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!

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! 

Review: Laniege Water Sleeping Pack EX

This is Laniege's BEST SELLING PRODUCT and I don't know why I haven't written a post about this. I've been using this for 2 years now and I AM STILL ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH IT. During the drier seasons, especially winter, my skin dries out and it flakes if I don't moisturize enough.

The Laniege Water Sleeping Pack takes care of that. I first started using this end of 2012 and I just started getting into Korean skin care products (the influence of Kdramas tsk tsk). This is the first product I bought actually and I never stopped using it since then. This is my Holy Grail and I don't think I can ever go without this anymore.

The packaging is in a dusty blue sturdy plastic tub, and it comes sealed. Laniege is kind enough to provide a spatula for you hygiene freaks out there. I just turn the closed tub upside down so the product sticks to the lid and I use the product on the lid. To be honest, I'm quite lazy to use to spatula since I'm using the product almost every day.

The Sleeping Pack is of a aqua blue/green gel-like consistency. Apparently the colour may differ depending the harvest of the ingredients such as the rose oil. The gel is really light and is really easy to spread it over your skin and it doesn't have that sticky feeling like most moisturizing products have.

The smell is wonderfully pleasant. Not overpowering, but a very nice relaxing type of scent you would want to smell at the end of the day. The aromatic essence is developed by Amore Pacific known as the Sleepscent. It apparently helps to relax your mind and body to promote good sleep. Sleepscent comprises of essential oils from Orange flower, Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Sandal Wood. Laniege encourages you to dab the some product on your face and just enjoy the smell before evenly spreading it out. Once you spread it out, the smell kinda disappears.

I apply a pretty generous amount of the sleeping pack covering my entire face as my last step to my skin care routine and I spray Avene Eau Thermale Spring Water to seal the moisture in. This is perfect because I don't need to worry about washing it off until the next morning when I start my day. What I love so much about the product is how cooling it is when you put it on your skin. It makes my skin feel so refreshed which will definitely help soothe any red or aggravated areas.

The next day, I wake up to a brighter, softer, moisturized face. Washing it off feels like you're washing a layer of goo off, nothing disgusting. It feels refreshing in fact. I proceed with my daily routine after that. I love how my skin feels every morning after I use the sleeping pack.

Laniege recommends to use it once or twice a week, but they encourage to use more the recommended amount when your skin is particularly dry. My skin is super dry during winter so I use it almost everyday then. When summer comes up, I use it once every two days depending on how my skin is. Sometimes when I get sunburnt, I use this at night just to cool the skin down on top of my aloe vera gel. Or when I feel like my skin is stinging from a product I used, I apply this to calm my skin. Or when I find that my skin is really red during the day because I did something stupid like exfoliating my skin a little too hard the night before, I use this to cool down. There's no precise usage of how many times you should use it, I say just use it when you need it or feel like it.

It never broke my skin out in the 2 years I've used it. It still remains my Holy Grail to this day and I really don't think I can ever leave this out of my skin care routine. I never had flaky skin till this day. I've recommended to a few of my friends and those who have sensitive skin also never complained about anything. Basically, everyone I know that uses it raved about the product.

One tub lasts me about 6 months since I use it very frequently, but it'll last you about 10 months if you use it as recommended. Repurchase? I'm currently on my 5th tub LOL. I always get mine from Qoo10 at $18.70.


Toodles!

Review: Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence

I've been wanting to give Innisfree a shot since I've been hearing about so many wonderful products they have. Plus, Yoona is the ambassador, I kinda got sucked in.

First product I decided to purchase was the Soybean Energy Essence. I've been looking for something to use in the morning since I don't really want to use my Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Serum during the day.

It says that the essence is made of 91% of fermented Jeju's indigenous green beans which helps to create healthy and vital skin. Other ingredients include, Japanese apricot extract, oat kernel extract, lotus extract, adenosine. Adenosine helps with preventing wrinkles, increases blood flow to the outer layer of the skin which will then improve damage repair and cell volume resulting in a fuller appearance (RGCell Time Slip Solutions, 2012). And apart from that, I don't see any signs of paraben! A plus!

