diamond hard protective coating that virtually ends splitting, cracking and peeling.
Diamond Shine: Light-refractive diamond particles go beyond ordinary lacquer to produce a multi-dimensional faceted shine.
Diamond Wear: Long-lasting color is chip-resistant, fade-resistant and waterproof.
Available in 36 shiny shades.

My bottle of Sally Hansen Diamond Strength

I decided to get a bit wild, and try a brighter colour, so I chose Precious Peach.

When I first took out the brush, I actually thought that the colour would be too sheer to look like what is in the bottle, as the concoction is really, really thin, that it drips down a 3 drops if you just hold it at the mouth of the bottle. However, I was so wrong.

Since I always press my nail polish brush to the side of the bottle once before painting, I needed to use two coats, but this does brings out the exact same colour as that in the bottle.

It dries up very fast, but thought slow enough for me to apply and mix the two coats well so that I get an even coat. There is no difficulty in spreading either, as can be deduced from how thin the liquid is.

The best thing is, that it really shines like diamond naturally. This is the first time I don't feel like putting a top coat on my nail colour, as I always do base coat and top coat, to protect the colour from chipping, and also to add shine.

Because this dries fast, very much unlike those $2.90 nail polishes, I no longer have to use the hairdryer or my mouth to blow, and worry about leaving fingerprints or mattress prints on the nail polish anymore! (Yes, some really lousy nail polishes do not fully dry by bedtime, and by sleeping with the sticky coat of paint, fine lines are often left on my nails. I also can only paint the top coat the following day, otherwise, it will mix with the nail colour.)

Honestly, I do feel like throwing away all those bottles I bought previously. I feel that they cannot be used at all, cos they are too horrible. Of course I feel the pain, so I still leave those colours on my shelf.

So I think, yes, it is worth it to eliminate all the above problems, by saving up and not buy 3 bottles of cheap nail polish, but invest in just 1 good bottle of Sally Hansen Diamond Strength.

Anyway, just want to add that I picked Sally Hansen, because I have always been attracted by the Doctor-like professional impression that their display shelf gave me. So now that Watsons is offering at $4 less, and the latest, $5 less at $8.90, this is my chance to get it.

If you can afford, then it is good to stock up on the colours during the discount. Although I think 13.3ml can last me a lifetime since I only change the coat after 2 weeks.

I love it: 5 hearts.

Kiwi Soft-Ins in Leopard

2009-07-30T00:18:00.008+08:00

It has been a headache for quite some time that my favourite Americaya heels is very dirty. Every time I remove it, I will feel embarassed about the base being so black. So even if I wanted to shop for a new shoe, it was humiliating enough to remove my heels and try, as the shop assistants might be watching.

Sadly dirty base of my heels.

Thanks to Kiwi Soft-Ins, my heels are as good as new again! It would have been such a waste if I just threw my heels away like that, as the base is still very pretty, and nowhere near spoiled.

Kiwi Soft-Ins in Leopard

I have always liked Leopard prints, on bags or wallets etc, it makes things look more high class. So it goes without saying that I chose the Leopard one. Plus, I feel that the colour makes it last longer, since dirt will not be seen too easily on brown, as compared to white for the Zebra pattern.

My heels as good as new, for only $4.95!

The Kiwi-Ins are more lengthy rather than wide, so it was not a perfect fit on my wider heels (I have wider feet). However, I think this is alright, as the gap left is minimal, and it saves me the trouble of trimming to fit (which I am very bad at doing).

I am a size 5.5 or 37. And the Kiwi-Ins are slightly longer than that. It would probably fit a maximum of size 6 (38) or 6.5 (39).

Another angle of my new shoes. =)

I can't believe I am shoe-camwhoring. The Kiwi-Ins are really so pretty that I just had to take more pictures of it.

The side view of a single heel on its own.

See, the heels are still good right? I have always believed in the quality of Americaya shoes. They have been around in Singapore for decades already.

Trying a more artistic pose. lol.

Another pose.

The comparison. The leopard prints can still be seen when I wear it. *hearts*

By the way, the sticker is not exactly sticky, so you will have to be very accurate, and avoid re-pasting. Do it one-shot, and wear your heels to step on the Kiwi-Ins, until they stick down hard.

My heels meeting each other.

Them leaving each other.

And last, the beautiful pair together.

So what are you waiting for? I think every girl is entitled to leopard prints and zebra backs, so go out and get your Kiwi Soft-Ins now. A new shoe at a steal. =)

Wong Kok Char Chan Teng

2009-07-29T18:39:00.004+08:00

I've always loved HK Cafe Restaurants ever since they emerged in Singapore. And my favourite is the popular Xin Wang Char Chan Teng, at Cineleisure, PS etc.

The other day, we stumbled upon another one called 旺角茶餐厅. Obvious, their hanyu pinyin is quite wrong. But nevermind. This is the website. So we decided to give it a try since I was craving for Chinese food.

The restaurant layout.

