~*Giveaway*~ Olay White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Serum & Eye Roller

Edit: Giveaway closed. A huge thank you to my sponsor for making this giveaway possible.

Remember my post on the White Radiance boutique? I have here the exact items mentioned in that entry for you to win!

What is up for grabs?
Three sets of full sized Olay White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Serum and Olay White Radiance CelLucent White Eye Roller worth RM 144.80 each.

How to win?
① Fill out the form below.
② Complete the 3 mandatory entries to unlock additional bonus entries. You must earn a MINIMUM of 5 entries to be in the running to win my giveaway.
③ To be eligible to enter the contest, an entrant must be a Malaysian resident. Minors who enter must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian in order to be eligible to receive the prizes. Employees of Olay and its parent company are ineligible to participate in this contest.
④ Giveaway ends on October 6th 12:00 am MST (GMT+8:00).

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!

Disclosure: Sponsored giveaway.

Olay White Radiance CelLucent White Essence Serum & Eye Roller

All of the sunscreen in the world could not shield me from the glaring sun rays during my recent trip to Thailand. Naturally, I needed to work that tan off once I returned home and coincidentally, in came a parcel from Olay Malaysia (as if the Whitening Gods were smiling down on me!).

In it were two items from the White Radiance boutique:

① Olay White Radiance Spot line:
◆ Olay White Radiance CelLucent Essence Water Hydrating Toner
◆ Olay White Radiance CelLucent White Essence Serum
◆ Olay White Radiance CelLucent White Cream Moisturizer

② Olay White Radiance Tone line:
◆ Olay White Radiance CelLucent White Emulsion
◆ Olay White Radiance CelLucent White Eye Roller

(Source: facebook.com/OlayMalaysia)

ღ White Radiance CelLucent White Essence Serum

Name: Olay White Radiance™ CelLucent™ White Essence Serum
Price: RM 99.90 for 40 ml
UrCosme rating: 3.7 ★
Made in: Thailand

Olay claims this serum reduces the appearance of spots within two weeks. With Niacinamide as the second ingredient alongside other powerhouses (Hexyldecanol, Inositol and N-Undecylenoly-Phenylalanine), I can foresee a bright (a pun!) future ahead of me.

I am very much taken by the formulation. In all my years, I have never encountered a serum that is so attuned to my needs. It sinks in a jiffy - barely any massaging is needed (products tend to absorb slowly when one lives in a country with high temperatures and relative humidities). The milky consistency provides a veil of hydration leaving my face absurdly smooth and cool to the touch.

After two weeks, I noticed that my skin has gained a sense of translucency that was not apparent before. Now if only my skin tone is more even (which I am hoping for with continued usage), I could walk out of my house sans foundation.

My nose was practically plastered to my hand before I managed to identify the aroma - floral - and I think it being so faint will please many that object to fragrances in skincare products.

I have tried every single product in the White Radiance Spot line and while I am also fond of their Hydrating Toner and Cream Moisturizer - it is the Serum that impresses me the most.

The full ingredient list for White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Serum:
Water, Hexyldecanol, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Inositol, Nylon-12, Panthenol, Phytostery/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Boron Nitride, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl Aceate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Benzyl Alcohol, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Aminomethyl Propanol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Disodium EDTA, Souium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Laureth-7, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Fragrance.

ღ White Radiance CelLucent White Eye Roller

Name: Olay White Radiance™ CelLucent™ White Eye Roller
Price: RM 44.90 for 6 ml
UrCosme rating: 3.2 ★
Made in: China

If I am not mistaken, Garnier was one of the first brand to popularise the roller ball eye serums. These metal rollers tend to be cool and will purportedly alleviate puffiness and signs of fatigue.

In order to stand apart from its competitors, Olay came out with this tri-roller applicator. Distressingly enough, it fails to provide much of a cooling effect. I think I had too high an expectation for it, so leave me a comment if you think this level of coolness (or the lack of it) is normal...

Nonetheless, I enjoyed using this pen. It is light and slim and the click end works well in dispensing the formula evenly. One click doles out the perfect amount for one eye. Rolling the applicator alone is not sufficient for the eye serum to completely absorb; some light patting motions with my finger is needed as well.

Now, on to the question everyone has been burning to ask: does it work? I hate to be a party pooper but this eye serum did nothing for me; it has no effect on my puffy eyes and extremely dark circles. My eye area looks exactly the way it did when I first began to use it.

I say skip the eye roller and go for the serum!

The full ingredient list for White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Eye Roller:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Polyethylene, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, DMDM Hydantoin, Laureth-7, Dimethiconol, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Laureth-4, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine.