It's a pretty small bottle, I thought it would be much bigger after reading several reviews and the pictures on Qoo10 misled me to think that it was a pretty big glass bottle. When it came in the mail, I was surprised to see the packaging LOOKED like it was glass but it was actually a plastic bottle. I think it's perfect for traveling though.

The essence had a really faint, sweet smell. A few drops onto your hands or cotton pad would suffice for your entire face. I usually like patting products directly onto my face instead of putting them on a cotton pad cause I feel it's wasting the product. Sorta sticky, like how an essence/serum would normally be. I would then continue with my creams and everything else after.

I didn't notice anything within the first few days. I broke out though after 2 weeks. A little history on my skin, I break out easily. I wasn't too sure if it was the stressful period during exams or it was my menstrual cycle or the food. I decided to stop using it for a bit. One month later, I started using it again  for about 2 to 3 weeks. And...I broke out again. I stopped again and I stopped breaking out. Yeah, it was probably the cause of my break out.

I was quite disappointed though. I really liked it. The consistency, smell and everything else. And reading so many other reviews about this, they all loved it. Maybe I'll try it again but I'm currently testing out other products, which I can't wait to share it with all of you!

Korea Depart is selling it for $33.48 for the 150ml whereas Qoo10 is selling for $19.80 for 80ml.


Toodles!

Review: Jaminkyung Crema Caracol Snail Cream

I've been using snail cream ever since I discovered it, and all this while I've been using Mizon All in one snail cream. But recently, my friend visited Korea and decided to buy me a bottle of snail cream cause it reminded him of me >. > He randomly picked one out of the hundreds of cosmetic brands.

I'm obviously going to compare this with the Mizon one, so bear with me.

Crema Caracol has about 90% snail mucus extract (Mizon is 92%). It contains other ingredients such as lanolin and caviar extract and EGF (epidermal growth factors). I'm not too sure if it has paraben in it, but seeing how it doesn't state it as a main ingredient, I guess not or maybe, I don't know. But I'm not too bothered about it. I always joke that my skin needs its paraben to look good. Lol. Oh, did I mention that it is Hypo-allergenic too! That means those of you who have sensitive skin will be happy to use this!

I can't show you guys the original packaging it came in, cause it was all squished when it was given to me and it was all in Korean anyway, so I had to gather my information through their website. The tub is plastic and pretty light. I've carried it around with me when I travelled and it seems to always leek out. Probably because it's so runny, it leaks through. My advice is to just pack it into another small bottle when you travel to avoid the risk of spilling it everywhere.

The cream is not really a cream, more like a runny, sticky substance. It's certainly more gooey than the Mizon one. I wasn't quite used to it at first. The smell was pleasant, but it was a little too pungent for me at first. I got used to it.

In the beginning, it was a little too sticky for my liking. But, the cream absorbed right into my skin the moment I pat it on. Remember, pat it onto your skin for the best results! The after feeling felt kind weird cause it felt like I didn't have enough on my face because it was such a thin layer.

I did break out when I started using it, but like my previous experience with Mizon, I was pretty sure it was bound to happen. My skin healed over time and break outs have been minimal. It gives the same effect, less break outs, faster healing of the break outs and acne scars. Well, comparing Crema Caracol with Mizon, I think Mizon wins on the after results. Mizon will always be my first love. I'm still using this one until I finish it though!

Would I repurchase it? Yes, if Mizon doesn't work out for me anymore or if Mizon discontinues their own line.

So since this was given to me, I'm not sure how much it is but Korea Depart it's $15 for 60ml. It's definitely cheaper compared to the Mizon (80ml). For my fellow Malaysians and Singaporeans, Qoo10 is selling it for $12.90. 

