Apple Airpods Review

RM 849 where they sell Apple stuff.

So after subtly hinting at the wifey using pinterest (Things i want at some point), i finally got my hands on the Apple Airpods. We still celebrate our "date-versarry" which was on the 30th of August, 12 yearsago. Man time sure flies when you're having fun eh?

Anyways back to the Airpods. For my "listening while commuting" pleasure, i have a Jabra Move over the ear headphones that has served me well. It's red and not discreet, but i've yet gotten anyone thinking that i was a DJ and ask me to spin some tunes yet. I was looking for something smaller and i did look around at other options but somehow i came back to the Airpods. The lure of yet another apple device is so strong!! But then again, the wife will never say anything if i wanted to get anything from Apple. They just work!

Unboxing

So we got mine at epiCenter at the Curve, she told me that she wanted to get it online from the apple store but it took almost 2 weeks for delivery. Who has time for that? So while we were out scoping out Ikea, we popped into the the first store that sold it and got it. I remembered when it first came out, it was really hard trying to get hold of one but i guess they've replenished the stock eh.

Minimalist packaging.

The first thing you will notice is how simple the packaging is, but then again if you're using Apple, its really all you can expect from them. The design language is consistent across all their products. There's some instructions and the Airpods in the charging case, and u get a lightning cable to charge the pods. Setting them up is easier than to set the apple watch. The first time you flip open the case, your phone will automatically detect and ask you to connect. That's it. Your done. Put them in your ears and you're good to go.

What you get in the box.

Flip it open and it automatically connects.

These are some very smart earphones. It has sensors that tells it if it is in your ears or if you have taken them out, stopping music and continuing it accordingly. You can program different actions when you tap on the Airpods, and you can have different actions for both left and right airpods. I set mine to call up siri on the left and skip to the next track on the right. But of course you can always google up the specs to know about the finer technical details of the airpods here.

Tada!

So how does it fare on normal use? So far i have only gotten a few minutes airtime whilst going to the carwash, but they sound good, but to be fair i'm not really an audiophile to be able to distinguish the different aspects of a good headphones. Calls sound clear and double tapping works as advertise. It fits me alright, tried jumping up and down and thankfully it stayed in my ears.

Settings appear and is accessible via the bluetooth options.

If the standard earpods that comes with the iphone fits than you won't have any problems with the airpods. In fact, it's difficult to tell them apart with a glance eh. Well the wires are a dead giveaway. You can use just the one airpod on its own, as a bluetooth headset, if you talk a lot then you would have one that can theoretically last you for days. 

Which is which?

Anyways, it's early days yet for me, and the Airpods does have a lot of potential. Here's hoping i don't lose them whilst out on a run or anything like that. Yeah right, me running eh. 

Rory's Story Cubes

The Original Set

So we went to Gardens, MidValley on CNY day and came across the newly revamped Borders. They had a new lifestyle concept going on with books, gadgets and even a Starbucks inside the store. Was browsing through some of stuff when i came across this. Story Cubes.

Opened.

It is a simple enough game. There are 9 cubes with different images on them. The idea is for you to roll the cubes and then starting with "Once upon a time" try to make up stories based on the images. 

I tried playing it with my 8 year old, and she instantly pick it up. It's an excellent exercise in creative thinking and story telling. 

There are more variants of the standard pack which you can purchase if you want to enhance the game play. They also have an app for both ios and android which you can purchase at their respective stores.

The Story Cube standard set of 9 cubes is RM 64.90 at Borders, Gardens.

For more information click here

Bioderma Hydrabio Tonique Lotion Hydratante for Sensitive Dehydrated Skin is a win for me.

When beauty enthusiasts hear of Bioderma, the first thing they'd think of is the much renowned, very frequently mentioned Crealine TS H2O Micellaire or cleansing water. During my last trip to Paris, that was exactly the first item on my shopping list. However, while shopping in their pharmacie at the popular Champs-Elysées, this beautiful clear blue bottle truly caught my attention. I've never heard of this product when I was doing my research on French drugstore beauty items to buy yet I was drawn to the clean packaging. Of course, it coming from Bioderma is a bonus because I was confident that it would be a product of quality, or so I had hoped.

We had a field time shopping in the pharmacie and since I had budgeted for loads of foreign beauty products to bring home (almost half was for the customary year-end gift exchange with lovely friends), I happily put this in my basket without giving a second thought.

the evolu Recovery Day Cream and Decrease Eye + Lip Line Serum, another botanical option for your skin needs.