The new White Radiance boutique is readily available in all leading pharmacies with prices ranging from RM 44.90 to RM 99.90.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Tony Moly Luminous Pure VS Live Aura CC Cream

I have been obsessing over CC creams for the past month or so. This makes today the perfect time to share my latest acquisitions: Tony Moly Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream along with its sister, Tony Moly Luminous Live Aura CC Cream. They offer 7 benefits (UV protection, whitening, anti-wrinkle, radiance, moisturising, primer, makeup base) and are 7 free (parabens, benzophenone, talc, mineral oil, organic pigments, sulphate and triethanolamine).

ღ Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream SPF30 PA++ (루미너스 순수광채 CC크림 SPF30 PA++)

Price: ￦ 16,800 for 50 ml.
Shade: An ivory with warm colour capsules that burst upon contact with skin.
Fragrance: Floral fragrance.
Texture: Fluid and creamy.
Coverage: Minimal.
Finish: Glowy.

ღ Luminous Live Aura CC Cream SPF30 PA++ (루미너스 생기광채 CC크림 SPF30 PA++)

Price: ￦ 16,800 for 50 ml.
Shade: A pale pastel pink with warm colour capsules that burst upon contact with skin.
Fragrance: Floral fragrance.
Texture: Fluid and creamy.
Coverage: Minimal.
Finish: Glowy.

Luminous Live Aura CC Cream is supposedly an upgraded version of Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream but they share the same consistency, finish... basically everything is identical except for the initial shades when they are squirted out.

Choosing one boils down to your personal preference - placing them side by side made me notice that Pure looks more natural once blended in whereas Live is slightly better at brightening the complexion.

Pure - Live

Pure - Live

Pure - Live

If you have slightly more flawed skin (like us regular humans) and want your CC cream to do-it-all by replacing several products (notably your base makeup) and shorten your morning routine, you need to look elsewhere because these CC creams won't answer your needs.

(Source: Promotional images from etonymoly.com/)

Boss Jour Pour Femme Eau De Parfum

The sophisticated new fragrance from Boss Parfums, Jour Pour Femme, uses the first light of day to reflect three important female facets – light, inspiration, and elegant composure - in a beautiful blend of white florals with vibrant citrus.

Name: Boss Jour Pour Femme Eau de Parfum
Price: RM 256 for 50 ml
Made in: UK

ღ The Fragrance
Jour Pour Femme is best compared to an onion. Every layer peeled off reveals yet another beneath it. The initial spritz is fresh and light; by the time dusk rolls around, the earthy base notes are unveiled in their full glory.

At a glance:-
◆ Top notes: Grapefruit Flower, Lime
◆ Heart notes: Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Honeysuckle
◆ Base notes: White Birch, Amber

It is subtle, mild and unobtrusive. It is the type of scent that won't offend when you are stuck in an enclosed space with others.

ღ The Flacon
The flacon has very clean lines and is effortlessly chic. However, I thought that it could have been better constructed. The crystal cap makes a squeaking sound when it is being prised open, and this is not a sound that I want to associate with my perfume.

My second criticism would be the plain body. It is not adorned (words/logo/could be anything) which can make it look half-finished.

ღ The Collection
Jour Pour Femme is available from September 2013 at major department stores and perfumeries:-
◆ Jour Pour Femme EdP 30 ml RM 178
◆ Jour Pour Femme EdP 50 ml RM 256
◆ Jour Pour Femme EdP 75 ml RM 333
◆ Jour Pour Femme Shower Gel 200 ml RM 112
◆ Jour Pour Femme Body Lotion 200 ml RM 124

ღ The Composition
The full ingredient list for Jour Pour Femme Eau de Parfum:-
Alcohol Denat., Aqua (Water), Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, BHT, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Farnesol, CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2).

This gently executed fragrance hits all the marks to earn a spot as an everyday staple. It will be hard for you not to fall for her subtle charm!

Disclosure: Press sample.

Juicing

After partaking in sumptuous meals over the long weekend, it is only natural that I eat sensibly before the next time the glutton in me surfaces ahaha.

Juicing sounds like the perfect way to rejuvenate and detox (and improve my health as well!). I am sharing some of my favourite recipes from the Big Book of Juices & Green Smoothies but feel free to modify them as you go along.

