Garnier Aqua Defense Moisturizer

     Im always in an air-conditioned room. All the classrooms in my Uni have air conds, and even my room. And since the bill's included in my monthly rent, i on my air cond 24hour per day as the weather in KL is killing me and the sun is raging.. I was looking at the mirror one day, and found that my face is very dry and feels tight, with some dead skin peeling off at the cheek area. o.O Noooo!!!

     Without hesitating, i search online and look for some remedy and found out that Garnier Aqua Defense is one of the most hydrating moisturizer available in drugstore and i went and get myself a jar of it. I used it as my double moisturizer, meaning that i apply it after my daily moisturizer. I even used it as a sleeping mask by applying a thicker layer on my skin, slowly massaging it in circular motion and let it stay overnight.

     Enriched with an-oxidants, Fruit Waters and Vitamin E, Garnier Aqua Defense builds an invisible barrier on your skin which instantly replenish moisture and repels external aggression and free radicals. Grape water contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc to help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals. Apple water is renowned for its anti-oxidant action and natural Vitamin E effectively smoothes the skin and protects the skins from cellular damage. Garnier Aqua Essence deeply penetrated to instantly replenish moisture, leaving skin hydrated, smooth and protected all day.

     This is a really great and hydrating treatment for dry skin especially for us that stay mostly in air-conditioned room. It smells like freshly cut cucumber my skin feel so refreshing when i apply it onto my skin. The texture is very light and non sticky. It's oil free and dries up rather quickly.

     It does moisturize my face, however it must be layered on top of a good moisturizer as itself alone is not good enough as a moisturizer. It just hydrates my skin but doesn't control the sebum and pores problem. Besides a thin layer of this product itself is not enough to supply adequate amount of moisture level for my skin. I need to apply it quite thick and massage it slowly into my skin. 

     Well, nothing much i can complaint for this product as it's just a drugstore products, and it's cheap. Will recommend you to use it as an additional hydrating moisturizer or as slepping mask, but only itself is not sufficient. =)

Pros:

-Nice and fresh cucumber scent

-Light and non oil texture

-Cheap

-easily available

-very hydrating

Cons:

-hard to use tub, not handy to open the cap

-not hygienic, need a spatula to scoop out the amount needed and it doesn't provide a spatula

-a thick layer is needed to really supply the moisture for my skin

-not sufficient as a moisturizer itself, need to layer with another good moisturizer

Overall Rating:

5/10

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sun Block

Was heading to an event last week and just found out that i forgot to put on my sunblock and i didnt bring it out. Headed to a nearby Guardian and get myself a tub of sunblock.

     There were a few reason why i chose this brand although i have never read any review about this product yet. Well the first is because of the soothing color of the tub. It's in light blue with white, looking very comfy and nice. : P Next is because of the word "dry touch". I always hate sunblock that gave sticky feeling, or once that makes me feel powdery. And the third reason if of course, the price. Tag at RM29++ is definitely cheaper than sunplay sunblock and any other sunblock that's with SPF 50+ and waterproof.

    Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ is a breakthrough in sun protection. Stabilized with Heliopex, it provides balanced broad spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA and burning UVB rays, and combines it with Dry Touch technology for an ultra-light, non shiny finish. This lightweight sunblock has a light fresh scent and is gentle enough for even sensitive skin. So this's what written on the back of the tub itself.  Oh yeah, it's water proof, sweatproof, resists rub-off, non comedogenic, oil free and PABA free.  The texture of this sunblock is rather creamy and milky.

                                                                                   

 In my opinion, this is really a great sunblock for face and body, i like the lasting power and also the texture more than my current sunblock. However, there's one thing that stop me from using it completely. It's the scent. Im really choosy when comes to scent or smell as i can get really sensitive at certain smell or scent, no matter it's pleasant or unpleasant. 

    Actually the scent of this sunblock is pretty nice and fresh but my choose nose make me feel like fainting after applying it. It smells like a a creamy and milky lotion with a hint of jasmine and a sweet smell that i couldn't describe, er something like baby lotion but not so... Lol.. I apply it on my body on the first day and i still can tolerate with the scent and i tried to apply it on my face the second day, and i have nausea the whole day. However, this is solely because of my sensitivity problem, nothing to do with the sunblock and it's really a recommended sunblock.

Tada.. looks like nothing on my hand.. not shiny and not stain.

         Other than that, im very satisfied with this sunblock. It really delivers what is says. Dry touch, water proof and blah blah blah. The most important thing is it's non comedogenic, which means it's safe for our face and do not clog pores. It's moisturizing and my skin doesn't peel after i spent the whole day under the sun. 

Pros:

-nice and fresh scent

-nice packaging

-handy and easy to use

-reasonable price

-easily available in any drugstore

-have SPF50+ 

-waterproof, sweatproof and resist rub-off

-can be used for face and body, doesnt clog pores.