That's all for now, toodles! <3

Review: Mizon Snail Cream

With the very first post of the new year, number one resolution on my list is to update this blog more often with more awesome products!

Very first thoughts when I first read about snail creams (if you follow me on twitter, you would have seen all my rambles on it): 

- Ew. 

- Why snail? 

- Koreans, why must you find creepy things to put on your face? YOUR FACE? 

- I want to test it! Snail slime! 

- Who's bright idea was it to put a snail on the face? 

- That person must now be rich and having awesome skin. 

And after reading on how this idea developed:

- Oh, a couple of snail farmers noticed their cuts healed faster and their skin was soften after handling snails. Oh, that's nice. 

- WHY IS THERE A SNAIL FARM??? 

- oh right, escargot. 

After researching, I found out that snail creams have been around in korea for about a year already. And after several reviews on different types of brands, I decided on Mizon because it seemed to have the highest concentration of snail mucin (92%) and reviews were pretty positive on the results. Other brands like Tony Moly seemed to be quite good as well but it was mainly for cold climates cause it was very creamy. I was basically sold when Mizon had the highest concentration of snail extract amongst the other brands. 

I got it on G Market for about USD$26.89. The one I got was a All in one snail repair cream 75ml. The pictures show that it's filled up to the brink but it isn't. Oh well. I know they are meant for illustration purposes only. 

I was really excited to use it even though some of my friends were grossed out by it. The cream was definitely sticky. It has a slight smell, but nothing pungent, or overpowering. I just didn't like how it's in a tub, I don't find it very hygienic. Though it's made out of glass, making it seem quite professional, nice move Mizon. So what I do is I shake the tub so some cream gets stuck to the lid, and I use the product from there instead of digging my fingers in.


Day 1: Skin feels soft and hydrated. I hope this continues.

Day 2: Breaking out a little. Read that it might happen. Hopefully my skin gets better with it removing the toxins from the skin and all. Im going to let it do it's thing.

Day 3: Breakouts are healing!!!

Day 4: I've never seen a pimple heal so fast. 2 days? So awesome. Maybe I breaking out because of the late nights.

Day 5: Breaking out some more. I don't know if it's the late night sleeping or the cream. Sigh.

So after that I decided to stop. For some reason my skin started getting really dry and it started peeling. I knew it wasn't the cream but the dry weather but I just wanted to make sure my skin heals by itself first. I tried it again but my skin was breaking out, but then again I couldn't tell if it was the cream or exam stress. So I gave it to my friend to try it out. After a week, I saw her again and her skin was amazing. It was glowing and I asked if what she did. She said taping the cream onto the skin instead of massaging it in works better for absorption. But she also used masks in between.

My skin healed. Exams were over. I knew that if any problems arise, it was definitely the cream. I followed my friend's routine. Tapping it in, using My Beauty Diary masks, and just generally followed my skin routine.

After 2 weeks, I finally saw results. It was amazing!!! Results were amazing! My skin didn't break out at all. It looked fantastic in the morning, evening, all day. Even my mom said it was glowing. It looked healthy and plump every morning. Scars were healing faster, my skin looked smoother and fairer, and when pimpled came, they healed within 2 or 3 days together with my medications.

BEFORE

AFTER

No make up. Just natural face. Not photoshopped. You can definitely see the difference. Smoother skin, fairer for some reason (maybe of the different hair color), less scars, less pimples. I don't even get oily on the T-zone anymore. My skin became dry and it's much harder to take care of but the snail cream has made it easier for me to manage.

Snail creams does wonders. I LOVE IT. A definite repurchase for me. =D

I wish all of you a Happy New Year and may 2013 bring you happiness, health and prosperity. I love you all.


Toodles!

Natural ingredients for masks

So many good responses from my friends about the my last post on my skin care routine and it really makes me happy when you guys send me a message and telling me that you've followed my routine! =') I'll definitely be doing more posts on skin cares since there were good responses!