It was very empty at around 5pm. I do hope they have more customers at the 7pm meal time. Otherwise, it would be hard to maintain the rent at Bugis.

I like the clean layout, and the sofa seat is nice. As they are situated right at the bridge on the 2nd floor, I felt like I was dining in a balcony. Which is very nice.

My drink, called Cinderella.

I didn't know what's inside, but I ordered because the name Cinderella sound sweet. haha.

There are 3 san chas on top, and that black ball is a prune.

It turns out, this is actually sour plum juice. Which I don't really like. But this is okay, because they put quite a lot of sugar syrup at the bottom.

Our drinks together. My SO ordered something blue again. lol. =)

Blue Ocean, with strawberry ice-cream on top.

I was very impressed with the Blue Ocean. I love the blue, and the combination they made with the pink ice cream. On drinking, this tastes like normal soda water. But quite expected. Because from my experience with my SO, Blue Lagoon is usually soda water.

And here is my food:

Sze Chuan Style Chicken Baked Rice with Portugese sauce.

As usual, I just had to try their baked rice, as I like to compare baked rice with Swensen's. Yet as usual, the new one still lose to Swensen's. It tastes pretty normal. Not not nice. But just, normal.

I find the steam basket that it is served in very creative. They probably melted the cheese by boiling instead of the usual microwave. Even though it is called baked rice. lol.

A spoonful of Portugese sauce laden rice.

The special thing about this rice is probably the Portugese sauce, or what the waitress told us, Ang Moh Curry.

The yellowy yellowy sauce you see, is the Portugese sauce, and it tastes very, very much like egg yolk. I would bet it contain egg yolk. But I am bewildered at how they make the egg yolk taste cooked. It is absolutely not raw at all, yet it is not the hardened egg yolk we normally get.

Though it is known as Ang Moh Curry, the Portugese sauce is not spicy at all. And I like the way it is salty but not too salty.

I wish I could buy a jar of this home! Serious. So nice, I feel like eating the sauce again.

The service was okay, and the food came really, really fast. Likely because there were so few people.

But altogether, I think I like the place. And I feel like going back to try the French toast. It is a very nice spot to drop by for a French toast if you are working nearby, and need a tea break. =)

Laneige Snow Crystal Shimmer Lipgloss

2009-07-29T17:54:00.003+08:00

WOW! That's only thing I can say when I tried out the sample from Laneige.

I got a whole lot of samples when I bought 2 bottles of Laneige Professional Makeup Remover Refreshing Cleansing Oil from Korea. They are so generous with the samples, just like Kiehl's.

The loot.

I will probably review the others at a much later date. Still don't have to use them yet.

I decided to try the lipgloss, as my current L'oreal Glamshine (older version) is running out.

Laneige Snow Crystal Shimmer Lipgloss

Available: At all Laneige counters and imports from Korea S$32 (depending on exchange rate)

Volume: 3.8g

Star Properties: - Realize full voluminous lips by containing Multi-coating Pearl that has similar light reflection with snow crystal. The hole in flexible heart-shape tip contains lip gloss, makes it easier to apply with just one dab. Sheer, shimmering, and sparkling.

The little tube of sample I got. Good for around 3-4 uses.

First thing when I opened it, was that I really like the packaging! I like the lipstick shape tip.

Then I applied it on my lips, and the look is as shown below:

With Laneige Snow Crystal Shimmer Lipgloss on.

I like the way it doesn't dries my lips one bit at all, even though I put it on without lip balm. In fact, after I removed it, my lips felt exceptionally soft and smooth, as if the lipgloss did a therapy for me.

The colour is quite light, I don't think it is the same as what I see when I squeezed it out of the tube. But I am fine with it, as I prefer gentler shades.

I looked closely at the mirror, and see that it contains very, very tiny particles of glitter. Indeed shimmery, but does not looks oily.

It does not feels oily as well. Although it is slightly sticky. However, I think that all those lip stuff that stay on for long are definitely slightly sticky. As with Laneige, this stays on for as long as I did not wash it off. It didn't drop when I ate my dinner, and my hair doesn't sticks on it. Love, love, love.

I feel this is worth the investment if you are wearing lipgloss everyday. For me, I seldom wear makeup now, so I am not planning to buy the full tube.

I have read a lot of people naming Laneige lipgloss as their favourites too. So I think, this is really, really worth a place on your wishlist! =)))

I love it: 5 hearts.

Singapore Shopping Street

2009-07-29T16:29:00.007+08:00

A few years ago, the government proposed to make the whole stretch of Orchard a dream shopping street. Ideas even include underpasses or overhead covered walkway from OG to opposite OG. And now, I think their plan is slowly, but surely, materializing.

Of crowds and buyers, I don't have the statistics. But of shops and shops, and MORE shops, it is plain for all to see.

I went on a walk from Plaza Singapura at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station to Ion Orchard at Orchard MRT Station the other day, and there were so many things I just had to check out. I wanted to walk down to Tangs and Far East, but my feet just could not bear it anymore. :PPP

Okay, so without further ado, here are the pics I took along the way.

