Mid-day; Mid Week [TBT]

Yikes! I hate mid days and mid weeks. I think these periods are designed specifically to allow the snooze monster to conquer your mind or maybe just an excuse for everyone to drift away in their tiny bubble and think of other things that are not so important at the moment.

Anywayyyyy... I hope everyone found the Boracay post helpful in some way. I tried my best to explain everything I could, from preparation to being there and now.. (ploop), I'm suffering from a mid-day, mid-week syndrome. Just want to escape from work and go shopping for the day, or just sit at home and watch shows that don't really make any sense at all. 

So, since I don't have the chance to head out for some shopping right now... I can always shop online!

As you all know, these days, blog shops, or online retail stores are losing their charm because of a fairly new introduction of  TAOBAO 淘宝 (TB). 

At TB, you get to find practically everything! I was first introduced to the website by an ex colleague of mine and initially, I got so so so so so hooked on shopping on TB. I even created a nickname for this activity - It's called TBT - Tao Bao Time! It was like joy during work (skiving actually), to go online and look at pretty clothes at relatively affordable prices.

The reason why I say affordable instead of cheap is because of the shipping costs that are involved when you cart out. Although Singapore Currency is still stronger than China, but as each minute passes, the Ren Ming Bi 人民币 is getting stronger and stronger. Soon, I will not be able to divide the price by 5 but 4 or even 3. 

Oh wait, but that's not my point of talking about TB. The reason is, there are so so so so so many unethical blogshop owners, I won't name who, that orders from TB and charges exorbitant prices back on consumers like you and me. So many blogshops are hosting "backorders" now because they all buy from TB! Some even worse, they would say  self-manufactured or it is exclusive to them, sew their tags on, then...the next minute you see its replica on another blogshop that probably isn't as famous.

Because I visit TB quite often, I know what are the upcoming designs and when I see them on certain blogshop claiming that they manufactured it, a little devil in me, really wanted to take a screenshot and paste it on their facebook wall. But that would be a very very very bad move. So... I decided to take it to my blog. 

YES PEOPLE. BEWARE OF UNETHICAL BLOGSHOPS!

How? You may ask... well, simple. Simply head on to www.taobao.com and you would discover that what I have said is all true. Certainly there are risks in the size that are being portrayed as well as the colour, but fret not, they also have review section in each of the "mini shop". They work just like how Qoo10 works for Singapore. 

Of course, there are bound to be hit & misses. Just take the same amount of caution you have when you purchase them by reading on the reviews first and checking the shop owners' credibility - usually diamond/hearts/crown

Go under Women section and click on NEW ITEMS - as indicated in Picture

Trust me, you will be shocked.

But of course, to visit TB, you really need to have the ability to read Chinese characters. At the beginning, it was a little overwhelming for me as there were just TOO many Chinese characters to read at one go. But subsequently, I picked up a few important words like.. dresses are called "连衣裙" and the rest, I leave it up to you to explore.

By the way, they really sell everything under the roof! A pretty amazing site for any shopper at any age. 

But please don't get me wrong. There are still a handful of blogshops who are very honest in their business. They would tell you that it is imported or really self-manufactured. It is very obvious when the item is self-manufactured. The design, the cutting and the materials used will be different and of better quality that what are usually sold "off the racks". I think that as long as Blogshops stay honest, then it is ok. 

Otherwise, just boycott and shop on TB. The timing of arrival is just like every other BO carried out by Blogshops. 2 - 4weeks. 

Ok, 3PM already. TBT!! 

Happy Shopping Everyone

Bahhhhhhhhhhhxx
Andrea

SAVE YOUR SKIN with - ETUDE A-Z (Alphabet) Sheet Masks!

As we all know, masks come in all different shapes and sizes, textures and purposes. But I have never seen any skincare brand or any other cosmetic brand (even MBD) that covers as many types of skin concerns/ or any form of imperfection that you think you may have in one freaking box of masks!