Masks for the face is probably one of the steps in your skin care routine! Lately, I've been into just making my own masks because I like the idea of using natural ingredients. I figured it would be cheaper anyway cause you can eat them after that if you're not going to use them for the skin, or the other way round, you can use them for your skin since you're not going to eat them. Lol. So I'm here to tell you what ingredients I use to make my masks!

1. Avocado

It's rich with vitamin E and everybody knows that vitamin E is very good for the skin. If it has vitamin E, it will definitely have moisturizing properties in it. Avocado has also antioxidants, which is also good for the skin, so that's another plus point to use it. It will sooth any redness on your skin as well. It's just basically very good for moisturizing the skin.

What I do:
I usually use half of an avocado at a time.  It definitely would be better to blend it to make it into a thick puree, but since I don't own a blender, I mash them with my fork.

2. Lemon

Filled with Vitamin C and citric acid, it can be used to whiten your skin. It helps in diminishing scars from acne, pigmentation or age spots. It works as a mild skin peel because of the citric acid, so it does help exfoliate the skin in a way. It removes the dead skin cells and leaves you skin brighter and smoother. Don't use too much or it can really dry up the skin and irritate it. It does sting the skin a little, so if you have sensitive skin, I suggest you add a little water.

What I do:
Half a lemon, remove the seeds and squeeze! Half a lemon is actually more than enough cause any more than that, your skin will sting. Trust me, I've been there.

3. Oatmeal

Yes, I'm a super big fan of oatmeal, I even use it in my normal skin care routine! It moisturizes the skin and it acts as a gentle exfoliator, removing the dead skin cells. Whitening of the skin is another benefit of using oatmeal. The plus point about oatmeal is it has anti-inflammatory properties so it helps reduce the redness, perfect for sensitive skin. I just found out that oatmeal contains saponins, a cleansing agent, so yes you can use it for a cleanser! It helps treat acne, eczema and rashes too!

What I do:
I run them under water and mash them, making them into a soft paste. Don't drain the milky water away, cause they are what that makes oatmeal wonderful for the skin. You can just throw in oatmeal without running it under water, but it is a little harsh on the skin and I prefer my method.

4. Yogurt

Another moisturizing ingredient! Since yogurt contains protein, it leaves your skin soft and supple after applying it. The lactic acid in it helps exfoliate the skin gently and the calcium helps your skin regenerate faster, leaving your skin glowing, don't you just love that? It also contains zinc, it they say that it helps reduce the redness which automatically makes it a whitening agent to me, I'm not too sure about the zinc but it does help with the redness. With all the vitamin Bs in yogurt, it can help aid acne. Oh, yogurt is soothing so it does help if you've got a sunburn.

What I do:
2 tablespoons of original yogurt. Don't buy the flavored ones! Just add it into your bowl or blender.

5. Olive oil

There is so much to olive oil than just using it for your pasta. One, it moisturizes. You can even use it to help with the stretch marks (I haven't tried using it for this purpose, but when I get more concerned about it) and acne scars. Two, you can even use it on other parts of your body. On your lips to prevent chapping, use it to soften your hands (the best way, I say a few table spoons into water and soak), and you can even strengthen your nails! Three, it's a make up remover! Think about it, most make up removers have oils, so we're just replacing this with natural oil. Haha.

What I do:
2 tablespoons would suffice.

6. Eggs

But what we want actually is the egg white. I think most of us know that egg whites is one of the most natural way to tighten up those pores and firm the skin. It really does work, I could feel my skin tightening up and it was so difficult to smile that I thought my face was going to crack.

What I do:
Crack the egg into two and separate the egg white. Keep the yolk and cook it, don't waste!

