Etude House Give Me Chocolate Review: Give Me Chocolate Shadow, Give Me Chocolate Nails

Etude House tempts us with a chocolate based collection come February. This year, it is called 'Give Me Chocolate' and as per usual, the items are good enough to eat!

ღ Give Me Chocolate Shadow

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Give Me Chocolate Shadow 기브 미 초콜렛 섀도우
Price: US$ 8.50 for 4.5 g
Made in: Korea

These are teeny-tiny! You do get quite a bit of shadow despite the size though. They don't come with applicators so you have to use/bring your own if they make it into your makeup pouch.

#1 Cherry Truffle 체리 트러플 has a reddish brown paired with a matte coral. Both shades are buttery soft and smooth - a winner all-around!

I have a penchant for all things cool toned, so naturally, #3 Cacao Fudge 카카오 퍼지 is more to my preference. A dark cool chocolate and a shimmery yellow gold? 'Nuff said! The shadows here are drier plus the glitter particles add some grit.

I am intrigued about the texture for #2 Salted Caramel 솔티드 카라멜 . Shall I get it to do a thorough comparison?

ღ Give Me Chocolate Nails

Clockwise from bottom: #310 Mint Choco Chip 반전매력 민트초코칩, #313 Cherry Ganache 악마의 체리 가나슈, #314 Milk Cocoa 봄날의 밀크 코코아

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Give Me Chocolate Nails 기브 미 초콜렛 네일즈
Price: US$ 3 for 8 ml
Made in: Korea

The polishes feel a little diluted/watery if that makes sense? They are not as opaque/creamy as the norm. Nonetheless, they give an even coverage by the third layer.

My mouth gaped open when I caught a whiff of the delectable chocolate syrup fragrance. By gods, the team at Etude House certainly kicked it up a notch when they brought the Give Me Chocolate collection to life! Last year's Chocolate Kiss polishes didn't come with a scent (aside from the generic nail polish smell).

#310 - #313 - #314

Order now on etudehouse.com to secure these limited edition goodies. Once they are gone, they are gone for good!

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

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Mayfair Bodyline R3 Pro Facial

There is nothing more delightful than a facial or a bag but since a new bag is hard to come by, a facial I shall go for!

Mayfair Bodyline has many branches, and I visited the one at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Before anything commenced, I sipped my tea and filled in forms (practically mandatory at all salons/spas)!

I was led to the centralised locker area and then my treatment room.

A program is tailored for each customer and since I lacked hydration, my therapist decided that the R3 Pro Facial was my best fit. It comprises of the following steps:

① Tension releasing massage
② Makeup removal
③ Cleansing
④ Toner
⑤ Exfoliation
⑥ Steaming
⑦ Extraction
⑧ Hyaluronic Acid serum
⑨ Ultrasound machine
⑩ Face massage
⑪ Mask
⑫ Shoulder massage
⑬ Toner, moisturiser + UV care

Mayfair Bodyline utilises products from Tegoder (a Spanish brand for those not in the know). Even their machines are imported from Spain!

My nasolabial folds reduced in severity and my face was significantly lifted immediately after the facial (if only I always looked like this!). The smooth egg-skin effect lasted about 5 days, which is the norm for most facials.

Despite all the extraction that went on, I only experienced minor redness. I was even okay with showing the whole world my bare face afterwards (the weekend before Chinese New Year, so you can imagine the size of the crowd)!

The R3 Pro Facial costs RM 250 and takes 1.5 to 2 hours in total.

Address:
Lot 7.01.02, Level 7,
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Telephone:
03-2141 1189

Hours:
10:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mayfair.bodyline.fans

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Nivea Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Serum SPF33 PA+++

Nivea's Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Serum SPF33 PA+++ is absolutely brilliant. The silky body serum, fragranced with the beautifully fresh citrus scent is different than the usual body lotion due to a few reasons. Firstly, the serum formulation. Secondly, it provides UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection. To top it off, re-application throughout the day is not required. How awesome is that?!

Name: Nivea Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Serum SPF33 PA+++
Price: RM 19.90 for 180 ml
Made in: Thailand

The packaging tells you what it does, it infuses the skin with 95% pure Vitamin C derivative which provides 10× more whitening effect (than 4-Butylresorcinol) in order to repair dull and sun damaged skin, giving long lasting fairness as early as 14 days.

