Blithe Patting Water Pack Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey

Nicknamed 30 seconds pack, Blithe's Patting Water Pack is one of the newer innovations to come out from the Korean beauty scene. With Patting Water Pack, waiting for 15 minutes while your mask of choice works its magic is a thing of the past. Now you need only pat the pack in (this is where the 30 seconds come in) and you are done!

Name: Blithe 블라이드의 Patting Water Pack Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey 패팅 워터 팩 에너지 옐로우 시트러스 앤 허니
Price: ₩ 38,000 for 200 ml
Made in: Korea

There are three variants altogether, and obviously they target different skin concerns. While I may benefit more from Soothing & Healing Green Tea's calming effect or Rejuvenating Purple Berry's increased elasticity, I opted for the all encompassing Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey. Why? Purely because Allure Korea chose this particular version for a feature, haha!

(Source: allurekorea.com/)

Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey utilises Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit extracts and oils to even out skin tone for a smoother, brighter complexion. Apparently it also balances the skin pH and removes dead skin cells.

(Source: myblithe.com/)

Dilute the product in water in a ratio of 1:100, then pat the solution on the face. For best results, let it air dry. I towel/tissue dry the eye area otherwise it will sting my eyeballs... Watch the video first before you get started for their directions are far more thorough!

It absorbs within a short minute (perhaps even less than that), leaving my skin feeling refreshed and cool to the touch. For research purposes (I lied, I was just plain lazy), I went without other products after whacking the solution on my face. Surprisingly, it did not feel tight at all! Anything that keeps my my skin well nourished with little effort is a keeper in my books.

I really enjoy using this pack daily as the others in my array are more of a weekly indulgence. It is not a miracle cure (then again I wouldn't know any better - I have only been putting it to good use for the past fortnight) but definitely a helpful tool in the fight against sallowness on account of it infusing my skin with vitality.

This 200 ml bottle will last less than a month if I go with the recommended 7 ml dosage on a daily basis. I have even taken to carrying around the diluted concentrate to mist all day long. The burst of zesty citrus really invigorates. Every spritz feels like a wake up call!

Interested? Buy it for RM 159 at Sephora.

The full ingredient list for Patting Water Pack Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey:
Water, Lactic Acid, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Panthenol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, l,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Lactate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil.

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Lipstick Picks For Work

We spruce up our faces every single morning before work. However, we know that not all makeup looks are appropriate for the work place especially professional type settings. Wrong lipstick colours are one of the many make up mistakes that women practice without even realising the consequences it has for our images.

The first lipstick colour for any woman to opt for is pink. Pink shades are perfect for women to look feminine and appealing.

◆ NARS Audacious Lipstick Claudia
◆ Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick Turn On

A nude lip is suitable for women who prefer staying simple. Besides that, nude lipsticks can match anything we wear to the office.

◆ Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick Be Free
◆ Bobbi Brown Lip Color Uber Beige

Lastly, make a statement with a vibrant red lipstick. Bring extra style and sophistication to your wardrobe, up your confidence and hold everyone's attention all in one swipe!

◆ Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Colour 324 Red Love
◆ Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel 134 Showstopper

Check out Zalora if you want get new lipsticks. They offer a wide range of lipstick for women online from various well-known brands!

(Source: All images from nydailynews.com/)

Disclosure: This blog post was sponsored by Zalora.

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Burberry My Burberry Eau De Parfum

My Burberry takes its name from the affectionate way in which people refer to their Burberry trench coats. The campaign features Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne wearing these trench coats under the creative direction of Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Bailey.

"My Burberry is the true embodiment of our brand, in scent, in design and in attitude. A fragrance that takes its lead from the iconic Burberry trench has to be outstanding in every way."
Christopher Bailey

Name: Burberry My Burberry Eau de Parfum
Price: RM 465 for 90 ml
Made in: France

ღ The Fragrance
The scent encapsulates the smell of walks along an English garden: the fresh rain-tipped earth, the warmth from the sunshine peeking through the clouds combined with flowers in full bloom.

Noticed the emphasis on English? Well, that is because the fragrance matches someplace cooler. To be fair, any garden in the world will do as long as it has spring and autumn seasons. The sensorial experience that I painted doesn't seem as vivid in a warm climate. Then again, that could be me just being finicky, haha!