7. Aloe Vera

Yes I know it's disgusting, it's slimy and sticky but it's all worth it. Cooling, meaning it has anti-inflammatory properties and it works great as a moisturizer. It's generally perfect for oily skin because aloe vera gel doesn't leave a greasy feeling. Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria, making it suitable to treat acne. You can use aloe vera for treating burns (I know I burnt my palm and aloe vera treated it nicely, very soothing and cooling). With Vitamin C and E in it, it can help firm up the skin and help regenerate new skin cells! I hardly use aloe vera now cause I can't seem to find them anywhere here, but when I do head back to Malaysia, that's when I start using it. Just need to cut it from the garden.

What I do:
Skin the aloe vera and squeeze out the gel. Or, just throw the whole thing into your blender.

8. Cucumber

One of my favorite ingredients to use for my eyes and the skin. It helps with the swelling and the dark circles around the eyes, and with it being cool, it can relax your skin in a jiffy. I heard it's good to squeeze a little cucumber juice into your eyes too, but I've never tested it out. Apparently cucumber has the same level of hydrogen as our skin which makes it easier to mask out the problem areas. Cucumbers will soot hen and smoothen your skin, leaving it happy, radiant and glowing.

What I do:
Cut them up for eye pads. And the rest, you can just take the juice out by using a juicer or just mash or blend the entire thing.

9. Rice water

You've heard of SK-II, you've heard the word "Pitera". I personally haven't tried SK-II but I don't need it cause I can just get it from washing my rice. I do realize that rice water helps tighten up the pores and makes my skin smoother and softer. I don't know if it helps with dry skin but I've heard people saying that it does. Pitera revitalizes the skin's natural glow and makes your skin clear.

What I do:
Wash my rice and pour the water into a container and close it with a lid and refrigerate it. I usually use it on the day itself, I've never kept it overnight before. But from what I heard, 2 days max in the fridge. If it stinks, it has to go. Add it into your masks or you can just use it to wash your face or just use it by itself as a mask.



So these are the ingredients which I usually mix into my masks. Or you can use them individually and it gives you amazing results. The best thing about these ingredients are they aren't just for your face, you can use them for your hair too to make it healthy and shining.

Mix and match, depending on what you want. I don't add all of them into one masks cause with so many ingredients, I don't think my face is enough to finish it all. So mix and match, use them individually, have fun!

When I finish mashing the ingredients together, I like putting it in the fridge for about half an hour for it to cool so it feels good on the skin. Leave the masks on for about 20-30 minutes till it dries and rinse it off with warm water. Pat your face dry and just admire how your skin feels and looks.

So I've been making my own masks for about 5 months now, and I must say it's better than any of the masks I bought in stores. I would definitely prefer natural ingredients over chemicals. Have fun my dear readers, and just make your own masks!

DISCLAIMER: I am no skin specialist. I did my own research on what ingredients to use and all these ingredients were what I tested to use for my masks. Any allergies from the ingredients applies when you're using them to make a mask. You know your skin best, so if you know which ingredient works best for you, work with it.


Good luck! 

Skin Care Routine

Hello my lovelies, 

Lately I've been getting quite a few compliments on my skin and was asked questions on my skin care routine. So, I decided I would blog about what I did (I promise a video too, once I get rid of my nasal voice). A little history about my skin before I ramble on about my routine: I never had perfect skin. I had acne for 8 or 9 years, those who know me personally would know how much I went through. Right now, my skin ISN'T PERFECT as I would like it to be but it is in the best state it has ever been in 9 years. 

MORNING ROUTINE: 

1. Using the Eucerin's Gentle Cleansing Milk to cleanse the face in the morning. A simple and gentle cleanser,  leaving the skin feeling soft, clean and moisturized. You can also use it when removing make up, it works beautifully.
2. Moisturizing with either the Eucerin's Hydrating care or the Eucerin's Cream-Gel (I alternate). The Hydrating Care has a very smooth texture, leaving your skin as if you didn't put anything on, which is what I prefer because I don't like the feeling of a greasy face in the morning. The Cream-Gel is more of a moisturizer / pimple gel,  little more moisturizing but a little greasy at times. So I use this usually when my skin is really dry in the morning or if it's a really cold day (more so during the winter). 

