Review: HappyMask Berries Garden

A look of the whole series. Such beautiful colours, don't you think so?

How it fits on my face.

The masks were surprisingly not strong-scented (good for people who don’t like artificial scents in their masks) and quite hydrating. The size is a good fit for my face. There is some texture to the masks due to the patterned surface. These masks are good for a quick hydration boost to the skin. After using, there will be a sheen of moisture on your face. The residue dries up to be a little sticky on my skin but nothing unmanageable. You may choose to wash it off, or just continue with your post-mask skincare routine i.e. serum, essence and moisturizer/night mask.

I award this product 4 stars.

Althea Bare Essentials

Althea, my one-stop online shop for K-beauty recently launched its very own product line.

The latest release from the Althea label is one that addresses a common problem faced by many - the steps in Korean skincare are so complicated and confusing, when it shouldn't be difficult at all. 

Image from Althea Blog

Althea’s Bare Essentials rides on today’s current minimalism movement, by focusing on skincare fundamentals and drops all the non-essentials. These thoughtfully crafted products give the benefits of the infamous 10-step Korean skincare routine, rolled into 3 quick and easy steps: cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Other steps are just additional.

These new beauty hybrid products pack a double punch too. They’re products that nourish the skin while leaving it looking bright, glowing, and beautiful. With clean, minimal, yet effective formulas, these straightforward products epitomize simple perfection and deliver maximum results with minimum effort. 

The Bare Essentials range consists of three hypoallergenic products suitable for any skin types.

11CONTOUR CLEANSER

Image from Althea Blog

Contour Cleanser 150g RM23.00 

Packed with soothing Ice Plant and detoxifying Lemon Myrtle extracts, this cleanser is densely filled with micro capsules that burst upon contact with water to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify skin.

Image from Althea Blog

The Contour Cleanser helps to promote blood circulation, and reduces bloating and swelling for a defined, enviably slim face shape. 

My take on the Contour Cleanser:

　

You don't need to pump too much, maybe just half the amount as I've shown in the picture. 

Before

As you can observe from the picture, my T-zone was extremely oily (this was my "wake up like this" face).

Using the Contour Cleanser

This is how the Contour Cleanser looks like on my face. It has a fresh and soft chemical scent, which reminds me slightly of The Face Shop's Herb 365, only much gentler to my skin. The Contour Cleanser contains ice plant and lemon verbena leaf. The texture is a bit sticky and lathers into a bubbly foam. It cleanses well but doesn't dry out my skin. 

After

After cleansing, my skin looks clean and healthy, minus that oily mess!

It claims to be able to help with blood circulation but I'm not sure how much of that is proven from my pictures. Nonetheless, as a cleanser, it does its job well.

Verdict: ★★★★☆

primer water

Image from Althea Blog

Primer Water 200ml RM43.00 

Both a hydrating toner and a primer in one, the Primer Water contains patented dewdrop technology (Macro Fluidic Dispersion technology) that gently fills the gaps between pores and allows hydration to penetrate deep within the layers of the skin.

Image from Althea Blog

Made with Snow Lotus extracts, this skincare heavy hitter has an incredibly smooth and silky texture that enhances the skin’s natural glow, leaving you with the perfect canvas. 

My take on the Primer Water:

This is probably my favorite out of this series. I just LOVE the smell of the Primer Water. I don't know how to describe it but it's really nice. The active ingredient is snow lotus dewdrop, and the texture is thicker than normal toner but it doesn't feel sticky.

Verdict: ★★★★★

FIXER CREAM

Image from Althea Blog

Fixer Cream 50g RM50.00 

This non-oily, quick-absorbing formula harnesses the power of Trehalose, an ingredient found in the cactus plant that prevents its moisture loss, to provide the skin with 24-hour hydration.

Image from Althea Blog

This ultra-nourishing wonder cream is also rich in antioxidants derived from Camellia Sinensis (green tea) seed oil, and helps to promote collagen regeneration using Baobab Tree extracts. Upon application, your skin is left looking great and feeling bouncy to the touch.

My take on the Fixer Cream:

This smells really woodsy/grassy, probably because it contains Green Tea. It doesn't feel too oily and gives my face a healthy finish. I think I would like it better if it's an oil-free formula. Nonetheless, it does work well in moisturizing my face.

Verdict: ★★★★☆

Quick sharing

Just to share a quick story, yesterday I went to Midvalley right after using these 3 products cos I had a pancake craving. By chance, I walked into a L'Occitane store where the salesgirl told me about their new release Aqua Réotier. She offered to test my skin hydration level (probably cos she wanted to promote their products if my skin was dry) - turns out my hydration level is 47% which is quite high in the normal hydration level range, which I totally didn't expect (since I have dry skin in general). Bare Essentials actually works like a wonder in maintaining skin moisture level even though I did not realize it before.

