The Top Three March 2015

It's still early April, and it's not too late to talk about my March favourites is it? I just wanted to start a mini blog series on my monthly favourites (or so at least I can keep updating my blog every month without fail). So just three simple favourites, at least one about beauty and the other two can be pretty much anything. Here were my three favourites for March.

Sohum's Reed Diffuser Tahitian Garden

The diffuser has always been in my room but I never really gave a thought about it until Sara came over and entered my room and that was the first thing she complimented on. I bought this a diffuser a year ago and it does wonders for a small space like my room. It's not too overpowering, just a gentle, floral scent. Although it doesn't have jasmine in it, I still think it has a similar smell to it.

The Rules of Work by Richard Templar

I'm finally entering into the work force and I've been indulging in this book to prep myself for it. Each rule is written over two pages, so it's a really easy read for an instant motivation. My dad gave me this book two years ago, so I'm finally putting it into good use.

Burberry's Lip Velvet in Peony Dust

I absolutely LOVE this. I bought this sometime in August last year and wore it during cooler months. I decided to wear this again since Autumn is here. I first fell in love with it when Rosie Huntington wore it on one of the Burberry ads and I just had to have it. It's nude with a hint of dusty pink, so it pretty much goes with everything. Even though it matte, it doesn't dry out like drugstore lipsticks, it does go on like velvet. Also, the packaging is really beautiful. It's magnetic so you don't have to worry about loose lipstick covers.

Have a lovely April, darlings :)

Review: Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution

Happy Easter! Autumn has arrived in Melbourne, and I'm so glad that the hot days are behind. I don't hate it, it's just that that's when I tend to break out really bad. I generally love the cooler seasons. Plus, my wardrobe is pretty much autumn winter ready. And with cooler weather, that also means switching up my skin care routine.

So a little background history on my skin, acne prone, combination during summer, dry during cooler weathers. I switch from gel to cream cleansers towards the cooler months so it's less drying on the skin. Previously, I was using Eurcerin's DermatoClean Mild Cleansing Milk last autumn, I absolutely loved that. Only reason why I switched up is because they don't stock Eucerin in Melbourne, so I had to find an alternative. And to satire my need to spend on a beauty product, I have purchased a whopping 500ml bottle of my new favourite cleanser, Dermalogica's Essential Cleaning Solution. 500ml of creamy, cleansing goodness.

I am new user when it comes to Dermalogica. The main reason why I stayed away from it for so long was because it is way out of my budget. But now, I'm pretty much a convert so I don't mind spending my hard earned money on this.

Prior to making a commitment on this, I actually tried out a 50ml of this last year around September, and I instantly fell in love with it. 50ml was so expensive itself, but I would definitely recommend if you want to try any of Dermalogica's products, buy the smallest one first. It gives you more time to really get a grasp of how the product will benefit your skin rather than a small measly sample, which you honestly can't tell if the product is working out for you.

Tiny

Can I please talk about the smell first? Instead of those cleansers that has a really nice perfume-y scent in them, that kind of actually irks me because you know there are artificial fragrances in it. The Essential Cleansing Solution has a sort of clean, just out of the lab smell. Lol, I don't know how to describe it, but it's soothing and easy on the nose. It makes me feel like I'm using something simple, basic and modest without the fancy smells.

I use this after I'm done with my Biore Cleansing Oil to remove my make up. I don't use too much, a full pump in my opinion is just a tad too much. I think half a pump, equivalent to a little bigger than a 10c coin, is sufficient for your entire face.

It's very creamy texture and it goes on like satin on the skin. It's creamier and thicker than most milk cleansers I've ever used. This practically feels like a thick moisturizer instead of a cleanser. And that's what I love about the Essential Clean Solution or cream cleansers in general, it cleanses your skin and also moisturizes it at the same time. I don't like it when cleansers strips off all the oil on your skin and your skin feels as if it's being stretched out that you quickly have to slap your moisturizer on before your skins curls and dries up. I suggest taking your time to wash the cleanser off. You'd probably feel like there's some product still left on the skin, I assure you there's not but do wash your face properly. Using this, my skin feels moisturized and much softer immediately. I just feel so clean and refreshed, skin is all supple and prepped for the next step.

According to the ingredients, it includes, Safflower oil, Hops extract, Rosemary Leaf extract, Lemon Extract and Bitter Orange flower extract, Vitamin C and E. As it says on the back of the bottle, Safflower Oil softens and conditions while vitamins C and E help smooth dry skin. Refresh tired skin with invigorating extracts of Rosemary and Lemon. Do I feel all those effects on my skin after using it, YES. 

I love getting ready for bed, and this is probably one of the reasons why I get more excited to sleep nowadays. I have noticed that my skin isn't breaking out anymore (for now) and my skin is smoother and softer, or perhaps it's the fact that I haven't been eating any prawns (I tend to break out every single time when I eat prawns, I love them but it's just not worth facing the aftermath on my skin). Diet, sleep, water is still very important, but I believe this cleanser is just magical on my skin. I have no complaints whatsoever, I am really in love with this product. Thus, the 500ml. Lol. 