Hydrating Care, Cream-Gel and Gentle Cleansing Milk

Super short morning routine. No make up on and I hardly put on sunscreen, which I know I should but I start using it when spring comes.

NIGHT ROUTINE:

1. I alternate between two cleansers, the Eucerin's Dermo Purifyer Cleanser or Oats. The liquid cleanser deeply cleanses the face without stripping the oil off the face which doesn't leave the face squeaky and shiny. I have been using the Eucerin's Dermo Purifyer line for years, and I must say, this was the very first product that really helped me controlled my acne.
   
   OATS: I know some of you are just reading this and just giving weird faces. But Oats has definitely changed my skin care routine. I started using this a year ago after I watched Saaamage's Skin Care Routine and also Bubz Beauty. I use this almost every night, more than my liquid cleanser because it honestly has changed my skin for the better. Oats reduces redness, dryness and minor irritations. It cleanses your face, moisturizes it and also performs as a really gentle exfoliant. Another plus point, if you want to be fairer, oats apparently helps you lighten your skin.
   
   So ever since I've been using oats, my skin is fairer, complexion has definitely improved and it is surprisingly very refreshing to wash your face with oats. My face feels soft, moisturized, hardly any redness and it's not as dry and flaky as it used to be. The best part of using oats is it's natural and there's no harsh chemicals! Sometimes I even shower with oats. If I were to give a recommendation on which cleanser to use, I would say oats would be the best.
   
   Just take a handful, run it under water, mash it until it becomes a paste and just apply it to your face like how you would cleanse your face and wash it off! Simple!



Differin 0.1% & Topicil 



2. Medication for acne! I use Topicil first, just dabbing onto the pimples and just let it dry. And then applying a thin layer of Differin 0.1% over the affected parts. You can't apply too much of Differin cause it's really harsh and it might make your skin peel and also, you can't use it during the day either cause it irritates your skin. Both products are pretty harsh because they both contain antibiotics for the skin and it's mainly for severe acne. I have been using Topicil for about 5 years, alternating between other medications as well and Differin for about 9 months now. Both seem to work very well for me.
   
   
   

   

   Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

3. Applying a thin layer of Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex all over the face! You don't really need a lot of the product, just one or two drops would cover it. I purchased the 50ml just recently for a whopping RM330 (always ask for freebies!!!). Though it may be pricy, this product is the best thing that ever happened to my skin. It lightens the dark spots and helps the healing of the acne much quicker. I wake up in the morning feeling my skin super soft and supple and smooth! I would definitely recommend anybody to use this product!
   
   

   

   Estee Lauder Hydrationist

4. It's like a moisturizer, but I apply a very thin layer to my skin after the serum. I got it as a freebie, so I've been using it for about a month now.
   
   
   

   

   Vaseline's Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Body Lotion

5. My skin tends to get very dry at night because it's really cold during the winter and somehow my normal face moisturizers aren't doing any good for me. I would wake up with flaky skin in the morning and it just really annoys me. So I decided to switch it up to my normal body moisturizer. Here comes the stares and gasps. Not many of you would agree with me on this and I get it, but I needed a lotion that could help the healing of dry skin and this Vaseline Intensive Rescue body lotion just did the trick! I take a small pump, rub it on my palms and just dab it onto my face. My skin isn't dry in the morning anymore and it really helps during the night because the air is really dry. 

ONCE A WEEK:

I would use the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Exfoliator, just to thoroughly cleanse my face. It has microbeads in it, though still gentle, a really really nice grapefruit scent. I have been using this for over a year and a half, and I works wonderful for me.

EVERY FORTNIGHT OR 3 WEEKS:

Nose pore strips! Just to remove the blackheads. I have tried a couple of brands but so far this one Biore works the best for me. It really removes the blackheads and you can see the strip how disgusting your pores have been.