Uh huh! I'm talking about the Etude A-Z Alphabet Masks.

Like all masks I have reviewed, you must be wondering how much better is this?! 

Well, these are the 3 points that sets the Etude alphabetical mask apart from other brands!

ONE

The sheets are made from corn fibre, unlike most masks that use cotton masks. Apart from making it more than natural and organic, it is also making this a whole lot more environmental friendly thus, more likely to speed up the biodegrading process. 

TWO 

Regardless of your skin type, there is definitely one that will suit you!  Just see the list below! 
 

THREE

Stepping into ETUDE HOUSE is like stepping in to a departmental store cosmetics section where you need to go from brand to brand to look for the masks that suits your skin and wallet at the same time. 

Now you can skip that and simply enter ANY Etude House to purchase a mask that suits both your skin and wallet!  

BONUS

(ok, 4th point) Not sure about you, but we have all know the benefits that berries can do for our skin. The Heart Shaped Mask, incorporating 5 different berries (blueberry, acai berry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry extracts)  just sounds so yummy for my skin!! 

Thanks to CozyCot, I had the great honor introduce the masks that forms the brand name - ETUDE♥.

See below!

List of  Etude Alphabet Sheet Masks 

A: Aloe (soothing relief)
B: Bulgarian Rose (brightening)
C: Collagen (firming)
D: Dandelion (revitalizing)
E: Elder Flower (soothing & moisturizing)
F: Fig (purifying)
G: Green tea (moisture & relief)
H: Hyaluronic Acid (richly moisturizing)
I: Immortelle (energizing & nourishing)
J: Job's Tears (revitalizing & smoothing)
K: Korean Ginsing (revitalizing & nourishing)
L: Lemon (tone clarifying)
M: Mango (nourishing and firming)
N: Noni (revitalizing)
O: Olive (deep moisture)
P: Pomegranate (smooth elasticity)
Q: Q10 (tightening & firming)
R: Royal Jelly (smooth hydration)
S: Shea Butter (richly nourishing)
T: Tea Tree (trouble care)
U: Unpolished Rice (firming & nourishing)
V: Vitamin Complex (radiating skin)
W: White Pearl (bright complexion)
X: Xylitol Forest (clean moisture)
Y: Yogurt strawberry (soft & moist)
Z: Zucchini (nourishing & moisturizing)
♥ (Heart): 5 berry complex (antioxidant)

REVIEWS
I have yet to give the masks a try, but Mr Hong sure did yesterday! Because there were two of the same masks that were given (E: Elder Flower for soothing & moisturizing effects) and Mr Hong doesn't moisturise his face AT ALL, or unless when I force him to (He hates the sticky feeling that most moisturiser does).

(Yes,  他很爱美!) Anyways, while placing the mask for Mr Hong, I had problems stretching it to fit his face which resulted in bubbles on some parts of his face (maybe it is just him - hahahaha). That aside, the essence from the mask was not as sticky and easily absorbed when I massage it into his face. No complaints about the stickiness at all! :)
 
PRICE
With each of the mask priced at $1.90, I'm sure YOU will be able to select the best for the best in your life!

GIFTS

I'm probably one of the most practical person when it comes to gifting in my circle of friends. To me, gifting has to be meaningful and useful at the same time. Are you like me having problems thinking about last minute valentine's gift? Well, not only is this wallet friendly, I am sure it will be the perfect gift for a close friend. Be inspirational, be free in forming up the words that spells your best friend's name, or even your families' name. 

Most importantly, Have fun!

xoxo 

Andrea 

Bellabox - August!

Hello you September (again) 

This is a little backdated as I was missing out on the delivery for quite a few times. Bellabox has been working with their designer to come out with a collector's box and of course, as we celebrate our nation's 48th Birthday in August, they came out with an extremely pretty box with inspiration from our Peranakan heritage. The designs not only reminded me about the intricacy of the artwork that I had to do when I was in Secondary School Days (Batik), it also reminded me of those old shop houses that had the exterior of the architecture carved with pretty pretty flowers. 

