My skin has generally been quite clear. However, these past few years, especially after leaving home, I dealt with spots that take forever to clear.
Earlier this year, I had two weddings to help out and attend in one month and tried desperately to work on getting my skin to calm down. That is when I started doing 2 (hydrating) masks a day, at night. Now, I still do that, but much less regularly (perhaps once a week) but I still mask about 4 - 5 times a week. Here's my current routine:
AM:
1. wash with sulwahsoo (a deluxe sample size I got and started using in August)
2. apply Sulwahsoo first care serum
3. apply Nuxe hydrating serum
4. sulwahsoo cream (very very lightly and only occasionally.
If I were going to apply makeup, I doing usually skip step 4. I dislike the feeling of having too many creams/lotions on my face.
PM: This is where it gets interesting
1. waterproof eyemakeup remover (if I used waterproof makeup in the day)
2. makeup remover water
3. clay wash/mask
4. (occassionally) mask during shower
5. first care sulwahsoo
6. nuxe serum
7. sulwahsoo cream
8. (couple of times a week) mask
Step 8 varies, it could be a sleeping mask, like Laneige or Sulwahsoo or it could be a cream mask, like Avene or Nuxe or it could be a sheet mask, like My Beauty Diary (my go-to). My focus is on hydration.
I should explain step 3: this is a mixture I make myself from different types of clay and liquids. My options are:
I change it up in accordance to what I think I need. If I am extra spotty, I use tea tree oil. If my skin is calm, I use the rose water. Its troublesome but I think rather useful. It also provides some physical exfoliation, which I think my skin prefers, compared to chemical exfoliation.
As to step 4: this started when I purchased a fresh face mask from Lush (I tried the Oats and Blue berry ones). As they get messy, I apply them during my shower and wash off when I step out of the bathroom. Nowadays, until I get another fresh face mask, I do this with Dr GL's gel mask. This is a bit difficult to get off by just wiping so its easier to just wash off in the shower.
The night time routine extended my bathing routine from 15mins to 25 - 30 mins. But it is also a time for me to wind down as I will usually read a book or magazine while I let the masks dry/work their magic, so unless its really late at night or Im rushing, I dont mind.
The result of this routine is not perfect. I still get spots and have to deal with them. But my skin did calm down quite abit. Hydration is key I found.
Things will continue to change but I just want to put this down so that I have something to return to at a later time.
Tuesday 9 December 2014
Bali 2014
I went to Bali last week with a friend. Just using this space to pen my thoughts.
1. Seminyak shopping is expensive.
2. Be prepared to attract attention, guys asking you, want a car? good morning? hello~? As far as I could tell, they won't do anything but be careful.
3. Things are relatively cheaper. Simply because of the exchange rate. SGD : IDR was 1:9,350 last week.
4. The exchange rate is NOT better over there. Only less than 5 money changers were offering rates above 9.350 and from I have read online. It is risky to change at these changers.
5. Be ready for the humidity. We went during the rainy season, so it was quite bad. Sweat is good, keep repeating that.
6. Seminyak is teeming with tourists. Shops are meant for tourists.
7. Suluban Beach has surfer dudes, Fin's Beach Club has rich Indonesians and Chinese, Padawan Beach reminded me of Tanjong Aru (in Sabah, Malaysia) in that it was crowded and not pretty.
8. Seminyak beach is not worth going for the beach but perhaps the sunset will be nice (we didnt get to see it, on account of the clouds).
9. More expensive places (think Potato Head, Samara Resort where Fin's Beach Club was located) check your bags and/or car. For Fin's as we went by car, they had something like a metal detector. Probably increased security after the bombing many years back.
10. People are generally rather friendly, whether the locals or the tourists.
11. Uluwatu is pretty, but again, tourists.
All in all, it was a good experience. We stayed a little far from Seminyak town, at Jalan Bumbak. What I realised walkin around town is that there are MANY hotels/villas/resorts just an alleyway away from the center of town. I might try those if I ever go back to Seminyak.
It appears South Kuta is where the nice beaches are. I would go there just to lounge a few days, if i get the chance.
