Malaysia trip (15 - 19 Dec 2008)

All my goodies from Malaysia. Went Genting and KL. Initially was very excited about this trip as Malaysia is now having sale. Thot I can go there and grab some good deals. Even wrote a long list of items that I wish to get during this trip. In the end, it was a quite disappointing as I didn't get much stuff. The sale was not extremely cheap as compared to things sold in Singapore.

Some of the items that I bought:
1) Shoes

Top - From Nose. Guess this is the best deal I got. After sales this pair of shoes cost me about RM24.

Right - From Vincci. Cost: Abt RM43

Left - From Nose again. It is platform shoes that I planned to wear them during CNY. Cost: Abt RM40

2) Pajamas - The shorts on the left are 2 for RM35 and the top is RM10. The set on the right is RM33. Quite expensive right!!!

3) Some magazines that I bot in Malaysia. Cheap and lots of information.

4) My favourite - Toiletries. Finally I found the shop that carry Avon products. Watson used to carry them but not anymore. Avon's Eye Perfector with Peptides (2nd pic, 1st product on the right) was higher recommended by one of the Malaysian blogger. So was really very excited when I found this shops. Right now, I am using it but it is too early to make a review on it.

1st pic - (left to right) What I understand from the store assistant, Anew is supposed to be the superior range of Avon. But have not try it so no idea how superior it is. As for the rest, they are toner. One is tea tree & grapefruit and the other is with AHA. I have try the tea tree toner, find it quite normal.

2nd pic - (left to right) Foot works to remove rough skin fr foot. It contains peppermint thus it is quite refreshing and it costs about RM15 so it is cheaper that Bodyshop's foot scrub. Haha. The 2nd product is a scrub. and lastly, Avon's Eye Perfector with Peptides.

3rd - (Top to bottom, left to right) All these were bought at Waston. Guess Watson is still my favourite store. Actually saw this Biore UV gel in Japan but find it quite expensive over there. This I bought it in Malaysia for RM25. Pure & Mild White Brightening Cleansing Foam and Pure & Mild Moisture Softening Lotion. The cleansing foam is also recommended by the Malaysia blogger. Where else for the lotion, I think it is a toner but it is richer. Will review it when I'm start using it. Chinese Medical oil, Liquid Eyeliner pen (my 1st, hope will know how to use it and not turn up like panda) and Johnson & Johnson's Mini Face Powder - rosy pink. After using this powder, my face actually looks brighter but after using twice my face develop pimples so I have stop using it for some times. Maybe will try using it again.

Think the toiletries that I bot are quite cheap. Avon's product range from RM10 to RM 20. Maybe all the products that I chose are either on sale or promotion. Hehehe. That's me!!!!

Products' Review

Product name: The Body Shop - Aloe Gentle Facial Wash
Texture: Form
Aroma: Light
Colour: White
Note: Gentle facial wash for sensitive skin.
Cost: Btw S$12.90-16.90
Verdict: Too light for my liking, a bit steep for it. Will not buy it again.

Product name: Canmake Concealer Foundation UV SPF25 No.2
Texture: Quite smooth
Aroma: Nil
Colour: Beige
Note: A bit cakey and do not why but always need to apply a few times around the eye area.
Cost: Think is S$26.90 with casing and around S$20 for refill pack.
Verdict: Will not buy it again as too cakey.

Product name: Biore Facial Form - Cool
Texture: Creamy gel
Aroma: Light faint smell
Colour: White
Note: Normal facial wash but feel clean and a bit icy cooling after washing. Usually use it for my morning wash.
Cost: S$4.80 at Chinatown area
Verdict: Will buy again but will like to try out other cheaper range of facial wash.

Product name: Olivin-Fragrant Olive Oil
Texture: A bit oily but still quite light
Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil
Colour: Light yellow
Note: Use it mostly for my hair as understand that will olive oil will soften the hair but not really in my case. My hair still coarse after using it. Maybe my hair texture is not good. Try to apply when hair is semi-dry.