-dermatologist tested

Cons:

-im allergy to the scent =(

Overall Rating:

9.5/10

   

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Review

     *Ahem* Please ignore the dirty clothes on the floor, im quite a messy person :P Let's get back to this review. One of Dermalogica's best products is their gentle scrub known as Daily Microfoliant. It's so gentle to the skin that it can be used daily. It's formualated with a skin brightening complex of aspergillus, grape fruit and liquorice that help to balance uneven skin pigmentation. It also uses smoothing blend of green tea, ginkgo and colloidal oatmeal that helps calm skin, leaving it extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Ah did u see "Oatmeal"? Yes i;ve told u in my previous post that Oatmeal is one of the best and gentle cleansing agent plus it's natural. Thumb up.

     Having to pay so much for this product, i will definitely be a little more fussy on their product's quality and packaging. I personally dislike the dispenser as it can get quite messy and it's hard to control the amount needed. There should be a better way for dispensing the fine powder. 

   Lalala.. Slowly pour some of the powder out...

     As you can see, it comes in powder form and it's very fine. Looks like fine rice powder. It's a unique powder that activates upon contact with water and releases papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes that micro-exfoliate our skin. 

Directions of use:

• Dispense half a teaspoon of Daily Microfoliant into very wet hands and create a creamy paste by rubbing hands together.
• Apply to face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
• Massage gently for one minute, then rinse thoroughly.
• Follow with Multi-Active Toner or Soothing Protection Spray and your prescribed Dermalogica moisturizer.

     The rice powder turns into a foamy texture when you rub it with wet hand and i don't like it when it's too dry after rubbing it at my face so i'll add a lil more water to make it wetter and more foamy. It's a little soapy i don't know why and because of this i sometimes skip my cleanser and straight away jump to this step after removing my makeups. 

     This product contains no artificial coloring or fragrance. It smells like a mixture or rice powder and clothes detergent to me and the smell stays on at my palm for quite some time. I have an oily combination skin and my mum has dry skin, and it's suitable for both of us. 

     It's a gentle scrub that is made for daily use but i use it only once or twice a week because of the extravagant price, retail price RM225 for 75g but it can last for quite long. You can get it at a cheaper price at any online shop and the one that I know and trustable is E-Garden. 

     I can see that my skin is more radiant and smoother after using this scrub, and it doesn't irritate my skin. I can't stop touching my skin after everytime i used this scrub as it leaves my skin baby soft. My skin doesn't feel tight after using it and thus it's very gentle. This is definitely a good scrub for those of you that can afford it out there. =)

Pros:

-Gentle and doesn't irritate my skin

-Free from fragrance and color

-Visible result, more radiant and smooth skin

-One can go a long time

-Soapy and can be used as a gentle scrub and cleanser at the same time. 2 in 1

Cons:

-Pricey

-Inconvenient packaging

-Smells like detergent

Overall Rating:

8/10

Idemisse Facial

     This is a beauty review about another Facial Saloon, Idemisse. I got 2 vouchers from mydeals.com some time ago and pulled Hun along for a facial at Idemisse, located at Times Square. The beautician welcome us and serve us with a cuppa hot tea and began and consultation session-the nail-biter session

So here's what written at the website about the deal:

91% off Crystal Jade 5 Elements Facial (60 mins) @ Idemisse for RM28 instead of RM298!

Treat yourself with Idemisse’s relaxing and unique facial treatment

Uses 5 elements oil:

• Metal
• Wood
• Water
• Fire
• Marl

Benefits of the facial:

• Firming and radiance
• Face shaping and lifting
• Reduces open pores
• Accelerates repair of aged cells
• Enhances the blood and lymph circulation
• Reduces dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation

Uses Swiss made products

Both women and men are welcomed!

Get additional RM100 cash voucher (redeemable on courses/products)

     Upon consultation, the consultant(the boss) said that the 5 element facial is not suitable for my skin condition as i have slight acne and also white heads around my cheek area and thus she asked me to upgrade my facial to a suitable one, which need to top up another RM68 for it. As for Hun, she said his skin is ok for she treatment as it's for people without any acne, like him.

     It's unfair. Why people like who who try so hard to take care of my face have so many skin problems like acne and white heads but the one that didnt wash his face before going to bed has smooth and beautiful skin! Argh!! Ok forget bout it.. enough of the dramatic session.

     Let's get back to the topic. =) The facial started with double cleanse, then facial scrub, extraction, eye brow shaping, ampoule, facial massage and mask. I dislike their service and they hire non malaysian to do the facial for us, which means that they did not attend any beautician school and i dont think they have a valid certificate to be a beautician. Not to say that they can't even speak proper mandarin. I think they were trained by the boss herself only and have not recognize. The one that did the facial for me is a Thai or a Cambodian and the one that did the facial for Hun, was trying to communicate with English but we scratch our head when she speaks. Sounded like Tamil. =.=

     Their facial is definitely not a professional one. We're not asked to change our attire before we started our facial and just lie on their bed with my short skin and own shirt which is very uncomfy! They didnt massage me at all, the i still feel tensed after the facial session. =( a bad one!