I'm really happy that Athea came up with the Bare Essentials line as it's simple, easy and effective. I only wish they had also included an eye gel in the series so that it really takes care of my whole face. I get milia seeds real easily so I'd prefer eye gel or creams with an oil-free formula.

SUPER SAVER

The good news is all 3 products in the Bare Essentials line only cost RM116, so you're really getting the best for less! Currently, Althea is giving out an additional 10% off with a free special edition mirror if you purchase now so head on over to www.althea.kr today!

Contour Cleanser - RM23

Primer Water - RM43

Fixer Cream - RM50

You can use Shopback to save up to 7% for every purchase when buying from Althea. Just sign up using my LINK, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you update your personal information. You'll also earn from each purchase on participating merchant sites made through Shopback, which you can later cash out to your bank account. 

Giveaway

*I'm having a giveaway on my Instagram for trial sachets of the Bare Essentials line, just tag a friend to enter! Malaysia only, ends 7 April 2018, 11.59pm.

Review: Nuxe Rêve de Miel Cleansing Gel

Picture courtesy of swatchandreview.com

The Story

I bought a bottle of this cleanser during Sasa's warehouse clearance sales last year at RM50 for 200ml (originally RM70), which was rather pricey even after discount. The old me just couldn't say no to any kind of promotional temptations, especially ones with pretty packaging and French words on it. I was then halfway through my bliv squeaky clean cleanser which I bought for RM35 during Hermo sale earlier. Then I saw it at the Sasa sales for only RM15 wtf. And bliv glow and glory masks which I bought for RM10 a piece on Hermo were only RM5 a piece. Moral of the story: only buy supplies from Sasa warehouse sales in the future.

Review

The first thing I noticed about this cleanser was how strong the scent was. It's kind of a honey + chemical scent which is super overpowering, as if you sprayed perfume in the same spot twice. The smell lingers on my face after washing for some time. If you don't like strong scents, then this is not for you.

This cleanser actually doubles as a makeup remover but the cleansing power is not that strong. It does get rid of excess facial oils pretty well but when you have makeup on, it doesn't remove all the makeup. Traces could be spotted on my face, and my waterproof eyeliners were still intact.

One thing I noted is that if left on for a bit longer before washing off, my skin starts to burn a little. I'm not sure if that's actually caused by the ingredients or the super-powerful fragrance, since it's described as having 93% natural ingredients. Good thing is it doesn't cause any breakouts on me, though it does leave my skin a little dry post-washing.

Rating

Price: 3/5

Packaging: 4/5

Performance: 3.5/5 

Overall: 7/10

Carpe: The Solution for Sweaty Palms

Imagine yourself in an interview, and the interviewer offers his hand for a handshake. You smile but silently curse as you wipe your palm on your pants before meeting his outstretched hand. Or, during exams you write furiously in hopes of beating the clock, but before you know it, your exam sheet is totally drenched in your palm sweat and some words are smudged. Or when you're playing your guitar, you leave watery streaks on the bridge. You know what is happening and your heart sinks just a little bit.

Before you say I'm just jabbering, I want to remind you that these situations are real. At least for those of us who suffer from palmar hyperhidrosis. Usually people with this issue suffer from another problem as well - sweaty feet. I've been through some horrendous moments in my life thus far involving social faux pas and personal problems caused by this medical condition. Even though it is nothing life-threatening, it is super annoying, troublesome and downright embarrassing. 

Inspired by Carpe Diem - Seize the Moment!

So when I chanced upon this little tube that claims to work wonders on people like me, I immediately contacted the founders of Carpe to request for a tube for review. But knowing it probably wouldn't arrive on time, I went ahead and bought myself a tube from Amazon, because it will be at least 24 hours of flight for me and I want to prevent cold, sticky hands (and feet!) during the whole journey. And I was so happy that it works! I was sweat-free for the whole flight, and remained so even after I landed in Malaysia. 

But in the name of science, I decided to test it for a little longer to see how well it works in different situations. But first, let me share how to use this little tube of magic:

This is the texture of the lotion. Rather viscous.

Initially it's gonna leave you with a weird feeling as the lotion absorbs into your skin.
But after that, you can't see or technically feel any trace of it. 

What I like about Carpe is that the anti-perspiration power stays even though you wash your hands after applying the lotion. Just a small pea-size will be enough. Take note not to slather on too much lotion because the excess lotion is going to make your palms sticky.