One of the draws, like I mentioned, was the serum texture. It spreads fairly easily despite what the thick texture may imply, and absorbs in a jiffy, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple. I am inordinately pleased with my find; something that does not leave my skin clammy in this hot and humid condition is a dream come true.

This is best applied immediately after a nice hot shower. The rate at which it sinks in increases after scrubbing down with an exfoliator or a loofah! Most days, my regimen looks something like this: Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Serum in the AM, Whitening Night Serum in the PM and In-shower Skin Conditioner as my ace for lazy days (we know often these days come by, haha!).

Now, it may offer SPF33 PA+++ protection but I am not recommending that you replace your actual sunscreen with the serum and wear it to the beach. It covers the bill for everyday use though for e.g. walking to a restaurant for lunch, making a coffee run or driving to an event after work.

And since I am an expert in all things related to brightening, I have a few words of wisdom to stuff down your throat. To be honest though, I am not - I was mocked by friends when I professed my love for Snow White (they said I was better off liking Jasmine). Nonetheless, you will still listen to me right?

① Slather brightening products as if they were free.
② Long sleeves, long everything is your best bet.
③ Bring an umbrella everywhere.
④ Consume sun-fighting superfoods such as tomatoes, carrots, spinach and watermelon.

The extremely helpful 14 days calender prepared by Nivea~

There you have it! If you are on the lookout for a body lotion that defends against sun rays then you may fancy a go at Nivea's Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Serum.

The full ingredient list for Extra Whitening Skin Therapy Serum SPF33 PA+++:
Aqua, Homosalate, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, 4-Butylresorcinol, Carnitine, Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Glyceryl Glucoside, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Polyisobutene, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium EDTA, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Chloride, Glucose, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Parfum.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Oxy Acnoplex: Deep Cleansing Wash, Acne Control Whitening Wash, Acne Control Toner, Acne Control Moisturizer SPF15

Say hello to clear, blemish-free skin with the new Oxy Acnoplex formula! The 4-in-1 acne fighting solution will help to keep skin clear and blemish-free.

(Source: oxy.com.my/)

Oxy's Acnoplex range of products include Deep Cleansing Wash (RM 13.90 for 100 g), Acne Control Whitening Wash (RM 13.90 for 100 g), Acne Control Toner (RM 13.90 for 150 ml) and Acne Control Moisturizer SPF15 (RM 14.90 for 45 g).

As my face sits between dehydrated and oily, I like it to be thoroughly cleansed without the squeaky clean over-stripped sensation a lot of acneic cleansers give. It actually physically pains me to say this is the reason I am not in love with Deep Cleansing Wash and Acne Control Whitening Wash. I guess my skin is at the stage where I need a little more moisture...

There's something to be said about the icy cool sensation Acne Control Toner gives - it instantly refreshes and I can even feel it working against my spots/blemishes/what have you thanks to the slight tingles.

I top them off with a pea sized amount of Acne Control Moisturizer. This one boggles my mind because it is rich yet a minute or so after application it completely sinks in leaving zero greasy residue. It is definitely one for those who can't stand a heavy cream.

Have you tried any of them? They are available at the aisles of leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

The full ingredient list for Deep Cleansing Wash:
Glycerin, Water, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, PEG-2 Stearate SE, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Lauramide DEA, Alcohol, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, O-cymen-5-OL, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Propylene Glycol, Butyl Avocadate, CI 77288, CI 77492.

The full ingredient list for Acne Control Whitening Wash:
Glycerin, Water, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, PEG-2 Stearate SE, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Lauramide DEA, Alcohol, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Fragrance, Titanium Dioxide, Water/Butylene Glycol/Centella Asiatica Extract, O-cymen-5-OL, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Water/Butylene Glycol/Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water/Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan)/Propylene Glycol/Citric Acid, Butyl Avocadate.

The full ingredient list for Acne Control Toner:
Water, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide/Butylene Glycol, Succinic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Disodium Succinate, Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, O-cymen-5-OL, Menthol, Water/Butylene Glycol/Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butyl Avocadate, Water/Butylene Glycol/Centella Asiatica Extract, Water/Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan)/Propylene Glycol/Citric Acid, Butyl Avocadate.

The full ingredient list for Acne Control Moisturizer SPF15:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Dimethicone/Dimethiconol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Polysorbate 60, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Citric Acid, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Salicylic Acid, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Amylopectin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Betaine, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, O-cymen-5-OL, Butyl Avocadate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice, Sorbitol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylparaben, Arginine, Fragrance.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Q&A With Freja Beha Erichsen, The Face Of Hugo Woman

Freja Beha Erichsen has been turning heads in the fashion industry ever since she made her debut at the tender age of 18. Flying the flag as the face of Hugo Woman, the 'Queen of Cool' dishes all in this exclusive interview!