But if I do return to Bali in the near future, the plan would be to try (1) the Bali Safari Resort - google it; and (2) stay at Ubud and do some yoga, eat, pray, love people~
1. Seminyak shopping is expensive.
2. Be prepared to attract attention, guys asking you, want a car? good morning? hello~? As far as I could tell, they won't do anything but be careful.
3. Things are relatively cheaper. Simply because of the exchange rate. SGD : IDR was 1:9,350 last week.
4. The exchange rate is NOT better over there. Only less than 5 money changers were offering rates above 9.350 and from I have read online. It is risky to change at these changers.
5. Be ready for the humidity. We went during the rainy season, so it was quite bad. Sweat is good, keep repeating that.
6. Seminyak is teeming with tourists. Shops are meant for tourists.
7. Suluban Beach has surfer dudes, Fin's Beach Club has rich Indonesians and Chinese, Padawan Beach reminded me of Tanjong Aru (in Sabah, Malaysia) in that it was crowded and not pretty.
8. Seminyak beach is not worth going for the beach but perhaps the sunset will be nice (we didnt get to see it, on account of the clouds).
9. More expensive places (think Potato Head, Samara Resort where Fin's Beach Club was located) check your bags and/or car. For Fin's as we went by car, they had something like a metal detector. Probably increased security after the bombing many years back.
10. People are generally rather friendly, whether the locals or the tourists.
11. Uluwatu is pretty, but again, tourists.
All in all, it was a good experience. We stayed a little far from Seminyak town, at Jalan Bumbak. What I realised walkin around town is that there are MANY hotels/villas/resorts just an alleyway away from the center of town. I might try those if I ever go back to Seminyak.
It appears South Kuta is where the nice beaches are. I would go there just to lounge a few days, if i get the chance.
But if I do return to Bali in the near future, the plan would be to try (1) the Bali Safari Resort - google it; and (2) stay at Ubud and do some yoga, eat, pray, love people~
Monday 10 November 2014
Everything with Fries
I first tried EwF when I was an undergraduate, that was many years ago but in the past 2 months, I've been there three times. Twice the Somerset branch and once to the Bugis branch.
I noticed that the two branches had different menus. The Bugis branch had western-fusion dishes, think asian flavour pork chops while the Somerset branch essentially sold burgers with fries.
I will be talking about my food experience at Somerset.
We tried the pork satay burger and the slider. Handsdown, I prefer the pork satay burger. The meat used were tender (albeit slightly fatty but really, if its not fatty it might get too dry) and the dish very appetizing. There was even a slice of canned pineapple. I would totally get this if we head back.
I had the slider, the dish was rather one-dimensional. Just salty, nothing much else. Too boring.
Can't say much about the fries other than they are really nothing special. The seasoning doesnt taste great either. But if you, like us, just simply enjoy fries, these will be enough.
Dessert wise, their mille crepe is really odd. Thick layers, more batter-y than crepe. Their banana cake with ice cream and butterscotch sauce fared better. We had this twice already, at both Bugis and Somerset. The ice-cream is store-bought and depending on your luck, you may or may not get icicles in it.
I noticed that the two branches had different menus. The Bugis branch had western-fusion dishes, think asian flavour pork chops while the Somerset branch essentially sold burgers with fries.
I will be talking about my food experience at Somerset.
We tried the pork satay burger and the slider. Handsdown, I prefer the pork satay burger. The meat used were tender (albeit slightly fatty but really, if its not fatty it might get too dry) and the dish very appetizing. There was even a slice of canned pineapple. I would totally get this if we head back.
I had the slider, the dish was rather one-dimensional. Just salty, nothing much else. Too boring.
Can't say much about the fries other than they are really nothing special. The seasoning doesnt taste great either. But if you, like us, just simply enjoy fries, these will be enough.
Dessert wise, their mille crepe is really odd. Thick layers, more batter-y than crepe. Their banana cake with ice cream and butterscotch sauce fared better. We had this twice already, at both Bugis and Somerset. The ice-cream is store-bought and depending on your luck, you may or may not get icicles in it.
Sunday 2 November 2014
Selfish Gene Cafe
I had facial one Sunday and the bf decided to wait for me nearby. When researching where he could go, I realise there are MANY cafes at the outram park - tanjong pagar area. We decided on SGC.
