How well do you know your skin?

(image sourced here)

Remember my previous post on the benefits / downside of silicone in skincare? How well do you know your skin and what are the contents in the skincare products you use that you may be allergic to, that clogs your pores and those that you know would totally work in synergy with the chemical blends of your skin? Are you even familiar with parabens, mineral oil, zinc oxide and the works or do you just buy beauty products and make it work for your skin?

I know some people would just buy expensive skincare which doesn't improve their skin condition yet totally happy with the results because they psychologically feel that the products are good. Yet, I also have friends who tell me that despite the warning that mineral oil can clog pores, they went ahead and tried some products with it and realised after a month how their skin get unusual bumps on the jawline.

Switching products to suit current skin needs.

Seven days into the fasting month and I could already feel my skin stressed out and dehydrated. I almost forgot that this always happen to me during the fasting month as the body consumes lesser fluid.

So off I went into my stash of beauty products and found these that I thought could possibly help calm my stressed skin, hydrate and make skin appear brighter. Thank god for the stash... 

New Maggi Magic Meals, didn't quite provide the magic I expected.

This post is probably apt for those seeking a more convenient alternative to cooking this Ramadhan. But before you pick it up, I would like to share my thoughts on it.

I was intrigued by the attractive packaging of Maggi Magic Meals and how easy it is to prepare food by putting everything into the rice cooker while rice is cooked. I thought that is a brilliant way of killing two birds with one stone. And after considering it for awhile I've decided to give it a go, just for fun. After all, this blog wasn't supposed to be all about beauty products...

Silicone in skincare - is it good or bad for your skin?

I've been using several products which I know contain silicone and all of a sudden after so many years and seeing different outcomes to the condition of my skin from using those different products, I am now seriously questioning if this particular ingredient is good for my skin.

These were some of the products I've been using which I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes I feel they work excellent yet other times I could swear that they make my skin thicker almost feeling as if my skin was gasping for oxygen!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free range to help treat oiliness effectively

I guess many of you have already heard of the recent findings on oily skin which said that the best way to treat it is to hydrate the skin.

I used to have super oily skin that shines forever. I've had my fair share of over-scrubbing and cleansing that left my skin dehydrated with large open pores. As much as we'd want to eliminate excess surface oil, we'd want to keep the skin hydrated so that the oil glands do not produce more oil when it senses that the surface of the skin feels dry.

Kiehl's, through its Ultra Facial Oil-Free range claims to be able to give you good-looking skin and help with any oily skin problems. Its lightweight formula helps to balance and freshen skin, controls shine and reduces oil on the skin surface the right way.

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.

Jars scrubbed clean - Reuse and recycle.

A lot of people dislike beauty products in jars. Frankly, though I do get a little concerned on the hygienic aspect of it, I do like my creams in jars simply because I could always get every minute leftovers of the product and could swipe the jar clean with my fingers.

I especially love them travel-sized ones, eye creams that come in small 15g size and I also appreciate deluxe-sized ones meant for trial because I know I could always scrub them clean after I've emptied its content and reuse them to refill other products for trial that I get in sachets. And, more often than not, these jars are so valuable to me as I use them when I travel.

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?

Welcoming Vanity Trove - a new beauty box subscription in Malaysia

When I received an email to yet another offer for a beauty box subscription review, I was thrilled about it. I mean, I was a little bit disappointed when Fabulous Finds stopped way too soon and I was lusting over posts of beauty bloggers on their beauty boxes abroad.

So, here comes Vanity Trove.

It comes in a sturdy box that resembles a drawer. Contents are packed neatly in the box and packaging scores extra points.

A number of popular items in the February 2013 box :)

But I was a little disappointed at the March 2013 box. The items were way too small in size and could fit 1/4 of the box, I think (with the exception of the Timeless Truth mask). The Lunasol sample powder is something I had received before from ff and the colour of the powder foundation is way lighter than my skin tone.