I'm extremely lucky that in my search for a good balance of skincare ingredients, I am introduced to evolu, a brand which has recently made its way into Malaysia but probably not talked about much. When I was contacted, I told them my skin probably should start on an anti-aging regimen but due to my combination oily-pore clogging-prone skin condition, I may not be able to tolerate rich formulations. However, I did mention that I love cream cleansers because it doesn't make my skin tight while it helps control redness from sensitivity.

Despite me telling I may not tolerate rich formulations, they sent me a day cream for dry and sensitive skin, which I initially thought may be rich for daily use (since I don't have dry skin) and an anti-aging eye + lip line serum. Of course, I believe they would know their products better... perhaps they thought the day cream would be suitable for me. Nevertheless I couldn't wait to give them a go the minute I received them.

NEW in the market: Clinique Cheek Pop - irresistible wearable pretty colours in a small simple case.

The Clinique pretty cheek pop blushers must be one of the most spoken topics recently among beauty enthusiasts. This is from my observation as I keep seeing the gorgeous colours highlighted in exciting reviews and beauty swatches of blogs and instagram accounts. So, when I was asked by the PR people of Clinique which colour I'd like to try, it totally made my day :)

I picked Berry pop from the 4 vibrant and wearable shades available to us. I must admit that despite having read many reviews before, the excitement got to me and after I chose the colour, only then did I realise that I may have chosen a strong colour. According to the review of a friend and prolific blogger I look up to, the colour may be a little intense and can be overdone if not applied sparingly.

Jurlique Balancing Day Cream & Herbal Recovery Night Cream - botanical charms of Australia.

I especially like the packaging of this particular Jurlique product. The Balancing Day Cream comes in a slender 40ml or 125ml tubes and it is such a joy to use.

Vichy Normaderm Nuit, MD Formulations Continuous Renewal Serum, Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel and Priori Perfection Facial Gel with glycolic / AHA compounds to help problem skin

When it comes to dull, lacklustre skin or skin that is problem-prone (ie. prone to blemishes, blackheads and acne), I've read and learnt that many skin clinics would recommend procedures like microdermabrasion or peeling of the horny layer of the skin. But microdermabrasion can be painful and if not done properly by a certified dermatologist, it could even damage the skin. For me, I believe that procedures like this need follow-up treatments and they're not very cheap. Worst still, if not done properly or your skin condition not properly diagnosed, the damage can scar you for life. To repair a damage would cost you so much more.

To many skincare brands, there might be a safer method, one that brings lesser risks in the form of mild acids formulated in their skincare products. I've tried many of them but these that I'm sharing with you are those that declare an x amount of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which usually comprise of Glycolic acid as an ingredient in their products.

Bear in mind that products that contain these exfoliating acids may not be suitable for all skin types especially those who have sensitive skin that easily reddens, flake or itch. They could however be used as a weekly treatment depending on skin condition.

Timotei Shampoos & Conditioners are still alive and kicking well!

Remember when I mentioned that I think all my shampoos seem to gang up on me and finish simultaneously? I got a little frustrated that I'd need a large outlay  in one go, just to replenish several types of shampoos & conditioners which would be used up really quickly with the super long hair that I have.

I even told Mr Oosband that I'd probably want to cut my hair short again like I did a few years back just so that I could scrimp on the amount of shampoo that I use or even cut down the types of shampoo that I needed to use >.<

But but but I suddenly thought of this one drugstore brand shampoo that I haven't seen in ages, which I saw on the shelves of Guardian pharmacy in Bangsar Shopping Centre that I thought I'd give it my last shot before fully giving up. 

Love rekindled with Aveda Rosemary Mint shampoo.

You know my usual clarifying shampoo that I so love from Kiehl's? Well.. I've just finished the last bottle and since Aveda is now open in 1 Utama, I decided to rekindle lost love ;)

I've written before briefly about how much I love their rosemary mint shampoo here at the start of this blog and decided I should revisit.

They didn't have stock of their 1L bottle and so I was more than happy to just bring home a small one.

Himalaya Herbals NEW Clear Complexion range

Himalaya Herbals launched their Clear Complexion range and I must admit that I was quite excited when I was informed that they would be launching their 'whitening' products. I've heard so many raves about Himalaya but have never really picked up anything from them. And I love whitening/brightening products not because I want to get any whiter but I believe that items in any whitening range should at least promote clarity in the complexion and provide some sort of better exfoliation to maintain an appearance of "brighter" skin.

The range is entirely new, not new looking packages or rebranded/reformulated products.

BIO2 You Organic Facial Cleanser

When I was passed the BiO2 You Organic Facial cleanser by MUSE by Watsons, it was like perfect timing.