Cost: Less than S$5.50
Verdict: Depend whether I can find any alternative or anybody got other suggestion for my hair!!!

Shopping sites

December is here!!! lots of party etc..... ya for others, not for auntie like me. anyway need new clothes, accessory etc can go to the following sites to take a look...

http://www.sunnanz.com.sg/index.php
-Recently, I bought a dress at this web site. Christina, the person in charge is very friendly and helpful. Even chat with her over the phone on some enquires about the dress.

They even have Japanese tibits, bags and nu ren wo zhui da stuff.

http://pinkaddictcloset.multiply.com/
-Till now I have not make any purchase at this web site but I have friends who are quite satisfied with it. So if I happen to see any item that I like, do not mind giving it a try.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beautifulmums/
-This is highly recommended from my colleagues. They bought a lot of dresses from here. It ranges between S$33 to S$35. Sometimes there is also a sales period.

Dresses are all free size. Should be able to fit M-L size.

Terms and Conditions:
Things to Note:
1) All photos and product description are being given by the supplier. I personally do not see the actual product therefore no exchange

2) If item is OOS, refund will be done

3) Estimated timeline for goods to arrive is about 1 week after BP closure.

4) Payment are to be make before spree close, otherwise order will not be taken in, can transfer to DBS savings plus 048-200-42-42 For ATM transfer, please indicate date, time and amount transferred.

Distribution Mode:
> - Meetup @ Great World City/Orchard/AMK/redhill
> - Local Postage FREE
>> Registered mail Free for $100 and above purchase.

> Please join only if you are comfortable with the terms and conditions stated above.
>
>Ordering Format:
> Name
Contact no.:
> Item#1 (eg.)
> Item code:
> Qty:
> Price:
> > Alternative if OOS:

Personally I got a short dress from here, it is not bad and I have also help my friends with their purchases but they are all through my colleague so I have no direct contact with the seller. Question, you can drop a mail to the seller or to me ( I can check with my colleague).

Lastly, join only if you are comfortable with any of the above sites as it will be on your own risk. have fun shopping!!!!

TOAST BOX

I’m a coffee freak!!!!! I can’t get by the day without a cup of traditional Chinese coffee. Can drink it 24/7 or anywhere. As GWC only has Toast Box, thus I’m quite a regular over there. However, a cup of coffee can cost me S$1.50 which I think is quite expensive. Thus I got its vouchers, 12 cups of coffee for S$12.90, which work out less than S$1.10 for a coffee. Still acceptable.

Anyway that is not really what I want to blog about. Recently, I went to its outlet @ Bugis. Saw Luncheon Meat Macaroni in its menu and it looks very appetizing (ah forget to take a pic of the menu) so my friend and I decided to give it a try. Each bowl cost S$4.20 and when the food arrived, we were so disappointed. The portion was very small and the taste was just average. Felt cheated. Guess next time will just stick to my coffee and the most some toast.

bd presents

my birthday has come and goes......

some stuff that i have received from friends...

products' review

Product name: yours essentially - White Kaolin Clay (no pic)
Texture: Didn't really touch it. Quite fine, easily mix with hydrosol.
Aroma: Can't remember whether any smell.
Colour: Light beige
Note: Mix with hydrosol
Cost: Sample from Yours essentially. 1/2, 1, 2 oz S$3, 5.50, 8.
Verdict: Will buy again once I finish my own tons of clay mask. Really tighten & firm the face.

Product name: Helichrysum Hydrosol (no pic). can get from yours essentially or whoopeekiddies.com
Texture: Liquid
Aroma: Strong smell
Colour: Nil

Note: Scars tend to heal a bit faster.
Cost: Around S$4.50
Verdict: Currently using the 2nd bottle and will continue to use it till no longer effective.