I went to PS to look for a shop called Funny Pockets as I wanted to look at the real thing before buying online. They are selling Japanese Fashion Accessories here. And I was tempted to get the rings for my SO and I. I think the Lolita dress is nice too, though with limited variety. However, I tried the rings at the shop, and I am surprise that they don't fit my fingers, despite the measurements shown online, which should fit. No pics for this shop.

One of the surprises I got was, to find Etude House. This is another Korean skincare and cosmetic brand that has just opened in M'sia. But I didn't know in Singapore too. It is somewhere in the basement, right in front of an escalator.

It looks like a doll house, and the bottle designs and colours are also the milky kind. I quite the lip plumper, but it stings a bit. The nail polish is no good. Same as The Face Shop, though cheap, but simply too thick to spread. I guess the thing to try out there is probably the BB creams. They have 3 kinds. But that shop is too small and too crowded for my liking.

Then I went out, walk towards Orchard, and tadaa! Orchard Central.

Orchard Central from across the road.

I was so curious to see this place, as it is reported that its interior incorporates art, like an art gallery. Below are some pictures of the art on the first floor.

A water feature.

One of the many islands of sofas on the 1st floor.

Good to rest your feet, and yes, just spend the day reading newspaper like the guy I caught in the picture.

The scarlet heels of the famous 5 storey tall plastic person. (You can go to the 5th floor to see the head.)

The first part of the very long fashion display in dark settings and neon lights.

A mannequin sitting in the dark.

The last part, the sports display.

The place was very cold and deserted, save those people enjoying the sofa and air-conditioner. I think all these are meant to be some form of attraction, as the guard did not stop me from snapping away.

I went down to the basement to see the shops as there are many unknown names that I saw on the directory. But it was so highly disappointing that I did not have the mood to go up to the higher floors. The directory says there are more well-known shops up there.

The only consolation is perhaps, Missha. Missha is a low-end cosmetic brand from Korea, that has disappeared from all over Singapore, as compared to 3 years ago, when they had branches in the most crowded areas of this island, like Citylink Mall. Young girls have been looking all over for Missha products, only to find that they have shifted some of the items into Watsons.

So, if you are reading this, and are looking for Missha, do go to Orchard Central and stock up on whatever you want before it disappears.

******

So feeling awfully disappointed, my next stop was Takashimaya. I wanted to visit the Watsons there, as it is the biggest I know, looks bigger than Vivo City's branch. And I wanted to re-visit Sephora there too.

I bought a Kiwi Soft-ins for only $4.95. Which I will review later. Lovely, look out for my review.

For Sephora, it was a very sad case. Not sure if it is because that was a weekday, but the store was so cold, and I belonged to the miserable handful of customers. To think when I went a few days after it opened in December, the store was so pack, I could hardly make my way around.

Nothing much, except that the SA let me try Versace's latest women fragrance, and I fell in love with it. So now, this goes on my waiting list. Will get it once my Omnia Crystalline runs out . (Which would be a few years later. lol.)

******

Now, it's time for ION@ORCHARD!!!

I like the way it is integrated into Orchard MRT, like how Wisma Atria is. It is huge! Like M'sia's KLCC. So spacious, probably the first of its kind in Singapore. All other malls in SG are cramped like a sardine can.

I happened to see the opening of Shu Uemura's store. The store is very small, by the escalator. I heard the person-in-charge saying something like this store will open a new chapter of Shu Uemura's history in Singapore. I think they are rebranding, with the new Japanese design cleansing oil bottles. Yet, I don't feel any difference in their brand.

Here are some pics:

The models who look so unreal. Ultra smooth skin and so fair and bony. Slightly envious.

The models from another angle, and without the cameraman.

Now, it is looking for Sephora@Ion. I do not think it is easy to find that place. Had to go up a few storeys. But I found it anyway.

This is the famous MAC counter right at the doorstep.

And the store entrance is so big that I had to use 2 shots to capture it.

I am most of you would already have read that Sephora@Ion carries new brands from the US. And the famous ones that many of us look forward to is Burt's Bees and Smashbox.

There is also the Sephora Girl cosmetic line from Sephora. Really cute and sweet colours.

Other than that, this shop carries a multitude of other brands that are already in Singapore. And I like the way it is just so spacious, with many makeup counters. So you could go there and get everything you want then do a makeover, instead of stopping separately at Shu Uemura, then Clinique, Bobbi Brown etc, and facing snobbish or pushy SAs.

I wanted to try the Sephora nail colour in blue. But after testing over there, I decided that the texture is just too thick and not easy to spread. It feels like $2.90 nail polish that I can get outside.

So this is all for the long Orchard walk. Bring water to drink and wear comfortable shoes if you ever want to go on this shopping trip. Take care. =)

Ear Piercing & Earrings Haul

2009-07-29T15:49:00.004+08:00

I have not bought any earrings for like the longest time ever. I am still wearing a metal ring one from 女人街 in HK. I even wear it to swim. I really like the design of that, and it doesn't irritates my earhole.