I was in the midst of questioning the contents in the skincare I am using and part of the study I did resulted in an outcome that's kinda eye-opening for me. I mean, if I'd really like to pursue non-silicone products, I'd be safe with organic / natural skincare. 

Loving the Shiseido Maquillage True Eye Shadow compact

I kinda love this eye-shadow compact that I've been using for almost a year. When I bought it, I was attracted to its 'smart' feature.

I think this is the first time I've ever gotten such a compact. I'm a huge fan of compacts because I can never get myself to buy single pan eye shadows. I think they can be a little costly but most importantly, I can never finish a pan. The only single pans I have are those that I receive for reviews.

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque - love it or hate it?

I am down to my last few bits of the Peter Thomas Roth's Cucumber Gel Masque. And I used up 2 jars within the last 10 months.

So, did I like it?

Well, first of all, I ended up with 2 jars as I had mistakenly ordered them in 2 separate orders within 1 week. StrawberryNet had a good sale at that time and I didn't realise I had ordered this one at my last checkout. 

Both I got at a really good deal which is way so much lower than if you'd purchase at the counter.

Feeling Beautiful with Freeman?

My continuous search for quality drugstore brands led me to these huge packs of decent products that I am happy with... In fact, I've written before (here) how I've tried two products from the Freeman range and on a visit to the Isetan Food Market of KLCC, I squealed with excitement when I saw the broad choices they have on Freeman masks and priced at less than RM20, if I am not mistaken.

these, I grabbed not all at one time...

In fact, there was also a chocolate mask, which didn't quite appeal to me and after 3 separate trips in a span of months, I've accumulated the 4 masks, L-R: Facial Peel-Off Mask Cucumber; Facial Hydration Mask Goji Berry; Facial Enzyme Mask Pineapple (which I've used before) and the Facial Clay Mask Avocado & Oatmeal. I was quite attracted to their new packaging too hence why I picked them up.

The difference between the Cucumber mask and the rest of them is that this is a peel-off mask. Many of you who may have tried peel-off masks like this one may attest to the hassle of waiting for it to dry thoroughly or peeling it off would be a real chore. I've used similar masks from Eversoft in my teen years and I hated it so much when I am in a haste to wash it off my face... I mean, if you don't wait for it to dry thoroughly, you'd be left with some icky sticky gel-like substance which is even more difficult to wash off with water. So, for this to work, I must make sure I have the time for it to dry.

Notice too that I've placed the image of the ingredients first before description and instruction? Well, I think that is what attracted me to buying it in the first place... the wealth of beneficial properties in it. Aloe Barbadensis content most often would be the attention grabber. I love anything with aloe vera, though I know for a fact that a cheap product may not have that much of a percentage. Oh well, at just below RM20, I am willing to part with that amount and try it for myself.

Below was how the Cucumber peel-off mask looked like after drying thoroughly on my skin and peeled off effectively. 

You may not see any whiteheads or blackheads pulled together with it, unlike many quality peel-off masks. But I must say that I am happy with the results because my skin will always look brighter immediately after using this. That, is similar to any masks that claim to rid your skin of impurities on the skin surface. 

I have my usual go-to hydration mask but when I feel like scrimping on masks especially if it had been an extremely challenging week, this is something which I would use in between. In a stressful week at this age where hormones are normally to be blamed all the time, I'd slather on hydration mask every single night before bedtime so that my skin remains looking fresh and youthful. And that, would be a too expensive habit. Seeing this on the shelf, is somewhat a life support tool haha...

This one smells really pleasant, I don't have to scrimp on the amount I use on my face and though it may not give any miraculous results, it does leave my skin cool and fresh once I rinse it off. And, I do notice my pores instantly shrink because the gel-cream formulation is just so cooling on the skin.

This one I probably do not have to re-mention the review I once did, here. I love it. It's such value for money unless you have highly sensitive skin that may not tolerate well to mild peeling. Notice the Aloe Barbadensis content here too? I love AHA/enzyme masks with Aloe Vera content because it kinda assure me that hey, ya... I will scrub your topmost layer off clean but I shall not leave your skin dehydrated and sensitised. So far, this would be one of my favourite scrub masks of all time. And instead of using it 3 times a week like my review in 2010, I only use this once a week now.

This clay mask was bought on a whim. And the star-content that pulled me was Oatmeal. I love oatmeal masks because they usually calms my oily dehydrated skin and I love its smell too. 

But... when I tried it, I didn't really fall in love with it, though. It really did not meet my expectations but how could I have expected so much out of a drugstore clay mask, right? I didn't really notice it purging my clogged pores but it is rich and creamy, as stated on its pack.