Product name: The Body shop-Cranberry Body Polish
Texture: Smooth with particles
Aroma: Got wonderful strong sweet berry smell
Colour: Reddish with black particles.
Note: Nil
Cost: Normal price think is S$18.90. However I got mine during a sale.
Verdict: Unless you really love strong berry smell, else nothing special about this.

Product name: The Body Shop-Total Energy Exhilarating Body Wash
Texture: Light with a small particles
Aroma: Fresh aroma smell
Colour: Brownish
Note: Still prefer its previous range-Energizing Bergamot body wash, fresher smell and lighter texture
Cost: S$22.90
Verdict: Really love bergamot, will buy again unless manage to find a stronger Bergamot body wash.

18 oct 2008 @ east coast park

Recently went East Coast Park to have a stroll as it has been a while since my last visit. Weather was great, sunny and windy. It was quite crowded as people were there for camping, picnic etc. It is really a relaxing place to go once in a while. Thinking, maybe one of these days should go Sentosa.

After the stroll went to my favorite handout place at East Coast Park, that is Coffee Bean!! Oh they have actually done some renovation and change part of their furniture. Now it has more of the ‘zen’ look. Plus the new chair is much more comfortable than those previous metal one. Food wise, so-so. But really have an enjoyable afternoon, sipping coffee and enjoying the sea view.

When it is time to go, really can’t bear to. Must make it a point to go there more often, to enjoy nature time!!!!

BD's Wish List

My God, my 30th birthday is just around the corner. Sigh. What shall I do for my bd?? Reward myself?? Hmm.

Maybe get a present for myself such as

1) Gray longchamp - Le Pliage®Tote bagReference : 2724089 or Le Pliage®Tote bagReference : 1899089??? Must go Taka to check the design. Nowadays the price has increased,cost more than S$200. Online seem cheaper but currently I have S$50 Taka voucher.

2) My dream Gucci bag, dunno still have stock and whether the price has increase. The last time I checked on the prices is S$980. So expensive!!!

3) LV bag
- trevi pm costs about S$1K
- saleya mm costs about S$1,800 to S$2k
- neo cabby mm cost about S$2K
Think shouldn't buy LV as it is really very expensive.

4) Watch-must be slim, black bronze (Expensive-Rado, Cheap-Citizen, Swatch) I always see people got nice watch but somehow I dun have fate to find 1 for myself.

5) Laptop (Screen 12" and less) but my pc is still working le.

6) Black slim pants. Maybe should try Giordano. Furthermore I have 20% discount for my bd.

7) Gray cardigans-happened to see nice cardigans at Esprit and Zara.

8) Zara Dark gray suit pants. Actually last Wed went to try some of its dresses but they have limited stock loh. Maybe should try at other outlets.

9) Black Jacket

10) Skirts

11) Black or gray dress cost about S$89.90. My colleague said expensive le but I can't seem to find nice, fitting semi-formal dress at low cost. Not that the Zara fitted nicely and they dun do major alterations too.

12) Sunglasses-Rayban, cool (S$150-200).

13) Sofabed hehehe

For the time being can only think of so much. Think will just get Giordano's black slim pants. Hahaha the cheapest of all, must not anyhow spend, will go Japan SHOPPING!!!!!

All About Eyes

Wow it has been a while since I post any stuff to my blog. Have been busy, told you the market is very volatile. One day, it is up and next day, it tumbles down. Anyway life still goes on.
Anyone feels that these few days the MRT seem much more crowded than before. Just like when the F1 was held here. Maybe I should wake up early to go work. Talking about waking up, I feel that nowadays, my dark circles have become worse. Maybe I shall start using the eye cream that was highly recommended by my GP. It is called Under Eye Bryten. However, I still have two eye creams that I have used half way through. One is Lancaster-Differently-Eye Multi-Revitalizing Cream and the other is Dior Capture R60/80 Yeux-Wrinkle Eye Cream.