I am still quite surprised at the quality of street-sold earrings in HK. Because I am very sensitive, and about 3 of my earholes have closed after irritation from normal street-sold earrings in Singapore.

There is something I read from an issue of Urban from The Straits Times which I think would be good to share.

For people who are piercing their ears for the first time, it is better to ask for surgical steel studs, although this would mean the price would be somewhere around $10 or more for one earhole.

But this is very worth it for people with sensitive skin. Very likely, people with sensitive skin would develop something called "Nickel-sensitivity", if they do not pierce earholes using extremely low nickel content ear studs.

Nickel-sensitivity is undesirable, because this means that other parts of your skin (remember, your skin is one big connected organ), will also be sensitive to nickel, and you will end up unable to wear normal necklace, bracelets or anklets etc. Nickel-sensitivity is not confined to the ear, although it was induced from the earhole.

I myself, most likely have got this problem, the area of skin around my necklace turns red and itchy after the ear piercing. I am sensitive to metal watch straps too. Especially if there is sweat.

So, it is better to be safe than sorry. Since buying and avoiding high nickel content accessories is pretty troublesome and more expensive in the long run. Just be cautious that even so called purer gold jewelery may have high nickel content. So you must ask the sales assistant before purchase.

******

Anyway, just want to share a place where you can get cheap and beautifully designed earrings.

It is a shop on the 2nd floor of Orchard Cineleisure, called Beadstreet. Service is good when you are paying, and the staff is helpful if you ask questions (but I did not need any help there).

My haul of earrings, totaling to only $10.30.

The big round ones, which suits my long hair, are my favourites. I really like the sweet, gentle colours, and the flowers. They are so nicely printed even though it goes for only $0.90 each!!! wow! These designs are good for casual wear, and I think the red flower one is even good enough for dinners, if you match your clothes nicely.

I thought it would be nice to stock up on casual earrings, as mine current stash are very *bling bling* and extremely formal.

The 2 doll face plastic square earrings are so unique that I just had to get them. Also only at $0.90 each.

The blue rose is bought with my SO in mind, as he likes me to wear things blue. Also $0.90.

Only the small metal ring one at the bottom is $4.90. Since I am so happy with the metal rings from HK, I thought I should get one more for backup. I like ring earrings a lot, especially those thick band ones.

So visit the shop now, before it disappears. I am so afraid it will disappear, because they are selling things so cheap in Orchard, they may not be able to cover the rent for longer. I really like the way the designs are unique, in that I can't even find these on blogshops, not to mention standard mass production accessories shops like Chomel and Diva. =)

Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm

2009-07-29T02:41:00.003+08:00

I bought this because the Watsons that I was at does not carry Yes to Carrots or Eco Lips. And I was really attracted by what is written on the packing and the white, white tube. White is my favourite colour. =) I am also quite curious about Mentholatum, an emerging drugstore brand, whose other new product is the Men's facial care line. I think the cooling charcoal cleansing wash in the diesel-like pump bottle is quite cool.

This is something that I did not see on Viva Woman's, so I guess I will review it.

Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm

The front of the package. It says Natural Beeswax, 100% Food Grade, Natural Plant Ingredients, and Fragrance Free.

Available: Watsons $7.90

Volume: -

Star Properties: 100% food grade, natural plant ingredients. Good for sensitive lips.

I think this is the most caring lip balm ever, as it does not stays on my lips for beyond 3-4 hours. But rather, it dissolves right into my lips, like applying moisturizer on my hands. And this is proven by my really, soft, and totally unchapped lips left after the 3-4 hours. And the best part is that my lips remain nice after that. It really heals, unlike petrolatum from my Make Up Store Aroma Balm, which did heal, but 1-2 days later, the wounds are back again.

However, this being so, I am not too sure if it will do good if you want to apply lipstick over. I have not tested it with lipsticks yet.

It is indeed very pure, like it claims, and like the image that the creamy white tube impresses you with. Totally no smell. LOL, I was actually trying to test for smell because I quite like fragrant skin care stuff. Then I found myself so silly to do that, since it already claims that it is fragrance free. And no taste too.

The back of the packaging. It says No Preservative or Colourant. And that is the ingredients list which looks very tiny. Only the last one says Butyl Hydroquinone, one of the last one is Tocopherol. The rest of either oils or waxes.

Absolutely non-sticky and non-oily. I really love it so much, since I am adverse to sticky and oily skin care stuff. I can't stand even the thinnest film of oil.

Just a caution, as it says no preservative, and food grade ingredient, so I think you may want to keep using it after you start on it, as I am quite afraid it will expire if you take too long to finish it. I don't know.

All I can say is, this lip balm is exactly what it claims to be! And if after reading the packing, you like it, you will definitely like it and not regret the buy. I like the way it resembles a lipstick so well too!

The resemblance to a lipstick, and the creamy white tube that I love.