If you're looking for something that cleanses, but doesn't strip out all the moisture from your face, helps you clean your remaining make up, or just in general wanting a basic cleanser for your dry skin this upcoming cooler months, I would say this is it. I have found my Holy Grail cleanser and I don't think I'll be switching anytime soon. I bought this in David Jones for AU$71, you can also purchase it online here. 

Toodles!

Valentine's Day

I'm all about I'm all about making gifts for my S.O. So this Valentine's Day is no different. There is just so much satisfaction at the end of making something, and it just means a lot more to the person. Material gifts are lovely, and I don't mind receiving them at all, but I personally LOVE dipping my toes into my creative puddle (which is hardly ever exists unless it comes to gift making). 

So I got a tree stencil and a couple stencil from Pinterest. Back in the day, there was no pinterest, so it was much harder to find really nice stencils without paying for them. So I joined the two and printed them out and traced them onto a thick black colour paper. After that, I slowly took my time to cut them out with my trusty blade. 

The tree was pretty delicate, but with years of practice, this was pretty easy compared to the other stuff I have completed. 

VOILA!

 So here is how it looks like with the white background.

After spraying some adhesive glue on the cut outs, I stuck them on a piece of A4 sized white mounting board. The next few steps took a lot of my time and I would say those were probably the most time consuming steps I had to go through in the whole process. I cut out 2 other frames out of different coloured mounting boards (one cream and one blue) to layer on top of the base. The measuring was pretty much what took up a lot of time. 

But the most tedious part of the whole thing, wasn't even cutting the branches. It was cutting tiny hearts from red coloured paper and sticking them onto the base. The hearts were so tiny and to stick them, I used tiny cut ups of double-sided tape. 

But it's pretty worth it when I finished. It turned out better than expected. I wasn't too sure if I should have added more hearts or less, but I am quite happy with the result.

I've always thought roses were overrated, but that changed when he got them for me. Only because he didn't realise peonies were only in season for two weeks in a year in Melbourne. LOL. Well, it doesn't really matter what flowers he buys, it's just that thought that counts, am I right ladies? They're still beautiful though. 

How was your Valentine's?

Review: Laniege Multiberry Yogurt Repair Pack

I've been a fan of Laniege's Water Sleeping Pack for many years now. I decided to switch it up a bit since I wanted a mask that I could rinse off before I put on my products. Since I love the Sleeping Pack, I decided to just try the Multiberry Yogurt Repair Pack.

The packaging is the same as the Sleeping Pack, a sturdy plastic tub except this is in Pink! And of course with Laniege, they provide you with a spatula for hygiene purposes.

So this pack contains Sogurty, which is a specialized fermented yogurt which promotes collagen synthesis and enhances defence ability of skin from harmful external causes to leave skin healthier and firmer. Its antiiflammatory effects also soothes skin from skin troubles, which means it'll help some of my break outs. It's supposed to soften and clear dead skin cells as well because it exfoliates the skin without you doing any of the exfoliating.

I have been warned about the super sweet smell of the yogurt. It couldn't be that sweet right I thought to myself. Oh boy, I am wrong. The moment I smelt this, I just felt like dipping my finger in and licking it. It smells EXACTLY like strawberry flavoured Pocky! It really does smell delicious. If you're not a really big fan of sweet stuff, then you might wanna pass on this.

The texture is like yogurt. A soft, satin, creamy consistency, making it really easy to spread it all over your face. Having this on my face felt kind of weird. Had to keep reminding myself not to lick the side of my mouth. It was a little oily too, but I'm pretty sure it was just the pack itself. 10 minutes later, I washed it off thoroughly with warm water. Be thorough, because it's really thick, it feels exactly like putting yogurt on your face. My skin did feel soft and smooth. I don't feel refreshed or anything like that cause it doesn't really have a cooling effect? But my skin still feels good, better than not putting on a mask you know? If you do want it to have a cooling effect, I suggest you put your products in a fridge then. I don't cause if I do, I'll forget about the product. Hah. My skin however, feels really moisturized. It does exfoliate the skin I guess! Pretty darn impressed. What I usually do is after the pack, I carry out with my nightly routine and put on the Sleeping Pack. It gives an extra oomph I guess?

I've been using this for about 2 months now, twice each week and I can't say it has made as big of an impact as compared to what the Water Sleeping Pack has done for me (Talking about them individually). I love using it don't get me wrong. My skin didn't break out or anything, my skin feels moisturized. I'm not complaining. But I think pairing them together produced much better results.

One tub is probably going to last you for a long time since each time you use it, you're just going to use about 2.5cm diameters. Would I repurchase it? Maybe. We'll see as I have a long way to go. I got mine from Qoo10 at $23.90.