I got there around 11.40am. There was a short queue outside but there was at least 1 table vacant. I believe these people required more than 1 table (ie, party of more than 2) so they had to wait.
Food wise, we ordered the Valerie (for me), the Breakfast Plate (for the bf) and the banana cake (dessert).
The dressing used for the side salad for Valerie was awesome. Sweet and sour, very appetizing. This dish is sweet, rather than savory although scrambled eggs was included as the main item was a brioche with (I think) cream cheese and berry compote. Good if you like something sweet and sour-ish.
The Breakfast Plate included scrambled eggs, mushrooms, sausage and 2 slices of bread (or maybe it was brioche). Also provided were packaged strawberry jam and butter. I believe it was sufficiently filling. The mushrooms were pretty nice, chewy, tender.
The bf ordered iced cappucino while waiting for me and I ordered an orange juice to share when I reached.
The orange juice tasted a tad too sweet, as if sugar was added.
Last but not least, the banana cake, topped with a few slices of banana and peanut butter drizzle. This was highly recommended in online reviews and we can see why. Extremely soft and fragrant (though I wish no artificial flavouring was used), the addition of peanut butter drizzle made the dish rather interesting.
Would I go back? Maybe but unlikely, because there are too many places to explore in the vicinity.
I got there around 11.40am. There was a short queue outside but there was at least 1 table vacant. I believe these people required more than 1 table (ie, party of more than 2) so they had to wait.
Food wise, we ordered the Valerie (for me), the Breakfast Plate (for the bf) and the banana cake (dessert).
The dressing used for the side salad for Valerie was awesome. Sweet and sour, very appetizing. This dish is sweet, rather than savory although scrambled eggs was included as the main item was a brioche with (I think) cream cheese and berry compote. Good if you like something sweet and sour-ish.
The Breakfast Plate included scrambled eggs, mushrooms, sausage and 2 slices of bread (or maybe it was brioche). Also provided were packaged strawberry jam and butter. I believe it was sufficiently filling. The mushrooms were pretty nice, chewy, tender.
The bf ordered iced cappucino while waiting for me and I ordered an orange juice to share when I reached.
The orange juice tasted a tad too sweet, as if sugar was added.
Last but not least, the banana cake, topped with a few slices of banana and peanut butter drizzle. This was highly recommended in online reviews and we can see why. Extremely soft and fragrant (though I wish no artificial flavouring was used), the addition of peanut butter drizzle made the dish rather interesting.
Would I go back? Maybe but unlikely, because there are too many places to explore in the vicinity.
Bread & Hearth
I was walking around Outram Park area with the bf and we came across B&H. Knowing how much of a bread fanatic I am, the bf insisted we check out the place. We bought 3 buns: white chocolate bun, honey & chocolate bun and the walnut bread.
I have tried all three and have this to say. They are decent bread. I give 4 out of 5 stars. I couldn't give a higher rating because the bread is somewhat "crumbly" and not sufficiently chewy for my liking. Also, the location is pretty out of the way.
Price wise, it is slightly cheaper than my favourite, maison kayser, though still much higher than your neighborhood bakeries. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the area!
I have tried all three and have this to say. They are decent bread. I give 4 out of 5 stars. I couldn't give a higher rating because the bread is somewhat "crumbly" and not sufficiently chewy for my liking. Also, the location is pretty out of the way.
Price wise, it is slightly cheaper than my favourite, maison kayser, though still much higher than your neighborhood bakeries. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the area!
Tuesday 28 October 2014
SKII Workshop on 25 October 2014
When my mother came over at the end of October, one of the things we did together was attend an SK II workshop. It was held at Halia Restaurant (Raffles Hotel outlet) and cost each of us S$130. This S$130 was fully redeemable for products at the end of the workshop and included:-
(a) food and drinks during the event;
(b) door gifts; and
(c) a copy of NuYou.
The Food
1st, the food was GOOD. Very light and nutritious, I was especially impressed by the chicken fillets cooked in sake and ginseng, simply because the fillets were very soft and moist, despite not being cooked with the skin. The Salmon thing that came with it wasnt so great, it had too much mayonnaise for me.
Dessert was good too. Coconut pudding (or coconut panna cotta, as one of the servers called it) with diced mango, lychee and (yes) chilli. The chilli wasn't spicy at all and the pudding was totally melt-in-your-mouth. Delish.