◆ Top notes: Sweet Pea, Bergamot
◆ Heart notes: Geranium, Golden Quince, Freesia
◆ Base notes: Damask Rose, Centifolia Rose, Patchouli

My Burberry easily brings me from day to night but my favourite time to mist it is before I cop some z's. It stays on until I roll out of bed in the morning - pretty impressive considering I tend to flail about when I sleep. If this can't be taken as a testament to its longevity, then I don't know what can.

I feel like a million dollars the moment I spritz some on. How did Burberry do it? Or is magic afoot? It will be pretty hard for a fragrance to kick it off its current standing in my heart!

ღ The Flacon
The entirety of the bottle reflects the details of the Burberry trench coat: the shape of the horn-finish cap (buttons on the coat), the fabric of the hand-tied knot (English-woven gabardine) right down to the colour of the precious liquid (signature honey shade).

The same meticulous detailing went into the box as well, where the gold lined interior is embossed with the iconic Burberry check design.

ღ The Collection
◆ My Burberry EdP 30 ml RM 205
◆ My Burberry EdP 50 ml RM 315
◆ My Burberry EdP 90 ml RM 465
◆ My Burberry Collectors Edition EdP 900 ml RM 10,250
◆ My Burberry Shower Oil 240 ml RM 190
◆ My Burberry Moisturising Body Mist 100 ml RM 150
◆ My Burberry Fresh Deodorant 100 ml RM 140

ღ The Composition
The full ingredient list for My Burberry Eau de Parfum:
Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Geraniol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, BHT, Citral, Coumarin, Isoeugenol, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), CI 14700 (Red 4).

Burberry offers complimentary monogramming on all 90 ml flacons. What better way to spoil yourself or a special someone in your life than the ultimate tailor-made present?

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Cuscos Ruby Lifting Pack

Packed with Glacier Water (mineral-rich hydration), Pomegranate Extract (a potent antioxidant) and Hydrolyzed Collagen (improves skin elasticity), Ruby Lifting Pack promises to turn back the hands of time for younger-looking skin.

There is even some before-and-after pictures (impossibly hard to do when it comes to skincare)!

Name: Cuscos 쿠스코스 Ruby Lifting Pack 루비 리프팅 팩
Price: RM 218 for 50 ml
Made in: Korea

It has a lovely floral mixed with citrus kind of smell - one that immediately comforts. Using it is pretty simple: drizzle it on, let it dry, splash with water, massage a little and then rinse off. It may sound like a lot of steps when I lay it out like that but it really is not. Seriously. Altogether, it takes less than 10 minutes, and most of the time is spent idling on my mobile waiting for it dry.

My face feels tautened and firmer without a discomforting tight sensation. The results are more tactile than visual, if that makes sense? The effect is more pronounced on my hands, where the lines vanished and the tone lightened by a shade (refer to this post)! Fair enough considering my face receives way more pampering compared to my hands.

Before

After

I plan to redouble my efforts seeing that it has the potential to make the real life me look as if I have been touched by the Blur filter on Photoshop. Instead of once a week, I shall ply it on thrice fortnightly. And maybe even more often if my purse permits it, haha! As Helena Rubinstein famously declared, "There are no ugly women, only lazy ones."

I strongly believe that this pack is essential for days when no amount of makeup helps. And before I sign off, remember to look out for Cuscos in Korean dramas! It has been making appearances in Cheongdam-dong Scandal, SBS's daytime series.

The full ingredient list for Ruby Lifting Pack:
Water, Glacier Water, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Alcohol Denat, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tropolone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Perfume.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Collection Cosmetics Work The Colour Eyebrow Kit

With a little bit of effort, we can all look younger! But how do we accomplish this? By having straight and thick brows, according to Korean makeup artist, Kim Mi-so (김미소)! To aid my transformation is the marvelous Work the Colour Eyebrow Kit by Collection Cosmetics~

Name: Collection Cosmetics Work the Colour Eyebrow Kit
Price: RM 33.90
Clear gel 2 ml ×1
Powder 1 g ×3
Made in: China

Step ①: Set the frame with the lightest colour.