I think this ought to go onto the Hall of Fame for lip balms in my previous post. =)))

Lip Balm Ranking

2009-07-29T01:31:00.006+08:00

I actually did a shortlist and rough ranking for lip balms the other day, as I figured that I really do need a working lip balm to base those drying lip glosses and lipstick on. I have been abstaining from lipsticks, and tolerating lip glosses for so long due to the lack of good lip balm, and laziness to find one.

I really love Viva Woman for being such a sweet lip balm fanatic, because she has all the reviews I need. So here is the shortlist that I made from her reviews, ranked from best to good (I have eliminated all those that Viva Woman failed), are:

1. My Lip Stuff lip balm
They won it because of the all natural ingredients (with no SPF), and extremely cheap price of only US$2.17 if you buy it in a pack of 6. However, you have to pay for the shipping, which I think is compensated by the fact that they have over 400 yummy and exotic flavours for you to try. I really like the variety. Read Viva Woman's review here.

2. Yes To Carrots See Me Smile Lip Butter
One of the cheapest, at just $5.90 from Watsons, this is real, real steal for something organic. Read Viva Woman's review here. I rank this second because of the price.

3. Eco Lips Organic Lip Balm with SPF 15
This one has 87% organic ingredients, and with SPF (which accounts for the lower percentage of organic ingredients) , it is a good pick at $8.90 from Watsons. This should be ranked No. 1, if you are into organic skin care, and looking for SPF. I rank this third because of the slightly higher price, since I am not looking for SPF. Read Viva Woman's review here.

4. Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm
Not as many flavours, but this is the reigning champion across the world. It is 99.6% natural according to Viva Woman. And the big plus is that Burt's Bees has arrived on the shores of Singapore, together with Sephora@Ion Orchard. At $10 from Sephora, and only S$6 (+$0.50 shipping fee to SG) from whoopeekiddies.com, you are getting something really proven to be value for money. Read Viva Woman's review here.

5. Smith's Rosebud Salve - Brambleberry Rose Lip Balm
At $14, it is a tad expensive. Moreover, it contains petrolatum, though a strong emollient, it is said to be toxic to our bodies in the long run. Furthermore, lip balms are normally swallowed. However, this is one of the oldest lip balm around, highly raved about, and with the vintage packaging, I really feel like owning it too. Read Viva Woman's review here.

6. Nivea Essential
One of cheapest that can be found in Watsons, at $4.10 per tube, it is worth a buy if you are extremely tight on budget. Nivea lip balm has garnered enough raves from forum reviewers to give it a place on this list of mine. However, after looking at the list of ingredients, I really find it too unnatural that I didn't want to try it.

To be really practical, I will go for Yes To Carrots, and save Burt's Bees and Smith's Rosebud Salve for the the wishlist.

There, I have compiled all the 5 hearts reviews by Viva Woman, added in Nivea on my own and did my own wishlist. =))) When my current runs out, it has got be YES to Carrots.

Credits to the respective websites for the pictures too. You may click on the item name to go to the website.

The Half Blood Prince

2009-07-23T23:36:00.003+08:00

Harry Potter is back with Movie 6 - Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. This time, I am not too excited. I think I am already used to the how HP movies have always been disappointing. I did have too much hope for this sequel.

Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, picture credits to Shaw Cinemas.

Unfortunately, I am right. The movie is nice, but with no surprises. The special effects are superb, the acting is good, the faithfulness to the book is there. Yet there were no surprises even though it has been about 6 years since I read HP & The Half Blood Prince, the book.

Though my expectations were low this time, I still hoped that there would be little delights because I had forgotten many of the details in the book. Hope was dashed, and the movie captured just exactly the main points that I remember.

All the same, HP movies have always kept non-readers confused and wondering. This time, sitting besides me was a couple, who obviously did not read the book, because throughout the movie, they were exclaiming loudly about what this is, or what that is... ... LOL.

So overall, The Half Blood Prince remains a normal movie to normal people, and would only appeal to people who have been chasing the sequels or have read the book, and are all just too curious to stay at home and not buy the ticket.

Conjuring Beauty w/o Busting Your Purse - Intro

2009-07-23T16:14:00.004+08:00

I am writing this after being inspired by the article, "Perfect At Every Stage" in August issue of Cleo. The article in Cleo is more of an advertisement for L'oreal's 100 Years of Beauty, featuring a plethora of products coming from all brands under the huge wings of L'oreal.

The long list includes L'oreal Paris, Maybelline, Garnier, L'oreal Elseve, Biotherm, Vichy, La-Roche-Posay, Emporio Armani Diamonds Intense, Diesel Fuel for Life, Matrix Bioloage Colour Care, YSL, Shu Uemura, Lancome, Kiehl's, Skinceuticals, Raplh Laren, Kerastase, Redken.

Amazing isn't it? I was truly dumbfounded when I saw all these. To tell the truth, I googled "L'oreal" last month, before this 100 Years of Beauty Campaign appeared. It was pure coincidence that I saw in Wikipedia that L'oreal is the oldest cosmetic company in the world, which started in 1909 (of course). And then I posted on my facebook that L'oreal own 40% of Nestle!!!