Have you tried any of these? Do you like any of the products by Freeman? For me, these are definitely a must have in the bathroom for alternative/maintenance. Well, at least the Pineapple and Goji Berry ones.

Can ZA Total Hydration Day and Night Cream White brighten my skin in just 10 days?

When I was asked if I would like to try out the latest Total Hydration moisturisers from the whitening range of ZA, I got a little excited. Well for one, ZA brings some sentimental touchy-feely warmth in me as I recalled those years starting out after graduation and cash was kinda limited. I turned to ZA for my makeup and skincare needs and they worked well for my super oily skin type. Secondly, despite being very comfortable using products from the luxury skincare brands, I am always on a lookout for good reliable drugstore brands that are suitable for my current skin condition and what better way than to say yes to this opportunity. I mean, let's try to push aside the notion that expensive skincare is good while cheap ones are just so-so.

I had also just returned from a trip to a hot and sunny island that it'd be interesting to see how the whitening range can help bring back by tanned skin to its original tone. And the challenge was the promise of just 10 days for it to help brighten skin.

some description of the day cream...

and the night cream.

I think I've always been skeptical of brightening/whitening promises especially coming from a drugstore brand. Furthermore, I am only using these two products and not the entire range, hence, this review may not be that helpful if you are looking to find me totally agreeing on its claims. And, to be fair, I got tanned after bathing in the hot sun for 5 days... therefore, even if they did help brighten my skin tone, it is only because it got me back to my original skin colour.

But what do I really think of them??... well, I kinda like the moisturisers. They are no-nonsense, pretty cheap and decently protect the dermis. I didn't see my skin looking any different than when I was using products from the luxury brands. They are quite moisturising, helping my dehydrated skin looks healthy and glowy, and I truly like their light scent.

On the left is the creamier moisturiser with SPF and on the right is the gel-like texture of the night cream.

However, I do think that the day cream leaves my skin a little shiny by noon, with or without makeup on. This is something that I'd usually come across with moisturisers with SPF - they simply make me oilier. But since I didn't break out using the products, I believe this is a value for money item. Still, like any of those other whitening range I've tried, I'd much rather use a non-SPF moisturiser and top it off with a sunscreen product to control the oil on my face. 

The night cream, on the other hand, is my favourite! The gel texture and scent reminds me so much of Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Moisturising Gel, it calms my skin at night and I wake up with skin that looks energised from a good night's sleep. It comes on light, non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin.

There's an entire range of Total Hydration that's available and ZA has appointed a young local artiste, Amanda Amani as the face of ZA. The Total Hydration range appears to be her favourite in addition to the Perfect Fit concealer and foundation (pictured below the skincare range). These, I don't mind trying... prolly once my current skincare products are finished.

The Total Hydration Day and Night Cream White retails at RM26.90 and RM28.90 each, while the concealer is priced at RM30.90. The 2-way cake costs RM36.90 for its refill and just RM14 for its case. They also have a BB Cream UV under this range which I have yet to read much of it. I do think I shall pick it up soon to try it out.

Are you a fan of ZA? Funny that I keep thinking of Karen Mok when I think of ZA. She was one of the earliest faces of ZA right?

The Shiseido Japonica Facial Haven and the feeling of shortchanged.

Recently, when I received this mailer, I was excited.

Back then when Shiseido had their Shiseido The Salon outlet at Level 7 of KL's Sogo, I was their regular customer. I loved going for my facials there even if it meant driving out 20km away from home once a month simply because their facial service is decent, the price is reasonable, it does what it's supposed to do and their beauty therapist didn't do any hard sell, ever. I went to the same centre every month for 4 years and was sad when they closed down the outlet. Since then, I've gone on a facial salon hunt but have not gotten all the right combination in one place - all are either expensive or they'd always push for me to either sign an expensive package/buy their expensive products all the time.

So, when I found out that they have the Japonica Facial in all the Isetan outlets, I knew I had to try their facial at Isetan 1Utama where it is nearer to where I am.

Unfortunately, I was told that they didn't have any beauty therapist there but I could go over to Isetan KLCC to try. Which I did.

Well, I must say that it was a big disappointment. Though their pricing is rather good, the service was just so so, nothing like what I experienced at their The Salon years back. They didn't have a proper technique as they didn't layer any creams on my face before steaming it. And when the therapist did the extraction on my nose area, it hurt like mad as she used the metal prong instead of squeezing using her fingers and tissue. Truly a disappointment. In addition, they didn't cover the eyes with a facial cotton during steaming, neither did the therapist layer on any moisturising lip balm to keep lips moist while the steam loosen up my pores, further dehydrating the skin.