Right now, I am using Lancaster-Differently-Eye Multi-Revitalizing Cream. Even though it is a sample, it is quite a lot and I have been using it since starting of the month. I prefer this than the Dior’s eye cream as it is not too rich and thick. Dior Capture R60/80 Yeux-Wrinkle Eye Cream is really rich and after using for a month, I find that I have small milia seed under my eye. Thus I stopped using it. Maybe I will use it on and off. Think it is really more suitable for people with dry skin or matured skin type.

If my GP did not recommend me the Under Eye Bryten eye cream, I will have given Loccitane’s Immortelle Eye Balm a go! I tried its sample and love the feeling of the balm. It is more of a liquid than a cream. It is easily absorbed to your skin and has a smooth finishing. However, I only try it once so I do not know whether it will help in reducing dark circles or lines. Even though in its website its stated that it is an eye cream with anti-aging benefits such as reduce dark circles, puffiness and signs of tiredness around the eyes. Help your eyes retain a fresh, youthful appearance. Immortelle essential oil ensures the comfort of the eye contour area, while firming, moisturizing, nourishing and soothing agents reduce dark circles, puffiness and signs of fatigue. So if Under Eye Bryten eye cream cannot make it, I will definitely try this!!!

Another eye product that I will also try will be Origins’s Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Eye Serum. I try it once when I was at Isetan Origins’s workshop. Find it quite smooth and lightweight. This is what I found in its website:” Creating a healthier-looking eye zone. It features the signature Mega-Mushroom blend - Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms and herbs - Ginger, Turmeric, Holy Basil, plus Grapeseed Extract to quell over-reactive skin and reduce the appearance of under eye puffiness, and Yeast Extract to help relieve dark circles.”

Besides having a good eye cream or gel, must also do eye mask which will help to soothe and refresh the eye area. Right now, I am using Clarins’s Skin-Smoothing Eye Mask weekly, which helps to fight fatigue and it is easy to use. Just leave for 5 to 10 minutes and remove excess with a damp cotton pad. Sometimes I just leave it on over-night. A 30ml tube can last quite long as you do not really use a lot for each time. After finishing this, I will like to give Origins’s No Puffery™ Cooling mask for puffy eyes a try as I like cooling effect. Lastly I will continue using cucumber on my eyes, which I mentioned on my earlier blog on Pros of Cucumber. Anyway will update my review on Under Eye Bryten once I start using it.

Discount, Discount here I come….

Recent used products' review (11 Oct 2008)

Decided to have this products' summary so that I can remember what are the products that I have used and their remarks.

Product name: Silk White Mask with pearl (fm Sasa)
Texture : Moisturize
Aroma : Nice, fresh smell
Colour : White
Note : Take at least a hour plus to dry. (the sales person at Sasa told me, pearl is good for minimizing appearance of pores)
Cost : S$5.90
Verdict : Will buy again esp Sasa got sale




Product name: yours essentially - White Kaolin Clay
Texture: Didn't really touch it. Quite fine.
Aroma: No smell
Colour: Light beige
Note: Mix with hydrosol
Cost: My is sample from Yours essentially. 1/2, 1, 2 oz S$3, 5.50, 8.
Verdict: Will buy again when I finish my own clay mask. Really tighten & firm the face.


Product name: Clarines White Plus HP
Texture: Mildly thick
Aroma: Nice present smell
Colour: White
Note: Even though they stated it is oil free, my face still feel oily after using it.
Cost: Don't know
Verdict: No will not buy again, do not like the after feeling. Prefer matt feeling.








Product name: Body Shop Vitamin C SPF 15
Texture: Watery
Aroma: Faint orange smell
Colour: White
Note: All in one radiance boosting antioxidant and UV protection. However, even though it is very watery and have not much control when squeezing out the lotion. The after effect is still a bit greasy.
Cost: Less than S$40
Verdict: Will not buy, too oily for me.