Talk to y'all soon! <3

Review: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream

My second Innisfree product I'll be reviewing! I bought this the same time as I did with the Innisfree Soybean Extract Essence, and this was during early spring. Weather was still cold back then and I was looking for something to moisturize my super dry skin. But since summer is here, I hope this product still works for me.

I think Innisfree definitely beats the crowd in terms of packaging. And I LOVE packaging! Because Innisfree runs based on a philosophy of using only eco-friendly containers, the box they used is recyclable paper! The tub is recyclable too! Super proud of this company and what it's doing for the environment.

Innisfree believes in using natural products so this one is 100% organic green tea water from Jeju. And it's supposed to provide excellent moisturizing and anti-oxidant effects on your skin.

This cream has a wonderful scent to it. It's my favourite scent among my skin care range, and it really makes you feel really relaxed. It's texture is almost velvety, making it non-sticky making it really easy and enjoyable to apply to your skin. It really made my skin soft immediately too. The cream's consistency is kind of light but heavy as well, I don't make sense I know. Light as in your skin absorbs this really easily but heavy at the same time because it's really moisturizing. Although, I only use this at night because it seems too thick for the day especially when sunny days are ahead where my skin tends to get oily. However, during the early spring, I was still using it during the day.

My skin feels really moisturized and I haven't been experiencing any dryness or flaking. I feel like my skin has even cleared up a bit since using this. Mind you, I am still using my snail cream together with this. I must admit that this broke me out at first, but after awhile it went away and I'm really enjoying using the cream.

You can get it from Korea Depart at $19.13 or Qoo10 at $19.80 for 50ml, which is pretty reasonable for a cream seeing how it'll last you for 4 to 5 months.


Also, Merry Christmas guys!!!! Toodles.

Review: Biore Marshmallow Foaming Facial Wash

I recently went on a trip to Bangkok and decided to stock on my Essential Shampoo products in Watsons. I'm a really big fan of Biore's Oil Cleanser and I just happened to see this super cute facial wash! I normally stay away from foam cleansers because I don't like that squeaky, clean feeling because it tends to strip off all the natural oils from my skin. My skin is really dry during the colder seasons and when I use the foam cleansers, it makes my skin even drier after I pat my face dry and it'll start flaking. It's a nuisance. Rant over.

So since I was already a Biore Oil Cleanser enthusiast, I thought may as well give this a shot since I was looking for a new cleanser besides my normal Eucerin Milk Cleanser (which I have been using for years). Soft like Baby Skin! Marshmallow Foam! Seeing how adorable that marshmallow foam character, I knew I just had to buy it. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm a sucker for cute stuff. Sigh. Damn it, marketing tactics.

The labels are all in Thai, so I can't understand anything. But the ingredients doesn't list any of the Parabens, so YAY!

That's how much I use each time. I don't push the whole pump down because a little of it is all you need for your entire face once you lather it up with water. The scent is rather enjoyable and it just makes me feel like my day is over and I'm finally winding down.

I feel clean and really refreshed after I wash it off with warm water. There's no stripping, clean feeling which I dislike. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized and somehow just soft and supple. Truly it stands to what it says, soft like baby skin! I've never experienced such a nice facial wash before and it's off the counter. This is the main reason why I look forward to taking my make up off and washing up these days. I WAS IN LOVE AFTER THE FIRST WASH! 

I don't know if this is available in Malaysia, but I hope it is, because I would definitely repurchase this again and again. It should be stocked up in Singapore. Sigh, what a pain that Australia doesn't have the Asia range. WHY  D:

If you guys happen to find this, try it out and let me know!


Toodles! 

Melbourne's Night Noodle Markets 2014

Night Noodle Markets were back again and this time it was so much bigger! And honestly, I only went again this time because I thought it was a lovely activity for a date and I just wanted pictures of the lanterns. 

Last year, I went when stores were kind of closing and it was a rainy day I remember, so it was pretty muddy. Plus, when I went there weren't many stores around. But this time round, the Markets decided on a new location, Birrarung Marr, not very far off from the original one really. There were more than 50 stalls serving Asian food over three levels. This year was so much bigger, livelier and so much more crowded. The lines for food were ridiculous. I couldn't even get the chicken skewers that my friends were recommending about. More like I didn't have the patience for it. Heh. Prices were a tad expensive too, but I guess it's for the experience. 

The panda balloons were at certain places. I couldn't figure out what they were indicating but my guess was for toilets. 

I ended up lining up for Chin Chin and got almost everything from the menu (because I just didn't want to line up for anything else). 45 dollars for 3 dishes plus Chilli popcorn. The popcorn was the closest I could get to Caramel popcorn, till to this day I don't understand why Australia doesn't sell it in the cinemas. 

Food was splendid and I really enjoyed the entire time I was there. My friends got some Gelato from Messina for me. I forgot to take pictures of it and the rest of my food because I was uh, a little impatient and hungry by then. Maybe next year, I'll go earlier with more friends so we can gather more food. 

Toodles!