Side-track: you see, these deliveries have to be done in a courier service way, but everyone at home are working adults, leaving my two pups barking nonsensically at the door when these deliveries arrive. Sometimes, I don't know if they would send it during the weekdays or weekends, so it really frustrates me when the product reaches me late. I think all courier service should allow better customisation of delivery timelines to their retailers (thus to customers) so that people don't miss their packages any more. Perhaps before delivery of the actual item, they can email the customers first and get an OK reply before proceeding with the delivery. Otherwise, it would just be a wasted trip if they were to knock at mine. Mehhhhhh~

Nevertheless, thank you bellabox for gifting me this marvellous box of goodies. I spotted a few great items that came really handy - Colour Combo Eyebrow Pen / HARNN Hand Cream (it smells damn good!) and most importantly, those two sachets of  tea!! Can't wait to taste them *woohoo*

Stay tuned for my reviews on some of the handpicked products! (:

xoxo

Andrea

Clarins Alcohol-Free Toning Lotion with Camomile [Skincare Review]

Hello there!

Hope my posts haven't been boring you guys like crazy.

Previously, I was looking for a good no-alcohol toner as my usual toner from my facial salon has gradually ... became an empty bottle. 

After reading many many reviews and visiting beauty forums, it is concluded that the current hotest non-alochol toner has got to be Clarins Toning Lotion & Kiehl's (Calendula & Cucumber Herbal). 

Initially, I was contemplating between the above two products. But Metro Sale (20%) came along and my decision was set! Priced at SGD $43 (Original Price), this product is definitely worth your money. 

The Clarins Toning Lotion comes in several form, but the non-alcohol ones are these two versions

1. Toning Lotion with Iris for Oily to Combination Skin (Green)

2. Toning Lotion with Camomile for Normal to Dry Skin (Yellow)

 

What were my needs?

1. No-Alcohol Contents - I know how alcohol will thin our skin surface gradually, therefore a non-alcohol content product will salvage this thinning skin of mine !
2. Accessibility - I do love my facial salon toner but I wanted something that I can purchase it easily when the bottle starts to reach its bottom.
3. Calming effect - Every time after I cleanse my face (really gently), redness on my skin will start to surface, and I really wanted a product to help to calm it down

What does it do?
Alcohol-free toner—with gentle Camomile, Alpine Herbs, and Linden extracts—removes every last trace of cleanser, leaving dry or normal skin clean and perfectly radiant. Softens, smoothes and soothes irritations
 
How does it feel? Scented?
Yes, it does smell like it is scented, but that is because of the Camomile & Herbal ingredients in this product. The aftermath of  applying the product leaves a slightly moist texture. It isn't sticky but you can definitely feel that there is a really thin layer that protects and helps to soften your skin to make it less irritable

Directions:
To be used after cleansing/exfoliating. Drop around 2 - 3 drops on your cotton pad and spread across the face. Remember to swipe it upwards so that your face would receive some "massage" and get "lifted" through this small little act.

Remember to look out for departmental discouns where these items can have up to 20%Off!

xx
Andrea

[Product Review] SK-II - The Miracle of Pitera

In recent events, I have decided to give this highly raved product a good try. I received this generous trial kit during one of the bellaboxes that I subscribed to previously, and was hesitating to try it only until.. well, recently!

It's only my third day using the product. Twice a day. I wouldn't say I have seen a vast improvement on my skin, cause that is definitely a lie. But I would say that, after these few days, I realised that the product isn't as strong or as I had thought - that it only suited matured skin.  Before I even start, I have heard so much about SK-II advertisement, strongly emphasising on its unique product ingredient - The Pitera. Whenever the word pops out, I would think of an old lady who was washing rice or soaking rice in some sort a wooden tub and the SK-II people noticed how moist and soft the hands of the old ladies are, and.... then it was discovered. - Or something along that line.