Product name: Clarins-Ultra Foaming Cleanser
Texture: Light cream
Aroma: Aroma smell
Colour: Off white to beige
Note: This is my 2nd tube, find it quite suitable for my combination skin-type as I don't feel my skin very tight after every wash
Cost: S$38.00 but bought it when Metro got storewide 20% cos Clarins got direct discount
Verdict: Will buy if can't find another good alternative

Time for Masques

Sometimes I’m confused whether to do facial masques frequently or limit the usage. I know we can’t exfoliate daily, maximum twice weekly. How about masque? My sister who is also a beauty freak told me that it is fine to do daily as most of the masques that I used are not too strong or rich and I got friends who do masque daily whenever they travel. I guess it is to hydrate the skin due to the different pressure on flight (Wonder how air stewardess maintain their skin and most of them have great skin. Or is it because of makeup??? Hmm). But I ever read someone’s blog mentioning that daily masque is too harsh and thus harmful to our skin. So how???
Okie, this is my plan..
- Three times a week – DIY masque using natural ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, fruits etc. (I ever met one Paul and Joe’s sales person who applies fruit daily on her face and she has smooth and brighten skin.)

- Twice weekly – clay masque as my skin type is normal to oily. (FYI, clay is great for removing excess oil, deep cleaning your pores and preventing and clearing up blackheads.)

- Once or twice weekly – sheet masque, hydrating masque or commercial masque in the market.
Sound good? Haha, you must be thinking I’m a freak. Who does masque everyday? Don’t be surprise, there are others like me. The feeling and the smell are so nice and relaxing. Guess is my kind of relaxation beside massage. Make me drool. Time for masque!!!!

Before I go, here is my conclusion:

~ Depend on individual skin condition. Some may be able to take it, some cannot. I guess can only trial and error. I know is tough cos I’m myself still searching for my own best skincare regimen.


~ If you are just using commercial brand masque, don’t use it daily. The most, use it alternate day as I believe commercial masques in some way are stronger and we have no idea what sort of other ingredients they have used.

Pros of Cucumber

Frankly speaking I’m not a cucumber person, don’t really like the taste of it. Quite tasteless. After some research, apparently cucumber is a very healthy and nutritious vegetable to eat or drink the juice. They are mostly composed of water, with lot of other nutrition such as vitamins A, C, and folic acid. The hard skin is rich in fiber and a variety of minerals including magnesium, silica, molybdenum, and potassium.

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue. Connective tissue is what holds our body together. Cucumbers are effective when used for various skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. They also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids. These acids prevent water retention. Guess it is time to slice them and take it as a snack instead of my usual prawn crackers.

Don’t like cucumber snack, no worries, it can also use as DIY masques. Some said it can tighten pores (I hope so)!!! Anyway it is really cheap and simple to do. One cucumber can last more than a week and don’t even need a blender to extract the juice. I just used a grater. Last week, I tried applying the juice over my face and have two slices on my eyes (will help to reduce puffiness, even my mum knows about it) for about ten minutes. It is cooling but didn’t notice much difference on my face. Maybe is because I didn’t leave it long enough to dry before I rinse or I just tried for a week. Of course will continue using, the cost is really much lower than any other choices.

Queen of samples

Happen to see this web site, www.fr3b.com/index.php, where you can get free samples. However guess nothing in this world is for free, first you must register to be its member. Once registered, you will be given 5 points and from then you can use the points to start getting samples. Each sample is about 2 points. The first time, I tried getting 2 of the samples and the postage cost me S$1.28. How to get point? After trying the samples, you must return to the site to write your review and do surveys for certain products.

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Nevertheless when the mail came, I was a little disappointed as the samples are real small and only 1 sachet per product. They are samples sachet that are given “free” from department stores or respective brands’ counter. Of course, there are advantages via this web site, it is really convenience and some of the brands are not that common thus you can’t really get their samples. Last but not least, you get samples without the discrimination look of the sales person. But having such small sample I can’t really test or experience the product.

The 2 products that I tried are Sansho Skin Emollient Essence and Sansho Skin Renewal Gel.