Come April 2013, the box had good items in it.

Subscription to Vanity Trove's beauty boxes start at RM50 for 1 month. There are also subscriptions for 3, 6 and 12 months. 

What I like about Vanity Trove, is that every month, the boxes tell a different story. Like February is all about love, come March was Temptress and April is The Shower of Summer. Of course, the content doesn't necessarily fit the theme so we take what we get and enjoy the side messages :)

I am not sure I am overly impressed with the subscription, though. I am expecting much larger samples that one can use more than 3 times and not just vouchers that tell us we can get a certain discount only after we purchase a certain value of products/services. I know there is no such thing as free stuff... am merely sharing my thoughts on the beauty box.

I see a good number of really good brands that we can look out for in the subscription but as per any beauty box subscription - be ready for a surprise every month. I know I have found several items that I really like but there are also items that I don't really use. So, if you ask me, I don't think I am ready to subscribe just yet, not until I see more deluxe-sized samples in the beauty boxes.

If you want to find out more about Vanity Trove, do check out their website here. They also have a twitter account, https://twitter.com/VanityTroveMY and fb page, https://www.facebook.com/VanityTroveMalaysia.

Have you picked up any of their boxes yet? What do you think of them?

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.

The NEW Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Essence

Recently, P&G launched their NEW Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Essence.

I was really looking forward to receiving this product after reading rave reviews in many forums and sites.

Reebonz Festive Fete - 1 Dec 2012 - one day only at Publika

I was recently invited to Reebonz office in KL and was totally awed by the things they have at their shelves the moment you reach for the door.

 

This was kinda the first view when you first enter their doors.

 

And these are kind of my favourite...

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 ;) 

Good buys from that family vacation.

There are just so many things to share after that wonderful vacation I had with the family. It has been awhile since we really got to spend time like that together and I was a little too ambitious, wanting to achieve too many things in that one lovely time. In the end, there were things we didn't get to do but the most important thing was, the vacation was basically for the children to enjoy themselves while my shopping needs and Mr Oosband's shopping needs took a backseat but not totally forgotten ;)

 

These were among the lovely finds by chance. Do any of you remember the Sanex shower cream? Is it still sold here in Malaysia? I haven't really noticed its existence and I remember how it was once the trusted body cleanser in the ranks of Dettol. We got it when we were at the Disneyland hotel because I totally forgot to pack the babies' bath toiletries while we were in London. So, this was the best alternative we could find when we reached the hotel. It smells the same Sanex I knew and it is amazing that after so long, it has maintained a similar look and feel.

The Avene bottle next to it was bought in a street in Paris. The thing about me would be, I will not get it out of my head until I get the right bath product fit to be used by my babies. So, while we were browsing through the pharmacy, this was the only baby product we could find that perfectly fits our requirement - mild for babies and can be used on the hair and body. I was so excited when I saw the huge array of skincare/bath range from brands like Avene and Vichy... that I think if I were to live in Paris, I would be so spoilt for choice.

 

This was another great buy. I love the scent from Loccitane's Verbena range, so much so that I was going to buy the entire collection. But, some sense hit me on the head and so I thought it would be just reasonable for me to bring home a couple of shower gels and body cream. Love love love!

I took this photo while waiting for Mr Oosband and my eldest to come out from their gadget store. I had already gone in the Sephora store but wasn't too impressed with it but I love the architecture of the buildings in Paris and I was surprised to see that the Sephora store is just below Marriott. Hmmm... I should stay here one day, me thinks ;)

Anyway, while walking past Sephora, I was pleasantly surprised to see a Guerlain store. I didn't hesitate to enter the store and quickly asked for their ever so famous meteorites powder which I had so wanted to buy but never get the chance to. I mean, it is a little difficult to find a Guerlain counter nearby and just to go KLCC to get a RM180 powder may not be something I'd do.