Guava Nectar
Serves 1

◆ 2 cups fresh guava, cut into chunks
◆ 2 kiwifruit
◆ ½ lime, peeled if not organic

Mango-Cucumber Salsa Cooler
Serves 2

◆ 1 firm, ripe mango, peeled and seeded
◆ 1 cucumber, peeled if not organic
◆ 1 handful of cilantro
◆ 1 small lime, peeled if not organic
◆ ½ orange, peeled

Mango Limeade
Serves 1

◆ 2 apples
◆ 1 lime, peeled if not organic
◆ 1 mango, peeled and seeded

Papaya Bliss
Serves 1

◆ 1 ripe medium papaya with seeds, peeled
◆ 2 – 3 carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed
◆ 1 lemon, peeled if not organic
◆ 1-inch-chunk ginger root

Pepper Upper
Serves 1

◆ 3 – 4 carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed
◆ ½ cucumber, peeled if not organic
◆ ¼ bell pepper (green, red or yellow)

All of them share the same set of instructions, which is cut produce to fit your juicer's feed tube. Juice ingredients and stir. Pour into a glass over ice and drink as soon as possible.

Since I am on the topic of juicing, it is fitting that I bring up juicers. There are two types out there: centrifugal and masticating... and this is where Trio Slow Juicer comes in. I rather fancy it because it consumes less power (150 W) and has detachable parts (easy to clean). I will leave you to decide which best fits your lifestyle from the wide variety offered on lazada.com.my.

Stay healthy everyone!

Disclosure: This blog post was sponsored by Lazada.

Yes! Nurse Protect Your Lovely Hands

Yes! Nurse was established in 2012 by consumer product entrepreneur Jonathan Philp and paediatric nurse Antonia Steven. Protect Your Lovely Hands was a result of two and a half years work to help nurses look after their hands whilst at work - a problem Steven had suffered from and knew others (busy mums and beauty fanatics) did too.

Name: Yes! Nurse Protect Your Lovely Hands
Price: £ 5.49 for 50 ml
Made in: UK

Protect Your Lovely Hands boasts a number of naturally active ingredients to counteract dry, sore and cracked skin such as +15 Active Manuka Honey and White Willow Bark Extract.

It has a fluid yet thick consistency that sinks in easily, leaving no residue. The faint scent relaxes and soothes; not quite baby powder but perhaps an evolved, mature version? The scent pleases me even though it is very different from my beloved Raspberry Chocolate Cookie hand cream.

This cream lasts throughout the night without having to reapply leaving my hands smooth and soft to the touch. My elbows and knees have also benefited from its nourishing properties.

Interested? Shop at yesnurse.co.uk!

The full ingredient list for Protect Your Lovely Hands:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Glyceryl Sterate Citrate, Mel (Active Manuka Honey), Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sucrose Stearate, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja, PEG 100 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Passiflora Edulis Seed (Passionflower) Oil, Punica Granatum Seed (Pomegranate) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Salix Alba (Willow Bark) Extract, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Alpha-Isomethylionone, Limonene, Coumarin, Linalool.

Etude House Collagen Moistfull Cream

I knew that ever since its conception, Collagen Moistfull Cream was a cult favorite, but I didn't know just HOW popular it is... the peeps at Etude House Korea said that a jar is sold every 10 seconds!

Comes in a set with a 20 ml bottle of Collagen Moistfull First Essence!

Even Onew from SHINee brought it along for his vacation in Krabi, Thailand.

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Collagen Moistfull Cream 수분가득 콜라겐 크림 기획세트
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 60 ml
Made in: Korea

Collagen Moistfull Cream has a gel like texture that is literally brimming with moisture. It nourishes the skin without feeling heavy. There is also a cooling effect upon application, which is the norm with water-based products.

It smells quite strongly of plumeria. Not everyone will relate to this scent, however I enjoy it, and the scent makes massaging the cream all over my face a relaxing process.

It is said to contain Natural Marine Collagen Extract and Baobab Tree Extract which apparently have moisturising properties. A closer look at the ingredient list reveals an abundance of silicones which lends to the silky smooth effect.

I was duly impressed when I noticed my skin actually feels slightly plumper when I was washing my face a few days after I started using the cream. Surprisingly, all that silicone did not impede the active ingredients from showing results.

I would recommend Collagen Moistfull Cream for younger skins and to people living in hot, humid climates. You might want to think about making a switch to the Enriched version when fall comes along because by then, regular will be too light.

(Source: etude.co.kr/)

The full ingredient list for Collagen Moistfull Cream:
Hydrolyzed Collagen, Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract, Betaine, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Stearic Acid, PCA Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclomethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Silica, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Phenyl Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, PPG-5-Laureth-5, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 33 (CI 17200).

Disclosure: Pink Bird sample.