The drinks served weren't great though - orange or cranberry juice, from a carton. Later on, after my first glass, I got warm water - my go to most of the time.
The Workshop
The workshop was done rather well. Someone from SKII (who I later learnt was to conduct the workshop) had noticed that I had an inflammation on my left upper eyelid during his walkabout and told me to not do the massages on that part of my face.
He went through the whole regime, all with SKII products, from cleansing (double cleanse, cleansing gel and then the foam), toning (clear lotion), facial treatment essence and then the cellumination range.
He also taught us how to use/apply the products - how much to us, how to apply it to our face. It was very informative, if one is receptive. I have to say, its just too much trouble for me to care so much. So I didn't follow all that carefully.
There was also some discussion on what affects the health and radiance of one's skin.
Goodies
The door gifts were rather generous too, if you consider the fact that we could redeem the S$130 for products after the session. We were given sample sizes of their cleansing cream, clear lotion, treatment essence, 2 pieces of SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask, and a full size of their loose powder. We were also each given a sample of their eye cream that was supposed to be applied during the event but since I had some inflammation I didn't use it so mum brought that home.
I understand from the lady who spoke to me on the phone when I was doing the rsvp that the loose powder costs more than S$90 and that is also what I found online. The whitening masks I believe costs at least about S$16 each (information online tells me a box of 10 retails at USD 160) . This means the full-sized goodies given retail at at least S$122. This is before we add on the value of the samples and the food (which I was told cost S$88 per pax, use your own judgment, but Halia isn't cheap). So even before redeeming our vouchers, we already were given/provided with food/services/products worth more than S$130.
After the event, as my mother had to fly home and did not have check-in luggage, we intended to purchase a box of SKII Facial Treatment Mask (at S$122), 2 of the smallest sets they had which included the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (75ml), Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (30ml) and Facial Treatment Mask (1 sheet). According to the ladies at the event (from both Robinsons and SKII), there was another promotion, by Robinsons, whereby with every S$120 spent, we could get S$10 off. In the end, we got another Facial Treatment Mask (ala carte). With all these, I had to top up just S$62. In my view, this was a very good value deal if you are trying out the brand.
Conclusion
All in all, this was a really good value event. Very good for people wanting to learn more about the brand and wanting to try stuff from the brand. Also, a shoutout to the sales people (whether from Robinsons or SKII) at the event. They were very courteous and nice, even among the chaos. Plus, my mother and I weren't exactly well dressed (and we purchased the minimum so that we could use our vouches) but they were very nice to us all the same.
(a) food and drinks during the event;
(b) door gifts; and
(c) a copy of NuYou.
The Food
1st, the food was GOOD. Very light and nutritious, I was especially impressed by the chicken fillets cooked in sake and ginseng, simply because the fillets were very soft and moist, despite not being cooked with the skin. The Salmon thing that came with it wasnt so great, it had too much mayonnaise for me.
Dessert was good too. Coconut pudding (or coconut panna cotta, as one of the servers called it) with diced mango, lychee and (yes) chilli. The chilli wasn't spicy at all and the pudding was totally melt-in-your-mouth. Delish.
The drinks served weren't great though - orange or cranberry juice, from a carton. Later on, after my first glass, I got warm water - my go to most of the time.
The Workshop
The workshop was done rather well. Someone from SKII (who I later learnt was to conduct the workshop) had noticed that I had an inflammation on my left upper eyelid during his walkabout and told me to not do the massages on that part of my face.
He went through the whole regime, all with SKII products, from cleansing (double cleanse, cleansing gel and then the foam), toning (clear lotion), facial treatment essence and then the cellumination range.
He also taught us how to use/apply the products - how much to us, how to apply it to our face. It was very informative, if one is receptive. I have to say, its just too much trouble for me to care so much. So I didn't follow all that carefully.
There was also some discussion on what affects the health and radiance of one's skin.
Goodies
The door gifts were rather generous too, if you consider the fact that we could redeem the S$130 for products after the session. We were given sample sizes of their cleansing cream, clear lotion, treatment essence, 2 pieces of SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask, and a full size of their loose powder. We were also each given a sample of their eye cream that was supposed to be applied during the event but since I had some inflammation I didn't use it so mum brought that home.