So, to find it right in the heart of Paris where it is from, could be a very good idea [and excuse!] for me to finally own one, don't you think?

 

While in Guerlain, this particular thing intrigued me til this day... they sprayed this new perfume, La Petite Robe Noire (Little Black Dress) on me and also on this cloth label-like material. Note: they do not spray it on paper, like what we always see... but a cloth. A good, satin-like cloth so that the smell lingers just as how you would smell it on your clothes.

And, while I was there, I asked them if I could take some photos of their place. They were more than happy to oblige. 

This place is basically a spa where some of their items are shown on the ground floor but they would direct you to go up another floor for purchases. But the 1st floor I went to was full with perfumes! There were perfumes everywhere. When I went up the stairs, this was what I saw... a huge centrepiece of perfumes.

On my right side is another section of perfumes...

and on my left is another huge set of perfumes...


these were set further inside a closet-like area on the right side.

No matter what people generally say about the Europeans not too welcoming and warm with us Asians, I felt none of those. From the experience I had going into stores after stores in many parts of Paris, I must say that their customer service is far better than the inconsistencies we experience here back in our homeland. They're less judgemental, they do not mind extending many samples and now that I'm back, I regret not getting the Little Black Dress because it smells really good on me *sigh*

Some of the little little things that got me really excited would be the large choices of children and babies' products. You know how difficult it is to find an infant tooth paste that I had to resort to this with Jada (back then) and Jebat (now). But a visit to Tesco while we were staying at a friend's place in Orpington allowed me to bring home some of the best buys we would never find back home.  I just wonder why is it so difficult to have items like these here.

I also got extremely excited with the type of food I could easily get for Jebat. I can safely say he was well fed throughout our vacation ;)

There were so many types and brands but of course, we had to stick to just a few type of food. My friend told me at times there would be jars of halal baby food but there were none when I went. So, we were stuck with veges and fish stuff. And they had a any 8 bottles for just 4+ pounds promotion. Oh wowwee...

 

From Disneyland, though most of the things we brought back were toy stuff, I got myself these kitchen mittens and pot mat. Hehe...

 

I think this Tom Ford lipstick was my only real expensive cosmetics purchase. I was getting one for a friend and I thought I ought to get one for myself as well. I was looking for a coral-like shade anyway and only after buying it did I realise how expensive it is... most probably my most costly lipstick ever but a really good one too. The colour is so intense and creamy but due to it being so intense, it was a little over the top for me. I've learnt to make it work, so far...

 

And I especially love the food stuff I can easily get. In Paris, it was Nutella everywhere... even at our breakfast spread. It was heaven for Mr Oosband as he loves Nutella.

 

As for me, what I loved most was the many Marks & Spencer food outlets with plenty of great stuff. I enjoyed every one of them and realised that I didn't snap any photos of them. This was the only one I managed to capture on camera because I was bored on the Eurotrain from London to Paris and before I opened this up, I took a few shots of it.

 

One of the best souvenirs I bought for myself would be this London Olympics keychain. A memorable piece.

But what caught so many attention from foreign tourists like me would be this gorgeous ring-watch I bought on a whim while shopping at Next. They had it in colours like yellow gold, rose gold, silver and titanium but I thought the rose gold looked good on me. After I went back to Orpington, where we stayed in London, I decided I was going to go back to the store on my last day, to get all the rest of the colours. Oh boy, did I underestimate the hecticness of travelling with small children... we didn't have enough time in the end but am happy that I at least got myself one.

All in all, we took more than a thousand pictures. I love looking at all of them time and again as I don't think I would remember most of the moments if I hadn't taken any snapshots. Jebat only started to walk a week before the vacation and seeing him take those cautious steps while my mind was totally free from any work-related matters made the moments so precious to me. Though it was quite a tiring vacation travelling with little children, the break was really good as it made my mind fresh and all zesty to go back to work again.

So here's to more of this kind of vacation, eh...