Sansho Skin Emollient Essence

Benefits: The active ingredients in the seaweed-based capsule shell increase suppleness, prevent oxidation, moisturize, whiten, and firm your skin.

Active Ingredients

Evening Primrose extract - Antioxidant/Whitening properties
Seaweed extract - Moisturizing/Whitening properties
Plant collagen (from soya) - Moisturizing properties
Plant proteins - Anti-aging properties
Sodium hyaluronate - Moisturizing properties
Ceramides - Moisturizing properties

Sansho Skin Renewal Gel

Benefits: Stick fast to old keratin and impurities to remove them without causing stress to the skin. Once this old keratin is removed, it is easier for lotions and essences to be absorbed, and skin feels firm and moisturized as cell turnover is improved. Experience the new life given to your skin as the active ingredients in Skin Renewal Gel even out pigmentation and reduce discoloration.
Active Ingredients

Evening Primrose extract - Antioxidant/Whitening properties Seaweed extract-Moisturizing/Whitening properties

Personally, I prefer the Sansho Skin Renewal Gel. It really cleans my face. After using, my face looks brighter and smoother. As for Sansho Skin Emollient Essence, didn’t like its texture and after applying, my face and fingers have glittery dust. Wonder why it is so. Lastly, when I have a more detail look on all its ingredients, one of it is silicones which may clog pores and causes skin irritation. Since I already know about it, so better avoid it.

My first experience with Hydrosol

After getting to know about hydrosol from Viva Woman, I was rather excited about it. As it is natural and can be use for many purposes. Even though right now I only know 3 ways, either as a toner on its own or mix with DIY clay as a mask or mix with scrub. Lastly, it is not costly.

This is my first on-line purchase so you can imagine the excitement. I ordered Certified Organic Helichrysum Angustifolium and Rose Geranium Hydrosol sample size (15ml each) through www.yoursessentially.com.

Helichrysum Hydrosol – Good for treating scars and is great for sunburns, rashes and skin irritations.Rose Geranium Hydrosol - cellular regenerative and good for balancing combination skin (which I have).
Total, it costs me S$10.60 inclusive of postage. When the package arrived, I was rather impressed as they are all in glass bottles and properly tightened, taped and packed in bubble bags to prevent breakage. Mister was provided too in case customer wants to use it as a mist toner etc. They also gave me a free sample of White Kaolin Clay.

Kaolin Clay is high in calcium, silica, zinc and magnesium, which are beneficial for oily, blemished skin. The clay's mildly drying and disinfectant properties help heal existing blemishes and inflammations, while preventing new ones from forming. The high mineral content of White Kaolin Clay rejuvenates the skin while the clay exfoliates and stimulates blood circulation to the skin. Regular use of clay facials will remove dead skin cells, improve circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring about a smooth healthy glow.

I have tried both of them and even using Rose Geranium Hydrosol with the clay sample as a mask. They are great! However, the smell of the hydrosol is quite strong so some people may not like it. But it is still acceptable for me. I will definitely continuing using hydrosols as toner as they are more natural as compared with those commercial brands.

5 oCt 2008 foot scrub & gel

Bought this foot scrub and gel from SwanSton @ Chinatown for sometimes, at last I got to try it.

Andrea’s Foot Spa scrub contains ingredients such as Pumice and Tea Tree that give you the essential elements for astonishingly smooth skin. While the Pumice lifts away any dead cells, the Tea Tree will repair and normalize the skin for a newborn feel.

Overall, I find it quite refreshing but any other foot scrub will do just as well.After the scrub I use this Montagne Jeunesse’s Morello Cherry & Iced Mint Tired Leg Gel. Wow it really has a strong, nice cherry smell and cooling effect on my legs. S$2.50 for a pack is really worthwhile, definitely will buy it again.

Both the foot scrub and the gel’s contents are quite a lot, it can be use for two persons. Maybe it is time to do a nice foot scrub and massage for your love one.

04 oct 2008 cleansing sponges

04 oct 2008 4 in 1 Beauty set