I understand from the lady who spoke to me on the phone when I was doing the rsvp that the loose powder costs more than S$90 and that is also what I found online. The whitening masks I believe costs at least about S$16 each (information online tells me a box of 10 retails at USD 160) . This means the full-sized goodies given retail at at least S$122. This is before we add on the value of the samples and the food (which I was told cost S$88 per pax, use your own judgment, but Halia isn't cheap). So even before redeeming our vouchers, we already were given/provided with food/services/products worth more than S$130.
After the event, as my mother had to fly home and did not have check-in luggage, we intended to purchase a box of SKII Facial Treatment Mask (at S$122), 2 of the smallest sets they had which included the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (75ml), Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (30ml) and Facial Treatment Mask (1 sheet). According to the ladies at the event (from both Robinsons and SKII), there was another promotion, by Robinsons, whereby with every S$120 spent, we could get S$10 off. In the end, we got another Facial Treatment Mask (ala carte). With all these, I had to top up just S$62. In my view, this was a very good value deal if you are trying out the brand.
Conclusion
All in all, this was a really good value event. Very good for people wanting to learn more about the brand and wanting to try stuff from the brand. Also, a shoutout to the sales people (whether from Robinsons or SKII) at the event. They were very courteous and nice, even among the chaos. Plus, my mother and I weren't exactly well dressed (and we purchased the minimum so that we could use our vouches) but they were very nice to us all the same.
Thursday 18 September 2014
Maison Kayser
Anyone who has had meals with me knows, I like to eat. In particular, I cannot resist the "bad" carbs, like bread and noodles. Maison Kayser is a favourite of mine for more european?-style breads, ie. not your usual old-school asian bakery bread. My absolute favourite from them is their white chocolate bun, delice blanc. Sophie has something similar but Sophie's bread is more asian-style, none of that crusty-chewyt goodness. Of course, Sophie is also more than half the price. One delice blanc if I remember correctly costs me more than S$3 and the bun is only about the size of my fist. It is small but it is oh-so-satisfying. Must-try!
Monday 15 September 2014
Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub
I have had this body scrub for (possibly) more than 2 years and am about to finish it. I have an innate inability to finish any skincare or makeup so that is not due to the product itself although I do have some comments to make.
One of the reasons it took me soo long to use this is because I was told I could use the product on dry skin. This is what Clarins.com.sg say on their website:
Massage onto dry or damp skin 1-2 times per week (including the bust area and concentrating on rough areas such as elbows, knees, feet and thighs). Rinse thoroughly.
Since I wanted to get the full effect of the scrubbing action, I tried my best to use it on dry skin but it really hurt! Granted I have sensitive skin but I would not suggest anyone use this scrub on dry skin. The powdery texture of the scrub does not help in spreading the gritty parts on the skin and it is very gritty. Using this on dry skin causes way too much friction.
The product smells alright, slightly powdery and flowery. Not overpowering though I believe the scent lingers after bath.
To use this up, I started using this on wet skin. That really helps to spread the product on the skin but I dont think you exfoliate less. In fact, with increase in spreadability, I would massage the product in circles on the skin before rinsing it off. I think my skin is sufficiently scrubbed when I do that. Also, using this on wet skin also means it is easier to remove. When I used this on dry skin, I tend to find bits still remaining on the body when I am towelling off; its quite off-putting.
Repurchase? No. The main reason for this is the price. I do not think a body scrub that does not seem to do much else needs to cost so much. I cannot recall how much I paid for this but I have since purchased The Body Shop body scrubs during one of their atrium sales and I will use those after I finish this. It is just not exceptional enough for me to want to repurchase.
Monday 8 September 2014
Watsons Beauty Buys (Aug 2014)
So, I went to Watsons end of August, for their members sale. The Toa Payoh outlet was crowded but the queue at the cashier wasn't particularly long.
Here's what I got, beauty-wise.
Mascara
I have decided long ago that I wasn't going to buy department store mascaras. Aside from the prices, I have tried a few samples (Clinique, Dior), and did not like them. Maybelline works best for me. Usually I use the Volume Express (the yellow tube) but I noticed lately that the curl doesn't last the whole day for me so I decided to try another type, so, hello Lashionista. This was sort of an impulse buy -- I needed a new tube but I didn't know which is good so I just got what looked interesting.