Step ②: Use the middle shade to fill in the remaining bald spots. You can see that I have plenty... is there a reason why hair ceased to grow in those specific places? Should I be concerned?

Step ③: Sweep the darkest along the lower brow line. It will camouflage natural arches. And here we are, straight brows that mimic the ones on Korean celebrities!

My execution may be less than perfect but at least I tried my best to impart Kim Mi-so's tips. It is the thought that counts right? RIGHT? Haha!

Before

After

Special mention goes to the clear mascara for keeping my brows neatly groomed and nicely in place. It will be a permanent fixture once my brows grow out a bit!

Please visit the following sites to stay up-to-date on Collection Cosmetics's newest releases as well as promotions.

✤ Website: collectioncosmetics.com.my
✤ Facebook: facebook.com/CollectionCosmeticsMY
✤ Instagram: instagram.com/collectionmalaysia

The full ingredient list for Work the Colour Eyebrow Kit:
Clear Gel: Aqua, Alcohol, PVP, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Methylparaben, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate.

Powder: Talc, Magnesium Stearate, Synthetic Wax, Paraffinum Liquidum, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyisobutene, Propylparaben, Methylparaben [+/- Mica, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77007, CI 77266 (nano), CI 77742, CI 77891].

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Collection Cosmetics Urbanista Lip Crayon

Red versus pink lipsticks. Which one do you prefer? Previously I would have chosen pink but this year it is all about reds for me. Is this a sign I am ageing? Haha!

Name: Collection Cosmetics Urbanista Lip Crayon
Price: RM 24.90 for 1.5 g
Made in: China

Lip crayons offer precise application without the hassle of sharpening (that is if the shape can be maintained). The formula starts out quite creamy and finishes glossy. As a result they don't come off too drying on the lips, making them the perfect makeup pouch accompaniment.

6 Dashing Diva is a face brightening crimson red and is surprisingly pigmented. This shade bears a strong resemblance to Etude House's Princess Etoinette Crystal Shine Lips in PRD302.

The colour payoff for 7 Weekend Wild - a blue toned pink - is weaker compared to Dashing Diva. It also settles into lip lines; a fault overlooked by Dashing Diva.

Wear time is pretty impressive as long as I don't go near food - we all know that is impossible because of my need to munch on something every 5 minutes. These lip crayons can withstand light snacking but not a full on meal. Even when they fade off, they leave behind a pretty stain.

6 Dashing Diva - 7 Weekend Wild

If you fancy giving the lip crayon trend a whirl without breaking the bank, then you definitely want to have a look at these affordable offerings. Urbanista Lip Crayon is sold at selected Watsons and fashion label F Block stores in Sunway Giza Mall, Setia Walk Puchong, Fahrenheit 88, Cheras Leisure Mall, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, Kuchai Lama and Bangsar Baru.

The full ingredient list for Urbanista Lip Crayon:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Synthetic Wax, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Cera, Ozokerite, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Aroma, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool [+/- Tin Oxide, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, CI 45410, CI 42090, CI 15850, CI 15985, CI 19140].

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Miacare Acne Defense Review: Spot Essence & Concealer Stick

Did you know that Taiwanese digital lifestyle solutions provider, BenQ, has healthcare products? This post will focus on their Acne Care series, and hopefully, there will be one in the future about the Wound Care series. Well, the emergence of acne naturally brings about wounds right? Haha!

ღ Acne Defense Spot Essence

Name: Miacare Acne Defense Spot Essence
Price: RM 19.90 for 10 ml
Made in: Taiwan

Acne Defense Spot Essence is packed in a nice, hefty glass rollerball bottle. I know some of you are already freaking out over hygiene concerns but I am not bothered by this. Said by someone who healed pretty well when she used Liz Earle's discontinued Spot-On in the past. Okay, I have got to stop referring to myself in the third person! The only thing is I can't tell how much is left; shaking does not help either.

I didn't really give it a proper trial (I hope it stays that way!) so I can't tell whether it flattens pimples, sorry! Nonetheless, I gathered enough data from the impressive ingredient list to surmise that it won't dry your skin (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Glycerin) and will even lighten the spot that you are targeting (Tranexamic Acid and Nicotinamide).