ONCE A MONTH:

So many raves on this product. FrmHeadToToe did a mini review of it. So once a month, I would just use this product to just remove all the dead skin and it's kind of cool yet disgusting to see all your dead skin being removed. LOL. I dont do this too often because I already exfoliate my skin once a week so I can't strip my skin too much or it'll easily get irritable.

DISCLAIMER: I am no skin specialist. I am just letting all my readers know what I did for my skin to get it into its current condition. And all the products I have mentioned above are products that I have tested over the years to know which works best for my skin. You know your skin best, so if you have a product which is working good for you, I suggest you continue using it.

There are other things I do as well besides a skin routine:

1. I do my best to stay away from certain food. I don't completely stay away from them, once in awhile is fine, but if I can, I won't eat them. Seafood (especially prawns for me), spicy food, alcohol and deep-fried stuff.
2. Drink a lot of water. A LOT.
3. Sleep early for at least 8 hours. There's a reason why it's called beauty sleep!
4. Don't wear too much make up. How ironic when I love make up. I don't wear it everyday, but if I do, I double cleanse. I would wash my make up off with make up remover and then use a cleanser to wash my face. It's very important to remove your make up before going to bed! 

Well, basically that is it. This is what I've been doing for the past few years and it has finally, FINALLY paid off! It's not only the skin care routine that counts, it's also your daily routine and discipline. I'm pretty anal when it comes to my skin so I forced myself into this routine I've showed you and I'm very happy with the result. You know your skin best, so work out your own routine. 

No make up with flash! 

Good luck! 

March Hits and Misses

Hello once again! I'm doing my best to getting used to the filming and editing and the whole lot (who knew it could be really tiring?). But I'm love that I'm doing all this! Here's a video of my march hits and misses!

Sorry, for the abrupt ending though. I couldn't fit my ending footage because it was more than 15 minutes already and I had to cut out a lot of footage out, that's why it took longer for me to edit. =S

Swatches (L-R): Lollipop, Sweet Tart, Berry Smoothie and Tutti Frutti

Love these!! If I can them more of them and more colors, I definitely would. They are my everyday go-to lip products in the morning and I can wear them until at night. One of the BEST products I've ever used.

It still looks white to me. It's not what I wanted, it takes quite a lot of pressure to get the product onto my skin so it definitely hurts on my waterline. And it's been a couple of days now and I tried using it on my waterline, it doesn't even really apply evenly. It makes my whole eye make up look weird cause there are shimmers in only some parts of the waterline. It claims to last for 16 hours. Well, as if I don't already dislike it, it doesn't help that it only lasts for an hour. I don't even bother reapplying it because I'm happy it goes off. Doubt I'm going to reach for this product anytime soon.

In the video it looks brighter and trust me it's usually THAT white. The picture above has already been oxidized and it does not work well with my BB creams and it causes streaks because the formula itself is very thick. And it is really difficult to blend into my skin, it makes me look white, I just don't like this product. It is definitely a miss for me.

Am in LOVE with the mascara. I know in the video I said I don't like the brush because it is kind of big but I really don't mind it because of it's amazing things it can do with my eyelashes! I hardly use falsies because I'm just too lazy to put them on unless it is for a special event. But these are wonderful. There are no clumps (probably because of the big brush), application is pretty even, formula is wonderful, loads of volume and length and it holds my curls the whole day!

My current favorite moisturizer because of the ambivalent weather. Super intensive, and it really moisturizes those dry areas and it really helps in the morning. Whenever my skin starts to itch, I put this on immediately and it stops itching because it's very soothing and it becomes all better after an hour. Plus point, it is a hypoallergenic lotion. So that means, those of you who have really sensitive skin or who are more prone to allergic reactions can use this baby. Though a little sticky at first, it is worth it because the end result is beautiful, soft and supple skin!

That's all for this post! I hope you enjoyed the video, I'll see you guys soon.


Toodles,
Alanna