I used Carpe in various different settings at different times of a day.  

1. At work (8.45am-5.45pm)

I slather on a thin layer of Carpe on my palms and feet before going to work. It works well, no sweating at all. I have a feeling if it works on my palms, it works on my feet. No shame in admitting that. 

2. Sports (6-7pm)

Usually, I will put Carpe on my palms and feet. My palms and feet are sweat-free even after exercise. No smelly socks, yay!

3. Playing musical instruments (8-9pm)

I find this one to be more of a hit-and-miss. Perhaps my fingers get a bit overworked sometimes, or maybe it's just my brain stressing. But even when I do sweat while playing piano or guitar, it's dramatically less than what I used to have. No more water puddles on piano keys or guitar bridges, just a slight moisture on my palms. 

4. Social settings (random time, usually on weekends)

This one is also a bit of a hit-and-miss, though most of the times it works perfectly. If I sweat, it's real little though my palms will still feel a little cold and clammy. 

I have a feeling that how well Carpe works depends on my emotional state. If I'm super hyped, I might start to sweat a little even with Carpe, but when I'm in a relaxed state of mind, it works perfectly fine. Nonetheless, it's a really great product when you need to be sweat-free instantly.

I'd say Carpe is a good investment for long-term victims of palmar hyperhidrosis since a tube of 40ml / $14.95 can last you for 1.5 months (44 days) with regular daily use. That's only approximately $0.35 daily. It also claims to be able to stop sweating completely with constant use, I tried to experiment it in short-term usage, like putting it on Day 1 and stop on Day 2 to see the results. And even though no Carpe is applied on Day 2, my palms are still sweat free. But Kasper clarified that sweat-free situation can only be achieved with long-term usage, if you stop using it completely sweating will probably return to normal levels within a week or two. The main active ingredient in Carpe is Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate (15%). Rest assured that it is used commonly in anti-antiperspirants products and is shown to be highly useful without any harmful side effects.

I'm happy to know that Kasper is from Utah! Call it Utahn pride!

Thanks to Kasper Kubica from Carpe for providing me with a tube of this life-saving lotion for this review! I'm very glad I bought a tube earlier on Amazon Prime (it's not available in Malaysia!) because I'm going to be needing it very much (though to my displeasure Amazon sent me one that expires in October 2016 so I only have 3 months left to use it). Mark my words I'm gonna make sure every drop counts.

WHERE TO BUY

1.  The official Carpe website (They ship worldwide, exact charges please refer below*) 
2. Amazon (US only, 2-day free shipping with Amazon Prime)

*Shipping to Malaysia for 1 tube of Carpe:

*Shipping within US for 1 tube of Carpe:

Update by Kasper 07/04/2016: You noticed that 10/2016 expiration date on the tube - that's actually an extremely conservative estimate, since we were only able to get a very small amount of expiration date testing done before we produced that batch of Carpe. While I can't legally guarantee an expiration date beyond that, I can tell you from personal experience that the tube will easily last at least another year without any noticeable changes - especially if you give it a shake before using.

Review: NYNY Las Vegas

I stayed at New York New York for 4 nights for the PAC-12 games in Vegas. I arrived at night, and from the outside the sign looks particularly shiny and attractive. The ground floor is a casino, and reeks of tobacco smoke. After checking in, I proceeded to my assigned room. 

Room 2342 is located at the Century Towers, and it was really annoying that the lift practically stopped at almost each level. Even though there were 4 lift cubicles, there was just too many people that it was a long ride to go up or down.

The room looks rather clean and huge. Our room is just opposite of the roller coaster, so you can hear noises coming from outside from morning till night. I'm a deep sleeper so it wasn't that much of a problem for me.

Pros: Big room, convenient location (just opposite of MGM)

Cons: No drinking water in the hallways, no teapot/kettle in the room. No mini fridge and microwave.

Traveler tips: If you need drinking water at night, I would suggest you to get them at the souvenir shops one block before MGM on the Vegas Strip, they sell Dasani mineral water 2 for $1 only, whereas the vending machine in NYNY sells 1 for $3. During daytime, just bring your own bottle to refill at Caesar's Palace or anywhere else that has a water dispenser.

Overall rating: 3 stars

Note: This was a sponsored stay, but I am not affiliated to NYNY in any way. I do not receive any kind of compensation for writing this review. All thoughts and opinion are my own.