The Therapist prescribed the Bright and Beautiful session, using their White Lucent range. I did mention some of my concerns and how I think am loving a mixture of their range from the samples that I tried and the items that I am using. As an expert, she told me that just the White Lucent alone is sufficient for my skin concerns.

Treatment went on for about 90 minutes but I wasn't relaxed, neither did I fall asleep the way I always do during a facial. Everything felt wrong especially when the neck area was totally neglected. I don't ever remember going for a beauty treatment where only the face area is treated and no mask or cream was applied on the neck area. It felt really weird.

And if you're expecting hand massages, there ain't one either.

When the facial was done, the therapist pushed for me to sign up for a 4-times facial package as they had a promotion for a buy-3-get 4 facials + 4 eye treatments. I was so ready to do that before I came for the facial since I've discovered by accident how well some of their products work on me now than it did before. Somehow, after that less than satisfying 90-minute experience I felt that I should just stick to the products that work. I just felt short-changed from the whole experience.

Looks like I shall continue to find a salon with that perfect combination that I can agree with and am not sure when I'd really stick to just one salon.

Have you tried the Japonica facial? Could it have been better if I had tried the more expensive session?

The Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - more than just stains.

I have recently gone on a Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain shopping binge.

Before it came into Malaysian shores, I read about it in a friend's blog as she went nuts about them and was ecstatic to discover that another lovely friend with the same interest, was on a work trip abroad. Instantly, I asked for all of the colours featured on the blog and the lovely friend brought home these 4 colours that were available.

Kerastase Specifique Stimuliste - Works well to prevent hair loss and maintain a healthy scalp

I have not had a good hair treatment in a long time. Back then when I was single, I indulged in hair treatments very regularly that my hair exude a healthy shine.

Now with age and after a several pregnancies, I noticed that my hair isn't as easy to manage as before. And when I do visit different salons for a hair wash, they would all tell me the same thing - that my scalp is very oily and sensitive, and my hair is weak at the roots.

I have to admit to them that yes, I did notice my hair weaken since the last one year or so. Hair fall has been in bundles but I have never felt I needed to worry too much since I do have plenty of hair on my head. It's just that very recently I started noticing that my hair was so easy to pull off whenever I wash my hair at the shower. I would be pulling a big glob without even pulling (get it?) and it can feel a little overwhelming.

So, when I had my hair treatment at a salon near my office, I started to take their advise seriously. I went back to using a shampoo I've used before (and stopped using already after the bottle finished) but what made a lot of difference was this particular product, called Stimuliste...

Fabulous Finds September Beauty Box

I was thoroughly impressed with Fabulous Finds September beauty box. I mean just look at the awesome stuff in generous sizes!

 

There's skincare, luxurious hair products, a perfume vial and make up items ;) 

Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Compact

Remember this post a few months back?? Well, I am happy to finally get my hands on this little beauty...

Maquillage's Perfect Multi Compact... 

 

Can you see the three tones in this compact - one (the main larger one in the centre) is your normal compact powder, the lighter shade is to highlight your complexion while the slightly darker one is to shape or contour the facial features. Does it work??

Well, I must say that the three tones do not make that much of a difference to me... the darker shade did make my skin tone a little sallow and so I would prefer to mix all three shades together when applying the compact powder.

Coverage wise, it is probably medium to full. Hence, coverage can be quite good. But... it has been awhile since I've used a compact foundation and I think the texture is pretty thick... you'd need to properly double-cleanse your face when you remove it because it really felt thick to me and during the hot sunny weather, it almost felt like my skin didn't get enough oxygen to breathe.

Did it last on my oily skin?? I think it did. It did a good job even after a good afternoon of sweating at a wedding. And so, by late afternoon, my skin actually looked really good once the thick formulation blended in with my natural oils on my skin. Though it feels thick, it wasn't cakey at all.

And the only way for me to alleviate the thick feeling, I would usually only apply a swipe of the powder on my undereyes using the sponge applicator included in the compact. As for the rest of my face, I would use one swipe of a powder brush, making application look totally natural and not feel too heavy on my skin.

What I like most about the compact is that 'crystal' like texture on the shell of the compact case. The size is quite nice as well.

The Perfect Multi Compact retails at RM40 for the shell casing and RM95 for its refill. For a brand as good as Shiseido, I think the price is quite reasonable. However, I am not sure if I'd repurchase once it finishes because my skin doesn't quite like the heavy feeling of the powder and the three-toned foundation doesn't quite do it for me. I'd say that a loose powder feels so much more comfortable and lighter... but only because I prefer lighter formulation.

I know a lot of ladies who are big fans of Shiseido. But have you tried this one out yet? Do you like it?