     As for honey's 5 elements facial, i can't see any differences at the before and after as they said the 5 element facial will help in lifting and also make the face look slimmer. Another marketing  strategies to cheat Aunties....

     After the facial they recommended me some products and they're very pushy. Anyhow i bought something from them. Bought a Dermedex trial pack which consist of Biotox Refining Cream which is good for acne and scars and also Biotox Cleaner, and also Idemisse Hyaluronic Moist.

        The trial pack cost me RM22 and the Hyaluronic Moist cost me RM68(original price is RM168) as there's a discount voucher worth RM100 from the deal. The Dermedex Trial Pack is worth trying and the result is ok, it soothes my skin. As for the Hyaluronic Moist, i can feel that my face is more hydrated and less tight after applying it.

     Their products was ok but definitely not their service. Their facial room is very small and the environment is so so..

Pros:
-Friendly beautician
-Less whiteheads after treatment

Cons:
-painful extraction
-no special attire to change during facial session
-no shoulder massage
-not relax
-very small room and no aroma scent
-the room is hot
-i dislike the non Malaysian beautician
-very very pushy

Ambience:
3/10

Service:
4/10

Overall Rating:
4/10

Simple Oatmeal Face Cleanser

     We face abundance of chemicals everyday, from water and air pollution to pesticides in our food. Many people will opt for natural and organic products in order to maintain a healthy body. What about our skin care product? Aren't you tired of all the products out there made of chemicals and most of them even contain harsh ingredients that can cause reactions if you have a sensitive skin. Why not try a natural face cleanser that's very handy and can be reached within your kitchen-The oatmeal face cleanser.

Why oatmeal? 
     It's one of the best natural ingredients for skin care, especially for those with sensitive skin or eczema. The compound found in oatmeal called avenanthramides helps in soothe and relieving types of skin irritation and inflammation. It also contain saponins, which is good for its cleansing properties as it has foaming characteristics. Oatmeal is highly absorbent and it can absorb the impurities from our skin and thus unclogging the clogged pores without drying our skin. The most important thing is that oatmeal is easily available and it's very cheap.

 How to make your oatmeal cleanser?
     You can use the oatmeal as is in its rolled, flake form or grind it up to make your colloidal oatmeal. Take a handful of oatmeal, grab it with your palm and run them under warm water so that it gets soaked up until it's soft. Squeeze out the excessive water gently onto another palm and rub it on your face without wasting all the benefits in it.
     Start by applying the moisten oatmeal onto your face, rubbing it in circular motion. The bad thing in this is that it can get quite messy and dirty but with all the beauty benefits it gives, just bear with it. Rub it for about one minute and then rinse it off with luke warm water, pat dry your face with a soft towel and apply your moisturizer.
     other option is to make your colloidal oatmeal by grinding the oatmeal into fine powder with a food processor. Just take a sufficient amount, with it mix some water into a paste form and gently massage it all over your face. The benefit is that it also act as an exfoliant in helping to slough off dead skin cells. Ground oatmeal is more readily absorbed into your skin, so it can quickly soothe irritated skin and fight inflammation.

     
Handy Tips:
1. Put a strainer in my sink or strain it up first with a strainer as oatmeal will become think with the presence of water and cause sink drains.
2. Store your oatmeal in your bathroom so that you will not forget your oatmeal cleanser everytime you want to wash your face.
3. Store your oatmeal in an air tight container in the bathroom to avoid damp air from getting into it as it will promote the growth of bacteria.
4. Use it to replace your daily facial cleanser and you can see visible result in just one day and i ensure that your skin condition will improve within 1 week of usage, day and night.

P/S: You might fall in love with this natural cleanser and dump your facial cleanser aside!!  ♥♥

Pros:
1. Easily available
2. Cheap
3. Prevent clog pores
4. Good cleansing agent
5. Natural and free from chemicals
6. Can soften the skin
7. Pleasant smell

Cons:
1. Can get very messy when using it
2. Hard to clean off after use
3. Can clog sink if not treated properly
4. Not convenient esp for travelling

Hope you guys like it and thanks for reading.. XOXO

120 Manly Eyeshadow Palette

   Wow at last!! I jumped with joy this morning upon receiving my Manly Eyeshadow parcel from the postman. I ordered it last Thursday and took 5 days to receive it. maybe they start processing it on Friday, and Sunday is a public holiday.