"I think the perfume has a lovely femininity that matched with the more raw undertones of amber, gives a very rounded scent." She went on to compliment her male counterpart for the campaign, "Adrien is such a lovely fellow, we had a fun on set and it felt very natural to work together."

When prompted for her beauty tips, Freja mentioned besides having a good time and enjoying yourself (beauty shines from within and all that jazz), a good moisturiser that fits your skin is essential. She clarified, "For me that's an oil-free moisturiser."

She loves cooking and eating good food, thus it is no surprise that her refrigerator is filled with a lot of condiments (mainly hot sauces), two packs of bacon, a dozen eggs, beers, wine, apples, pears, lemons, limes, beets and salad. She stays in shape by working out twice a week which she personally finds to be a good lever.

As a model, Freja has to adopt lots of different styles. She describes her own attire as uniform-like, "Lots of blacks, olives, indigo, greys and shirts, jeans, pants and T-shirts. There's nothing better to put on jeans and a T-shirt. I don't really dress up." She is never without a ring her grandmother gave her, a ring her father gave her mother, and a chain her brother and mother gave her.

Her love for travel is legendary, "Denmark, obviously, is one of my favourite places in the world as it's my homeland and I am used to the vegetation there. England is fairly similar, and the countryside especially is so beautiful. Kenya is another. The south of France I really love. There are so many beautiful places!" She added, "I haven't been to Iceland yet and that's somewhere I'd love to explore. It looks so beautiful from what I've seen and heard from people that have been."

Now living in New York, Freja's unique and original style is expressed in tattooed personal odes and words including 'float' and 'serendipity is life'. Her 16 tattoos come from lots of different places over a period of time and what feels natural. She revealed that they are quite small, which is the reason we can't see them all. She is done for now, but who knows what the future may bring!

That is it! A huge thank you to the team at P&G for entrusting me with this interview opportunity. I had lots of fun dreaming up these questions!

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Beauty Talk Be White 3D Refining Day Cream

Be White is one of the five series offered by Taiwanese brand, Beauty Talk. With the concept 'day protect, night repair', this range professes to improve skin dullness, effectively brighten and increase the skin's capacity to repair itself.

(Source: my-beautytalk.com/)

Name: Beauty Talk Be White 3D Refining Day Cream
Price: RM 150 for 30 ml
Made in: Taiwan

Armed with Argireline and also vitamins C and E, 3D Refining Day Cream is a moisturiser with a tint. It is prudent to cleanse it with a dedicated makeup remover even though the box makes no mention of it. Just to be on the safe side, y'know - no point risking it. It is better to be thorough, we don't want clogged pores!

I didn't know what to think when I first got the cream. It actually has shimmer particles! To their credit, they disappear as soon as the cream is smoothed on the skin. I am assuming their light reflecting properties are the ones responsible for the added glow.

I get the 'one shade fits all' concept, I mean it is a moisturiser after all. But still, they could have tried to account for different skin tones? The ultra sheer coverage helps in masking the shade deficiency as well as the slightest of imperfections. It is so natural that even I can't tell I am faking it.

Without

With

The lack of SPF works in its favour and against it at the same time. No looking ghostly white when the flash goes off is a plus however, a little SPF never hurts anyone even though one should technically get all their SPF needs from their sunscreens.

What do you guys think of this cream? Do you think it is worth the RM 150 price tag? 3D Refining Day Cream is available now at modbox.com.my.

The full ingredient list for 3D Refining Day Cream:
Pure Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Paraffinum Liquidum, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Ceteareth-12, Cetyl Palmitate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Oxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Iron Oxide (Red), Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Iron Oxide (Yellow), Iron Oxide (Black), Fragrance, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Choleth-20, PEG-100 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Cholesterol, Mica.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Miss Tiara LipIce Color Gloss Sugar Pink

Give your lips gorgeous and brilliant dimension packed with sparkling shine with the all new Miss Tiara LipIce Color Gloss!

Name: Miss Tiara LipIce Color Gloss Sugar Pink
Price: RM 14.90 for 7 g
Made in: China

I have the shade Sugar Pink, a shimmery milky pink. It feels non-sticky with just the right amount of colour - not too sheer yet not too pigmented either. This allows the lipsticks underneath to shine and I think these pairings end up looking more unique.