Liquid Eyeliner
I also got the K Palette 1 Day Tattoo eyeliner. I have not tried any department store liquid liners todate as I am still learning to use liquid liners. I don't use eyeliners (much less liquid eyeliners) often, so I didn't want to buy something expensive which will dry up before I use them. The only other liquid eyeliner I've tried was the Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Liquid Eyeliner. This was very black, very hard to remove but difficult to use for a novice. It came with a brush that you have to dip into an "ink bottle" and the brush had a tendency to split into three parts, making it hard to draw one line.
Pencil Eyeliner
Other things I got - pencil eyeliners. I have previously used more expensive brands (think Urban Decay, Lancome, Makeup Forever) but they smudged on me! I tried the tester at Watsons and these don't seem to smudge and considering the price point, I figured there's no harm in trying them out. I got two, one black, one white. I used to apply white eyeliner to my lower waterline, and want to go back to doing that. I previously used an eyeliner from KATE for that purpose but Watsons don't seem to carry that anymore.
Shading/Eyebrow Palette
Also got the shader/eyebrow powder palette from Heavy Rotation. I just started getting into filling in my brows. I had my eyebrows shaped twice and I don't like the feeling, not only was my skin irritated and stayed red for awhile, both times I feel that my brows looked too thin for my wide face. Instead, I'm going to try to just define them.
MISC
I also got two My Beauty Diary masks and an Alcon Tears Naturale II. MBD masks are a favourite of mine - cheap and convenient. I love to use the Natto ones as my skin is dry but I don't mind switching it up once in a while. As for the Alcon, it was recommended to me by my GP as my eyes feel dry very easily. It keeps the eyes moist for longer than the usual eye drops.
I have not used any of the make up items yet as I still need to finish up what I have. I will try to update after trying the products.
Here's what I got, beauty-wise.
Mascara
I have decided long ago that I wasn't going to buy department store mascaras. Aside from the prices, I have tried a few samples (Clinique, Dior), and did not like them. Maybelline works best for me. Usually I use the Volume Express (the yellow tube) but I noticed lately that the curl doesn't last the whole day for me so I decided to try another type, so, hello Lashionista. This was sort of an impulse buy -- I needed a new tube but I didn't know which is good so I just got what looked interesting.
Liquid Eyeliner
I also got the K Palette 1 Day Tattoo eyeliner. I have not tried any department store liquid liners todate as I am still learning to use liquid liners. I don't use eyeliners (much less liquid eyeliners) often, so I didn't want to buy something expensive which will dry up before I use them. The only other liquid eyeliner I've tried was the Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Liquid Eyeliner. This was very black, very hard to remove but difficult to use for a novice. It came with a brush that you have to dip into an "ink bottle" and the brush had a tendency to split into three parts, making it hard to draw one line.
Pencil Eyeliner
Other things I got - pencil eyeliners. I have previously used more expensive brands (think Urban Decay, Lancome, Makeup Forever) but they smudged on me! I tried the tester at Watsons and these don't seem to smudge and considering the price point, I figured there's no harm in trying them out. I got two, one black, one white. I used to apply white eyeliner to my lower waterline, and want to go back to doing that. I previously used an eyeliner from KATE for that purpose but Watsons don't seem to carry that anymore.
Shading/Eyebrow Palette
Also got the shader/eyebrow powder palette from Heavy Rotation. I just started getting into filling in my brows. I had my eyebrows shaped twice and I don't like the feeling, not only was my skin irritated and stayed red for awhile, both times I feel that my brows looked too thin for my wide face. Instead, I'm going to try to just define them.
MISC
I also got two My Beauty Diary masks and an Alcon Tears Naturale II. MBD masks are a favourite of mine - cheap and convenient. I love to use the Natto ones as my skin is dry but I don't mind switching it up once in a while. As for the Alcon, it was recommended to me by my GP as my eyes feel dry very easily. It keeps the eyes moist for longer than the usual eye drops.
I have not used any of the make up items yet as I still need to finish up what I have. I will try to update after trying the products.
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