Imagine how big L'oreal is... ...
It's like, know it or not, you probably have contributed to their profits before.

Actually, I like it! Cos L'oreal's L'oreal Paris products are good and affordable. I like L'oreal Elseve shampoos too.

Impressed by Michelle Phan Again

2009-07-22T17:46:00.004+08:00

I am really impressed by Michelle Phan again, after watching makeup tutorial on Romantic Valentine Look.

I thought that any girl who knows makeup would know how to put on pink theme eyeshadow to suit V-day's mood. And so concluded that this particular tutorial is a little extra. But trust me, you've got to watch this.

She has done every single makeup tip that I have come across, right down to the T. I especially like how she emphasizes on the Maquillage M Way by Maquillage Eye Creator (which I have posted about here).

She even did the highlighting which would contour the face. I find it too troublesome to do contouring every time. But then I think it is good, because every girl wants to look her best on Valentine's day.

The pace of this video is quite fast, because I think it is meant for people who already use makeup. I think it serves as a reminder for me, as I always skip the little, little details.

******

Michelle Phan has came out with her online of skincare!!! It's called IQQU, which you can read about here.

Michelle Phan's IQQU Beauty, picture credits to Splendicity.

This is simply amazing. haha. But it seems natural that she would go into this line.

Michelle, you have done it again! =)

Define Organic Cosmetics

2009-07-22T16:29:00.006+08:00

I searched the title, "define organic cosmetics", after being so influenced by Viva Woman on how we should keep things natural. And this is the best result I got: Organic Cosmetics for Natural Beauty! The other top hits are just reiteration of what she wrote.

I think the best info that I have learned from here, is that there are certifications for organic cosmetics. Those touted to be organic but without the certified stamp, are products out to cheat your money.

Some Western organic-certified logos, picture credit to Organic Cosmetics for Natural Beauty!

And the next best info to know, is that

"A serious problem with ethoxylated surfactants (those that utilise ethylene or propylene oxide in the chemical reaction) is that they can be contaminated with dioxane, a potent carcinogen."

Plus,

"All compounds containing TEA, DEA and MEA can undergo nitrosation with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. One study has found that over 40% of products containing triethanolamine (TEA) were contaminated with these potent carcinogens."

All these info kind of gets to you, and eat into your conscience about how you are not taking care of your body if you use inorganic skincare.

Anyway, the solution, of course, is to go organic, and trust the organization that gives those certificates. You can read about what the really organic substances are in that article I linked.

So this gets me going to BudCosmetics. A place recommended by Viva Woman. When I was Novena Square 2 the last time, I did not see this shop... ...

BudCosmetics homepage - Zuji Organics is an organic certified makeup, the lipstick is reviewed to be very good by Viva Woman, here.

What I love about BudCosmetics website is that they put up all the prices clearly, so that customers can shop online. Square 2 is not all that accessible, so if you do not want to make a special trip down there, you can check out your items online.

Also, they list the ingredients in a nothing to hide manner, as many of the products are certified natural or certified organic.

I thought organic things are usually more expensive, but they actually have more affordable ranges, around $30-$40, which matches up to what popular flagship stores like The Body Shop, The Face Shop, and Skin Food are selling. Of course, there are those $100++ bottles too.

If it is roughly the same price, my thought is, why not make a switch? =) For my sensitive skin, I will have to be trying brands like Longona and Sante, which have everything from makeup removers, toners to makeup, and body care.

You may want to try it too. =)

BRAND’S® InnerShine® Prune Essence

2009-07-22T15:22:00.004+08:00

The first time I saw this new product by Brands was at the TNP New Face audition. They set up a stand besides the queuing area, and gave all contestants a voucher to buy it.

At that time, it looked really good. I was attracted to the womanly purple packaging, and almost bought it. Luckily I did not.

This second time, I got a bottle free from a copy of Cleo's August issue. My first thought was, if something is really so good, it does not have be given away free this way. LOL. Cos I was linking this giveaway to the booth at TNP New Face, and I reckoned that this must be leftovers from the other time! (This is purely a personal conjecture and impression formed from 2 separate events.)

The instructions says this can be taken at any time of the day you like, and either at room temperature or refrigerated. I left mine to chill, as I recall memories of Brands Chicken Essence.

My bottle of Brands InnerShine Prune Essence (sorry about the darkness).

Okay, I hate Brands Chicken Essence. Not that it is no good. I do not like the taste, which is somewhere between salty and bitter. eeeks. There are people who can take weird tastes like cod liver oil and Brands, and one of them is my younger brother. I salute him for that.

I am so afraid of the prune essence tasting like chicken essence. And only agreed to give it a try after I looked at the ingredients. I forgot to note it down before throwing the box, but I remember there are only about 3-4 ingredients. And the first one states "prune juice".

If the primary ingredient is pure prune juice, then it has got to taste like the Sunsweet Prunes, which I love. So it is alright.

So I tried it. Yes, it tastes alright. Exactly like Sunsweets.

Sunsweet Pitted Prunes, credits to Sunsweet website.