The one thing I can't get enough of is the juicy watermelon candy scent. I loved chewing on watermelon flavoured gum when I was a kid, so this brings back memories of me caterwauling at the supermarket when I didn't get my way *shifty eyes*

This lipgloss is enriched with Vitamin E, Aloe Extract and Macadamia Seed Oil for intensive moisture replenishment and regeneration. The Vitamin E content also prevents UV induced free radical damage to the lips.

Like? Go get it from leading pharmacies and major supermarkets! Available in three colours, namely: Cherry, Pearl Pink and Sugar Pink.

The full ingredient list for LipIce Color Gloss Sugar Pink:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Flavor, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate/Tin Oxide/Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Tocopherol Acetate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate/Silica/Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)/Tin Oxide, Red 6 Lake (CI 158502), Saccharin, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil/Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Red 7 Lake (CI 158501).

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Tony Moly Bio EX Multi-Cell Energy

(Source: eng.etonymoly.com/)

Name: Tony Moly 토니모리 Bio EX Multi-Cell Energy 바이오 EX 멀티셀 에너지
Price: ₩ 32,000 for 120 ml
Made in: Korea

Multi-cell tunelling processing method? Rice embryo fermented at 36.5℃ for 365 days? I won't bore you with the the scientific mumbo jumbo, so I am going straight to ingredients used in this essence - Rice Ferment Filtrate, Cell Bio Water and Multi-cell Effector (which consists of five NMF components) - strengthen the skin's protective barrier thus improving elasticity while simultaneously supplement nutrition and moisture.

Bio EX Multi-Cell Energy is an all in one product, which means you can replace your toner, lotion and serum with this one item. Very handy during hotter months or if you have oily skin and don't want to overwhelm your skin with too many layers of product. It has the consistency of an emulsion, hence, the longer absorbance time. Once it sinks in, it leaves my skin really nice and soft to the touch.

I kept getting pustules and cysts the whole time I trialled this product (frequency increased from every now and then to a daily basis). I am unsure whether it is caused by this essence or by my binging on Nutella (three jars within a month). The timeline fits like better than a glove (I knew something that yummy would not be good for me)!

I have stopped using the essence even though it resulted in a translucent complexion. Why? The improvement in clarity is not worth the acne spots considering my skin takes practically forever to heal (if at all!). I can laugh about it now but to think that I was on the verge of tears each time I pored over my face in the mirror makes my heart break.

Can you help me identify the ingredient(s) that is causing all these problems? And if you have used this essence, what is your take on it?

It is sold locally for RM 213.90.

The full ingredient list for Bio EX Multi-Cell Energy:
Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate Extract, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Silica, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, PEG-32, Beheneth-25, Panthenol, Sucrose Polystearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phospholipids, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol, Arginine, Phytosterols, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol.

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Rohto ChuLip Paris, Perfect Memories

'Chu', which means kiss in Japanese, is an apt name for this balm. Your lips naturally pucker up when you apply the dome shaped balm.

Name: Rohto ロート製薬 ChuLip チューリップ Paris, Perfect Memories パリパーフェクトメモリーズ
Price: RM 25.90 for 7 g
@cosme rating: 3.7 ★
Made in: Japan

Paris, Perfect Memories has a peculiar berry scent which I later found out to be a mixture of raspberry and peach. Odd as it may be, it still smells so good that I reach for it over and over again.

ChuLip balms are available in four attractive colours, each with its unique blend of fragrances. There is a high probability that the next to go in my cart is NY, Brilliant My Way, thanks to the winning combination of Apple, Ginger and Tea Rose.

They are formulated with Olive Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil and Rosehip Oil - all great at forming a seal over the lips and keeping it nourished and moisturised. While Paris, Perfect Memories leaves my pout soft and chap free, it is not the kind of balm that one smoothes on at night and still feel the effects the following morning. For this reason alone, it is better off as a base for lipstick.

If you want adorable lip balms that would also serve to accessorise your desk then you can find them at all leading pharmacies and major supermarket outlets.

The full ingredient list for ChuLip Paris, Perfect Memories:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Squalane, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Avocado Oil, Beeswax, Petrolatum (White Petrolatum), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Synthetic Wax, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Flavor, Menthol, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Sucralose.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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