Naruko Facial Mask Review

NARUKO Mandarin Orange & Pineapple Pore Refining Mask

I really enjoy this one. When put on the face, it has a fresh pineapple smell, which is very refreshing and nice. The downside is that there is no plastic together with the mask sheet, so you have to part it carefully to prevent tear(s). And the mask sheet is very thin, so handle with care.

NARUKO Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Mask EX

I personally think that this mask is very hydrating, and Naruko masks are very generous with the essence, I have excess of serum to be slathered on my neck and limbs. However, I prefer to use this mask at night, as if it were used in the day, my face would be too oily and I'd have to wash away the serum, which is a waste!

NARUKO Raw Job’s Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Mask

I don't like the smell of this one, but it works pretty well in hydrating the skin. I've read so many rave reviews online, and I agree that it's a good mask, but I really don't like the smell.

Naruko Q10 Age-Defying Brightening Mask

I quite like the scent of this one. I'm not sure but it smells like pineapple to me. Pretty hydrating mask.

Conclusion: Generally I don't observe any spectacular effects from these masks, only the hydration part seems to be useful. I think masks are basically for hydration only, regardless of the benefits advertised.

Repurchase? Yes if they are on sale. These masks sell at double the price compared to Taiwan. (I'm such a cheapskate haha)

Review & OOTD: Dressabelle

Dress from Dressabelle | Clutch from Loft Bangkok | Heels c/o DressV 

Today's a sunny day, so I decided to have a special photoshoot! Thanks to my lovely sister @yinhui_0710 for her patience in taking these shots! I know it's hard to get pretty photos when your model a.k.a yours truly is like a piece of wooden block.  

Hints to future boyfriend: Please take lotsa pretty candid photos of me, I'll love you to bits.

With my hair stylist and photographer.

Guess the bun didn't work out well for me.

Finally decided to let my hair free.

Before the official photoshoot.

Posing like a real model.

Then laughing out loud cos it's so damn funny.

My lansi expressionless face works best for photoshoots.

And laughing again when my sister commented on my rigid postures.

Review

I simply adore my Dressabelle Floral Midi Waist Detail Dress (Lilac)! I think it was really an awesome purchase, considering the great quality and cutting. It fits my body nicely. Plus, the texture of the fabric is heavenly. It's equal parts feminine and durable. The folds of the dress falls perfectly slightly below my knee, creating a luxurious, full look. Très chic! Usually I avoid midi dresses cos I'm short, but I can't help getting my hands on this one, so hopefully the high heels will take away the short stumpy look --- and insert "long-legged fashionista". The dress is currently still available on the website in size S, so grab it while you can! 

Site navigation is a bit troublesome because there are no options to choose price range and sizes. So you might have to handle the punch in your gut when you spot a design you like, excitedly click into the page, only to discover that it is sold out in your size. *insert grumpy face* I was going to buy more but ended up with only one because of this. I suggest Dressabelle to come up with a system like Zalora - when you slide your mouse over the main listing image, it shows what sizes are available. Likewise, they also have options to minimize the overcrowded mass into your range of items.

I placed my order on 30th December 2014, and they shipped out on 2nd January 2015. Post office was closed on 3rd January 2015, so I only got my dress on 6th January 2015. Long story short, I got my dress 7 days after placing my order, which is a tad bit slow as their base is in Johor, but considering that they were probably having tons of sales at that period of time, this was understandable. Plus, shipping is free, so I'm willing to wait. :)

summary

Pros: Excellent quality and cutting, pretty design, free shipping
Cons: Slow processing

SALES & discounts

1. Outlet sale items at 40% off - Use code SALE40 upon checkout.
2. 50% off section - Use code STEAL50 upon checkout.
3. Charmed by their non-sale items? Fret not, you can still get a 10% off (no minimum spend) by applying the code DSBXMAS10. Code is valid until 31st January 2015.

BALLOONS

Photo credit: Tumblr

Dressabelle has this cute balloon system, where 40 balloons is exchangeable for RM2. You can accumulate your points to exchange into a one-time-use voucher of your choices of value. Every day when you sign in your account, you will receive 15 balloons as a reward. Referring friends to sign up earns you balloons as well. What are you waiting for?

Sign up for Dressabelle today!

Sneak Peek: Dressabelle

{Scroll down for 10% off coupon code}

I received this on Monday. I could barely contain my excitement when I saw this parcel. 

From the close-up, you can guess that the quality is top-notch.

I absolutely love it! ♥

The grand revealing shall take place after my exams! :)

Stay tuned to see how it looks when worn!

Wanna get a 10% off coupon code (no minimum purchase) to Dressabelle?

1. Sign up for Dressabelle

2. Add your favourite items to cart and apply the code.

Code is valid until 31st January 2015 only!