Wait, here's the advertisement

(I stole this from their website)

So here's my review for the above!

Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser

Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser cares for your skin while it cleanses. It contains Concentrated Pitera^TM and Mild Treatment Essence that leaves your skin hydrated even 30 minutes after cleansing. Work up a fine-textured lather and enjoy its mild rose scent.

VLV: I had thought that the cleanser would foam up as I lather it, but apparently not. For cleanser that doesn't foam up, I have a little doubts about feeling "clean" after the facial wash. But this was different. Despite the gentle actions from the cleanser, I liked how light it was, especially well for days whereby I don't have makeup on, and just need to cleanse the sebum excretion on my face! (: Oh! and the smell of the product reminded me of this super old school product called Hazeline Snow... (I used it when I was younger as a moisturiser.. I bet the older generation has seen it before..)

Cellumination Mask-In Lotion

This unique everyday lotion delivers a mask-like experience on top of its skin conditioning function. It provides intensive moisturisation while boosting skin’s Aura- Lucency, delivering hydration and whitening benefits to the skin.

VLV: If you still don't know, in most Japanese brands, toners are often known as Lotion. I remember learning about why it was called Lotion instead of Toner was because, it is meant to soften the skin and clear off the impurities while improving skin condition than the toner that is more known to tighten pores. So this lotion reminds me of a certain brand texture that I have previously used. I would usually pour it on a cotton pad and wipe it across my face gently. With the excess, I would use it on my neck and my calves.(don't judge). I usually leave it on for about 30seconds before proceeding with the next...

Facial Treatment Essence

Containing more than 90% Pitera™, this much loved miracle water is a must-have for healthy, radiant skin. It helps maintain the skin's natural renewal cycle to its optimum condition to allow skin nourishment. It also works to balance the skin's pH and sebum secretion, so oily and dry areas are properly moisturised.

VLV: Ah, the Miracle water! The product is light, gives the impression that it will be easier to penetrate than the lotion above. What I do is, I pat it onto my skin with my bare hands instead of putting it on the cotton pad. Cause... I don't want to waste a single drop of this essence!

Cellumination Deep Surge Ex

This daily moisturiser is infused with a unique active whitening ingredient, De-Melano P3C, that works to balance your skin tone from within to unleash your skin’s translucent aura.

VLV: The moisturiser doesn't feel oily, but the sad thing is, it doesn't have any SPF, so I had to rely on my foundation SPF to block out the harmful rays from the sun, and recently - the haze. (and speaking of the haze and how locals reacted to it, makes my blood boil, but I'll skip that). The moisturiser is light and usually cause I want to do things really quickly, I somehow blend the essence and moisturiser in circular motion on my face. 

Was I convinced thus far? On a scale of 1 - 10. I would say 8.5.


xx
Andrea

[Sponsored Product Review] Bio-essence New Launch - Royal Jelly + ATP range

What is so unique about the Royal Jelly + ATP Shape V Face Series?

Fact:  Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP) is a coenzyme that stores the energy to support metabolism in our cells. It improves micro circulation to facilitate the renew and repair of our skin cells while restoring suppleness , radiance and firmness to the skin.

Having ATP as the key ingredient that is used in every product in the Bio-essence ATP V Face series. The product has a special blend of exclusive ingredients such as Bio Energy Fluid and Bio Mineral Amino Acid Essence, the Bio-essence ATP V Face series promises to have double the effects to supply and communicate energy to skin cells.

And today, we have a special guest (actually he's just KPO and Curious about what I was doing)

Problem: - No matter what product I use that promises brightening effects, constantly fails!

Well, here's what you need to know! Many people do know that there are dead skin cells being left on our skin each and every day. Some, would naturally be swept away when you walk on the streets. Some don't and become permanent resident on your faces! When there are dead skin cells left on your face, with no proper treatment, it will form a blocking layer, causing your skin to have outbreaks, or constant dullness.  