   I've ordered this Manly 120 Eyeshadow Palette from www.one2buy.com for RM59.95 exclude deliveries charges. It's a promotional price as the normal price they are selling is RM79.95. They charged RM5.00 for pos laju deliveries. Well, you can also purchase the same product from any other website and the other i've found is www.lelong.com.my but they are selling it at a higher price-RM95.00, hmm alot thou..
  
Here's the packing I've received and im gonna show u guys how is't packed. = )

Pos Laju Pakage with a Fragile Sign

The box is wrap with a bubble wrap.. which can protect it from breaking.

Once unwrapping the bubble wrap. Yes "Manly Eyeshadow" sounds real awful and i wonder why they use this name.

Another layer of bubble wrap again.. Keep it real safe.. 

Ew, the ugly box. but look at the inside of it~

Once you open it up..

They stack it together, this is not how it supposed to look when u open it up. I put the upper stack up.

How gorgeous! Muah~~Love the colours~~

Yes they wrap both the stack of eyeshadows with a layer of thin plastic. There's another hard plastic cover above each stack of eyeshadows so that u can protect the eyeshadows when u stack then together.

The Upper Stack - A huge range of Blue, Green and Yellow

Yes they have this cute mixture of colour.

The second stack of eyeshadow. A range of Black-Silver, Blue-Green, Purple, Pink, Red, and Soft tone.

Yes the last one at the bottom is GOLD!! whee!! ; )

     Manly eyeshadow is actually a brand from Hong Kong. U can also find it on e-bay and alot of other website but the websites i mentioned above are for Malaysian online-shoppers. There's no outlet available yet in Malaysia.

     What i really really like is they have both shimmering and matte eyeshadows in this palette which is really good so that u can have either matte or shimmering eye makeup depends on the occasion. This is a really good palette with a wide array of colours, good quality and pretty cheap. The colour is very pigmented and you'll just need a soft swipe on it to get the colour out-which means it'll last long!!  However u need to becareful not to press it to hard with your finger or makeup brushes as the eyeshadow tends to be very soft and powdery. 

Look at the beautiful colours. Just a soft swipe and this is the colour you'll get. Amazing isn't?

And look at that gorgeous gold colour.. That pink on my fingertip is a matte colour.

The yellow-perfect for summer makeup and real funky..

       So yeah, that's it. My Manly 120 Eyeshadow Palette with only RM65.95 include postage. Good quality, affordable price and gorgeous colours! I've started using it for a few times and i can say that the color stays on the whole day, and it does not crease at the end of the day. Only a little amount is needed and the color stands out a lot just swiping a small amount on. Overall, i'm very satisfied with the product and also the quality. 

Pros:

-Very cheap

-good quality

-comes in both shimmery and matte colors

-very pigmented

-good for beginner and also professional use

-wide range of color to choose from

Cons:

-need to purchase online

-the eye shadow is quite soft, need to handle is gently

-not easy to remove once applied, hard to do correction

Overall Rating:

8/10

Laneige Snow BB Cream

     I'm not fan of BB Cream but i was tempted to try out the Laneige BB Cream when i was looking for a sun block at Laneige Counter in Mid Valley. The promoter asked if i want a sun block with sheer coverage or without and i said the one with coverage will be better. She recommended me Laneige Snow BB Cream with SPF of 41.

     The color of the BB Cream is nice and it goes well with all skin color. There're 2 types to choose from, the one with matte finish and one with some shimmery effect and i chose the one with shimmery effect which makes my skin looks healthier.

Cute packaging, with some snowy effect at the box.

Comes with SPF41

Comes in a tube form, easy to use.

Just a small amount i needed for coverage.

     This product smells great when you apply it. It gave quite a lot of coverage, blended well with my skin color and my skin looks very nice and healthy, even my course mate compliment me for the healthy lookin skin. However, my nightmare began after using it for about 2 weeks, everyday. I can see more whiteheads on my cheek and it clogged my pores although i clean my face thoroughly every night. I didn't know the reason why at first until i discover that BB Cream actually clog pores thus i try to stop using it for awhile and my skin condition improved a lot. 

     So for now, i've abandoned my first and ever BB Cream, only using it occasionally when i need a good coverage for special occasion but i'm afraid that it will clog my pores again so i will make sure that i clean my face thoroughly by double cleansing, scrub and apply a layer of clay mask. So dearies, i advice all of you if you really need to use BB Cream, make sure you use it as little as you can and clean your face thoroughly at night before going to bed. 

     I will definitely not opt for any BB Cream anymore even some of my friend told me how great some of the BB Creams are. I'll just stick back to normal sun block and if i need any coverage i will just pat on some foundation, at least it won't clog my pores. 

Price : RM 115.00

Size : 50ml

Pros:
-good coverage
-even our my skin tone
-nice smell
-make skin looks more radiance

Cons:
-clog pores
-expensive

Overall Rating:
5/10