But what set me thinking was, the description says that this is high fibre and to help busy working women etc, etc. Yet seriously, do we really need this thing?

In my opinion, NO. A big, big NO. This is just another gimmick to make people spend money. I mean, if you are leading an okay lifestyle, with fruits (no need vege) everyday, you should be able to visit the toilet once/twice a day. Which is, according to Mind Your Body, the absolutely normal, and healthy frequency for big business. If there is no pain while doing business, your fibre intake is fine.

I even recall reading in the primary school Health Education textbook that we only need a bit of fibre each day. Not a lot. So a slice of watermelon, papaya, during each meal should be enough. In fact, fibre should not be taken in excess.

If you think Brands Prune Essence is going to help your constipation, then I will say, YES, BUT it is a waste of your hard-earned money. Talking about inducing diarrhoea, honestly, it did not even put me on a run. Sunsweet prunes does gives me the runs.

Eating prunes will get you to egest solid waste. Anybody who has eaten dried prunes by Sunsweet or any other brands before, will know that. Especially if you eat prune and drink water immediately. This is a recipe for diarrhoea (as my mother told me). I have tried and proven it. So if you are having constipation, you can try this method.

Instead of Brands, seriously, the normal Sunsweet will do. They have new antioxidant juices as well. (refer to website: here).

This world is becoming stranger to me. All the funny products emerging. The onus is us, consumers, to discern for ourselves.

A Post for Cleo

2009-07-21T19:09:00.007+08:00

Where more appropriate to blog about Cleo, the magazine itself, than at askCleo.com?

I just found out that Cleo provides us a space to blog although I have been a member for some time now. Funny isn't it?

Having abandoned askCleo.com for so long already, why am back? Why do I start now? This is because I love the August issue so much! So many surprises, so many goodies, what more can a beauty lover ask for?

I was bored over the weekend, when I asked my significant other (SO) if he could get me a copy of Cleo along the way back from buying lunch. And of course, as the ever-loving SO, he sent the brightly coloured beautiful Ciara cover into my hands. Together with the words, "I saw that there is a bottle of Brands essence packed together with every copy, so I bought it".

haha, so now we all know that all the freebie gimmick works wonders, even on males. Perhaps, especially on males, because males tend to buy things based on "wu-hua, boh-hua", value-for-money or not. (My SO happily bought another SPH magazine because August issue comes with a sample bottle of Colgate Plax.)

So that was the first surprise that Cleo gave me - BRAND’S^® InnerShine^® Prune Essence. I like the taste of it, and will review it and my thoughts (yes, I have an issue with selling prune juice) about this product in a later post.

My bottle of Brands InnerShine Prune Essence as a freebie from Cleo.

Then of course, I was so over the moon that Cleo came to relieve me of boredom, and I opened it much like child with twinkling eyes, and dying to play with an Optimus Prime model. And before I managed to fully flip over the cover, tadaa! A slip of paper with a peculiar blue straw fell out. Goodness! What is a straw doing in a magazine?

I picked up the "cup" of ZA Dewy Effect Lotion and almost put the straw into my mouth, just for fun. LOL. I honestly think that this is one eye-catching, insanely innovative advertisement. (And to think I thought doing the RevitaLift "lift" in another SPH magazine is creative enough.

So in this second surprise by Cleo, I have to answer 5 questions that will tell me how thirsty my skin is. Ah, this is consumer psychology unfolding. I am very attracted to doing quizzes, no matter how silly (on facebook etc), the designer of this ad really got me reading. That's not enough. The answers, of course, are strategically printed on the other side of the ZA card.

The quiz on the front of the ZA card ad.

So I flipped it over. It says that my skin needs regular hydration, which I already knew for 3 years now. LOL. I actually did a quiz that I know the answer to. But it was fun. The best thing is that I love the Dewy Effect light green bottle, I do think that I will like the product, and ZA is offering Cleo readers a chance to get some ZA freebies!

The back of the ZA card tells you more about ZA Dewy Effect, and offers freebies and discount.

And now, for the third surprise, probably nobody would guess this. It is Genefique. Yes, i just said Genefique, the latest scientific product that is fresh out of Lancome's lab. The Genefique that has been on our TV screens for the past week now. And the Genefique that one would likely see on every (Singaporean) magazine's first page advertisement for August.

Tucked nicely away on Page 86 -87, is the advertorial for Genefique, and pasted snugly besides the spine of the magazine, is a little sample of the miracle serum. I really am loving Cleo so much, up to this point. How did they clinch the deal for a sample??? The other SPH magazine does not have that. So anyway, Lancome offers readers only, a 7-day trial of Genefique. And using it, 5 girls who give the best blog entry about it will receive a full bottle of Genefique free.

Page 86-87 of August Cleo, Genefique by Lancome.

It says, "the No. 1 selling Lancome skincare product in France since its launch!"

It features a girl who has tested it, and likes it very much.

There is the silhouette of the sample that given to Cleo readers. I have plucked it out and used it. Enough for two times.