DID YOU KNOW? Dust particles are made of dead skin cells as well? 

This is why, everyone should have a Deep Exfoliating product under their skincare regime. My recommendation is to use it once every week before you use your masks, so that the essence can be well absorbed.

 

The Bio-Essence Deep Exfoliating Gel with Royal Jelly + ATP 

• Thoroughly and effectively removes dead skin cells and refines pores
• A gentler and more effective alternative to squeezing or using pore stripes for removal of blackheads
• Removes the dead skin barrier for better absorption of skin care products applied subsequently, thus brightening skin tone

The product when squeezed out is actually a smooth gelish product. But after a consistent massage on the area, small little dead cells (or so I would assume) would form causing the little particles on my hand as above. Pretty interesting concept. But I still prefer the microbeads kind of exfoliant!  How bout you?!

Problem: - I have dry & sensitive skin. How?!?!

Though that's not really an issue I'm facing, it is definitely an issue my mum is facing. Having dry face, like most Caucasians do, is not a pleasant feeling to have. When I was in Melbourne, I suffered dry skin pretty badly. On the first night, my skin peeled already! I was so scared! I cannot imagine people who go through it on a daily basis! It would really be super scary. 

My swollen calves due to water retention ):

 

The left side in comparison, has a lot more of a healthier shine in comparison with the right. Product doesn't feel greasy at all !

 

Radiant Youth Essence with Royal Jelly + ATP 

• Contains 95% pure Green Tea extract
• Rich in anti-oxidant properties to help reduce signs of ageing
• Fragrance and preservatives free
• Locks in moisture, prevents dryness and keeps skin hydrated and soft
• With ATP to recharge skin cells with energy, maintaining youthfulness

Problem : - I want a sharper face, is that even possible without surgery? 

You  must be thinking, Andrea, your face is already long, why would you want an even sharper face now? Ah hah! For those who are on the Moon Face boat with me, I bet you do realise that when we put on just a little bit of weight on our faces, everything just looks SO WRONG. Its like a fatter crescent. Not pretty at all. With a firmer face shape, not only does our skin look more healthy, you also won't have to contour your face like mad!
 

Face Lifting Cream with Royal Jelly + ATP

The Star Product of the entire range has got to be this! The product does feel a bit tingling, but that's just kind of mean it is working isn't it?

• Fades spots and whitens skin
• Reduces double chin 
• Contracts pores and refines skin 
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles 
• Deeply moisturizes and nourishes skin with precious herbal ingredients 
• Lifts facial contours,shapes V face and look younger

 
DID YOU KNOW : Massaging motions being carried out on the face would have a direct impact on the results you get from products? If it is a lifting product you're using, remember to massage in the direction against gravity pull, otherwise, no miraculous product would be able to help. Pamper yourself daily and massage with an upward motion to reduce those fine lines! 

Check out this Clinical Thermal Infra-Red Test to prove the efficacies of the Face Lifting Cream with ATP

Thermal Infra-red picture for “Before application of Face Lifting Cream with ATP” Thermal Infrared picture for “After application of Face Lifting Cream with ATP” ( Higher temperature registered as seen from the thermal area in red within the picture)

The higher temperature registered by the thermal infra-red equipment after application (red area) indicates that the Face Lifting Cream with ATP has effectively help promote the blood and oxygen circulation within 10 minutes of application .This in turn helps to burn excess fats and create a youthful V shaped face.

The full range of the New Royal Jelly + ATP

 

Restoration of the skin’s suppleness, radiance and firmness to achieve a youthful V-shaped facial contour - choose Bio-Essence Royal Jelly + ATP range today! 

STAND TO WIN
That's right, stand to win daily prizes over on Bio Essence Facebook Page by playing the "UNLOCK YOUR FEMININE CHARM" Game! 


xx
Andrea