I noticed another interesting ingredient when I pored over the list - Laminaria Saccharina Extract. You are wondering what it does right? It regulates sebum secretion, balances the skin's moisture levels, and is one of the seaweeds found in La Mer's broths. Ooooh yes!

If you have given this spot essence a try, please give the rest of us a heads up regarding its efficacy in the comment section?

The full ingredient list for Acne Defense Spot Essence:
Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Carbomer, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Nicotinamide, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Cestrum Latifolium Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Lactobacillus/Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Ferment Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bisabolol, Triethanolamine, Piroctone Olamine, Chloroxylenol, Glyoxyldiureide, Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Methylisothiazolinone.

ღ Acne Defense Concealer Stick

Name: Miacare Acne Defense Concealer Stick
Price: RM 24.90 for 1.2 g
Made in: Taiwan

Stick concealers are precise and the harder, waxier texture makes them good for spot concealing. Miacare's version doesn't lack pigmentation per se, but one needs to go over the problem area a few times before the desired coverage can be built.

My issue is with the colour. We need more options for this one shade will not suit all skin tones! I myself can't wear it because it is at least one shade darker and too salmony to boot.

Besides that, I have a frivolous complaint about the packaging (please don't lambaste me?). Something about it looks as if it is geared towards tweens. I am a little let down (especially after needlessly comparing it to the Acne Defense Spot Essence).

The full ingredient list for Acne Defense Concealer Stick:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Kaolin, Ozokerite Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Titanium Dioxide, Water, Butylene Glycol, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Nicotinamide, Lactobacillus/Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Ferment Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bisabolol, Salicylic Acid, Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Totarol, Cl7749I, CI77492, CI77499.

These products are sold at Guardian and Watsons.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Etude House Arctic Aurora Colors Shadows

The newest collection, Arctic Aurora Colors, sees the supplementation of ten wintery colours to the existing Look At My Eyes, Look At My Eyes Cafe and Look At My Eyes Jewel ranges.

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Look At My Eyes 룩 앳 마이 아이즈, Look At My Eyes Cafe 룩 앳 마이 아이즈 카페, Look At My Eyes Jewel 룩 앳 마이 아이즈 쥬얼
Price: US$ 3.50 - 5.50 for 2 g
Made in: Korea

Look At My Eyes is the one that is most like butter out of the three. Mind you, the standards are not high to begin with, so keep your expectations down when you swatch them in stores, haha! They have a satin (work appropriate) finish.

✤ BK801 White Night of Arctic 북극의 하얀밤 is an iridescent purpley grey with a golden sheen.

✤ WH902 Igloo of Siberia 시베리아 이글루 is an iridescent white that shows flashes of lilac.

Look At My Eyes Cafe feels soft but dry. It applies well and is decently pigmented. I can't think of anything else to add because I am not really familiar with matte shadows, sorry!

✤ OR205 Fruit Sorbets 아이스 홍시샤벳 is an apricot.

Look At My Eyes Jewel is also soft and dry with the slightest bit of grit due to the glitter particles. Amongst the three series, these shadows are the most striking once swept on the lids. Bear in mind that with glitters come fallouts, so do keep a big fluffy brush on hand.

✤ GR705 Tip of an Iceberg 빙산의 일각 is a pale frosty mint.

✤ PK006 Dancing Aurora 춤추는 오로라 is a brown toned pink with green glitters.

I am afraid you saw neither glow nor glitter for the lighting or more likely, the person handling the camera is at fault *ooops* And obviously I can't vouch for the remaining shades... any observations are very welcome!

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

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Hello Hunan!

It is only fitting that I start off the year with something new. I have never documented my travels... so here goes nothing!

I went to Fenghuang (amazing night view), Zhangjiajie (where some scenes for Avatar were shot) and Changsha (home to Happy Camp) and it was amazing. This is my first time to this province (Hunan) and the chaos and colour were a refreshing change.

I should mention that the shopping at Changsha cannot be compared to Guangzhou. I did not get to buy much but at least I got to eat a lot? I think I gained 1 kg during this trip (what with all the walking and climbing). It is a place meant for the fit ahaha.

I wish you all a lovely 2015 filled with peace, love and joy!

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