At this time, I would really say, Cleo, you are naughty. Hiding all the goodies so well, then letting me stumble into wonderful surprises. You are one naughty, playful mag.

After the third surprise, if you think this is all, you are wrong.

Are you the Cleo Star we've been waiting for?

Cleo wants you! If you are an avid reader of Cleo, you can talk, and have the personality, Cleo wants you for a host and a fashion spread.

Go for an auditon and receive a free makeover. Sign up with $30, fully redeemable for ZA products, and get a goodie bag worth $80. Sounds pretty good. I told my SO I just wanted to go and buy the goodie bag. LOL. But he says I don't need all those products. The other reason is of course, also because I have been wanting be a host for many years. A newcaster, or a compere, I think it will be great.

So here goes the forth lovely delight. You know, turning page and page and beyond the halfway mark, you see what thought shouldn't be there. But it is right there, smiling and beckoning you.

Now, this is like eating a 3 course meal, with no desserts promised. But at the end, the waiter serves a scoop of chocolate chips peppermint ice cream. Then you wipe your mouth, hands on your bag, but the waiter comes again with a strawberry cheesecake ice-cream. This time, you half-wonder if there will be more, but still take out your wallet, hands up for the bill, when the waiter comes a third time with a scoop of durian ice-cream. You keep shaking your head and say this is not real. Now you stand up and prepare to leave and the mango sherbet ice-cream presents itself.

Enjoy, cheers. =)

Singapore Business Directory

The Importance of Communication in a Relationship

2009-07-21T15:22:00.003+08:00

I just started reading Cleo this year, and even though that means I already have a few copies of Cleo stacked up on my desk, I was never so tempted to write in to Cleo until I saw this month's blog topic - My thoughts on the importance of communication in a relationship.

This theme immediately brought my mind to the horoscope - Gemini, as I have developed quite an interest about astrological signs, and am pretty obsessed about Gemini, over the last decade of my life.

Yes, I am a Gemini, ruled by Mercury, the sign of the twins, and the mark of communication, ideas and trade. And I like my sign. In fact, I was timed perfectly to come in June, a result of careful birth control and planning by my mother. (She is the only person I know of who chooses the horoscopes of us - her children.) I love my sign so much that I buy all the key chains and items with the twins carved inside.

A small handful of my Gemini key chains. The dark one right at the bottom is pewter from Kukup, Malaysia.

Needless to say, I am talkative, intelligent enough to sail like a breeze through Singapore's education system (as my mother hoped for), highly changeable, social, responsive and often superficial.

So saying, I seek communication in developing a relationship, and am attracted to individuals who can connect with me, like a bee to honey. I shall focus more on romantic relationship in which I can choose, rather than family relations that I am born with.

出处《关尹子 · 三极》：“天下之理，夫者倡，妇者随。”
In this time and age, I am already not one who believes in the dusty view that the woman should follow everything her man does to the T. In my opinion, when there is something, partners should talk it out. That is not to say that the woman can be domineering and argumentative etc, but rather, if the man has any ideas, he should explain his logic fully to his woman. This is what I mean by communication between couples.

Without this, problems will just pile up in the closet. And one day, when the volcano erupts, and the closet opens, the ugly monsters just row out like an avalanche down Mount Everest. The result? A catastrophe.

As the Chinese saying goes, "冰冻三尺, 非一日之寒".
3 feet of snow at the doorstep, is not a result of just a day of winter.

Communication, communication. When this is said, it may sound like communication just means talking to each other. But I feel obliged to point out, and emphasize that it is not just speaking to each other in a relationship that is important. It is listening, understanding (the mental process), and last but the most important, accepting.

I am sure most would agree that it would never do if the word goes in from one ear but out from the other. Accepting is the mental process of stamping the word "Certified" or "Approved", with enough red ink and strength on the piece of agreement.

Without accepting, one would just commit the same mistake over and over again. And this would frustrate one's partner. Something that a friend told me after my breakup, that I will always remember, is this, "If the two of you are always quarreling about the same 10 things over and over again, then it is just as well that you break. You can't be quarreling over that same 10 things down 20 years of marriage".

And the other thing that this same friend told me was, "if the two of you being together does not add on to yourself, then what is the point of being together?"

I find a lot of wisdom in my friend's counseling. Communication, or rather, the lack of it, was what made my ex and I so frustrated with each other that we quarreled every time we met, and on every phone call we made.

Looking back on it, it seems inevitable that we split.

But right now, I am into another relationship. And I make it a point to voice my opinions and thoughts. I also made it a point to ensure that we sit down together and talk it out. Males have the tendency to think sleeping over a problem would make the problem absolutely fine the next day. But apparently, not. Not so with me.

I am glad that I have found someone whom I feel shares an equal intellect with me, and is curious about knowing more, so we know what each other are talking about, and will understand where each other is coming from, so that we accept each other's opinion more easily.

Hereby, I wish all the readers find a soul mate whom you can truly communicate with, so we will all have a long and blissful relationship. =)