Hada Labo Whitening Cooling Gel Lotion

I am always excited to see what Hada Labo has up their sleeves! And with a name like Whitening Cooling Gel Lotion, I knew that they were once again on the right track, haha!

Name: Hada Labo 肌ラボ Whitening Cooling Gel Lotion 白潤 冷感ヒアルロンゼリー
Price: RM 63.50 for 200 ml
@cosme rating: 4.4 ★
Made in: Japan

This 5-in-1 gel (lotion, essence, emulsion, astringent and mask) is enhanced with two types of Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration, Vitamin C to brighten skintone and Witch Hazel to refine pores. To sum it all up, it is the perfect hassle free, all-in-one whitening gel that not only brightens the skin but also leaves the skin smooth, supple and hydrated.

It feels really comfortable and almost weightless. No stickiness, no greasiness, the gel just sinks straight in. But not without ensuring a lovely smooth surface is left behind. It is extremely handy to have around in the mornings especially when I don't have the time (no thanks to the snooze button on my phone) to whack on lots of layers.

I usually follow up with a hydrating sunscreen, also from Hada Labo (review here). Applying it in the evening calls for a moisturiser or perhaps an oil if I need an extra boost of nutrition. I tailor it to my needs for the moment; the possibilities are endless! That is not to say that it can't be used alone, but I won't recommend it because my skin feels taut when it is the only item I have on.

The gel jolts me awake when I apply it in the morning. During other times, it feels much more pleasant seeing as by then I can fully appreciate its refreshing qualities. Refrigerate it extra ooomph! Be warned though because this means the cooling sensation is induced by Menthol and Peppermint Oil, and these ingredients are known to cause irritation to the skin.

The Hada Labo Whitening Cooling Gel Lotion is available exclusively at all Watsons stores nationwide.

The full ingredient list for Whitening Cooling Gel Lotion:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Diglycerin, Carbomer, Sorbitol, Methylparaben, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Menthol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Etude House Dust Cut Facial Mist

Meet my handbag essential! I whipped it out when the haze started shrouding everything and have yet to put it down - obviously, since the haze is worsening. Initially, I thought that the whole Dust Cut line was a load of rubbish a way to fleece fans until I came across the video below:

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Dust Cut Facial Mist 더스트컷 페이셜 미스트
Price: ₩ 9,500 for 150 ml
Made in: Korea

The Dust Cut Facial Mist claims to protect the skin from the onslaught of today's environmental pollutants. The instructions do not mention whether it is to be sprayed under or over makeup, but I think using it as the final step when all else is done makes the most sense since it is supposed to form a protective veil.

The nozzle does not give the most delicate of sprays so there won't be much fine misting to be done. I will instead be greeted with rain like droplets. Fine, I jest, it is finer than that... still, I hold it at arm's length (to be more precise, 20 cm away) so that it does not have the chance to muss up my inch thick cement wall layer of foundation.

I can actually feel my skin tautening upon contact, which is apparently a sign that the mist is working its magic. And it is not far fetched to say that it also nourishes while it shields my skin against the haze particles – seeing as it is filled to the brim with plant based ingredients.

It is simply impossible to go wrong with this mist, what with it being 5-free (mineral oil, benzophenone, silicone oil, triethanolamine and sulphate) and all. I like love it a whole lot! The last I checked, it was sold locally for RM 73 but the price may have gone up due to the ever depreciating ringgit.

The full ingredient list for Dust Cut Facial Mist:
Water, Alcohol, Polyester-5, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Fraxinus Rhynchophylla Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Ceramide 3, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol.

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Mamonde Rose Honey Sleeping Mask

The Rose Honey Sleeping Mask by Mamonde (a brand that is working up its way into my heart!) is infused with Rose Extract (113 mg), Honey (107 mg) and Rosehip Oil (0.04 mg) amongst many other beneficial ingredients to lock in moisture and restore elasticity to all skin types.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 Rose Honey Sleeping Mask 로즈 허니 슬리핑 마스크
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 80 ml
Made in: Korea

Don't expect anything fancy like whole rose petals because you are only getting chunks of some strange substance (it could be anything, mayhaps even rose petals?). Anyways, it is the thought that counts, right? Haha!

It has the viscosity of honey and what seems like bits of pink jam floating around. This unknown substance dissolves into nothingness once it touches the skin. When used in moderation, the mask sinks quickly into the skin leaving a canvas that practically overflows with moisture.

It can be sticky if I slather too much on (I am still finding a balance between too little and too much). I suppose I can say that I am used to all the tackiness seeing as the sleeping mask that I was using prior to this (Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX) also left me with a shine that lasts for days (an exaggeration but you get the gist!).

It smells like a vat of real roses, which is a delight because so many brands get this basic scent wrong. I would have hooted out loud last month if I even thought about associating elegance with a mask but this is where Mamonde excels at. I equate all of their things with elegance; there is something about the brand that has a polished air to it!

Anyways, as I was saying before I got derailed by the e word, the anti-ageing sleeping mask exudes a relaxing quality that sends me straight to dreamland. When I finally decide to alight from the comfort of my bed to potter over to my mirror in the mornings, I am greeted by refreshed, plumper skin. The Laneige mask that I mentioned earlier on had a heftier price tag but also gave me similar results!

Nothing not to like really (aside from the greasy film), it is a win all-around!

The full ingredient list for Rose Honey Sleeping Mask:
정제수, 부틸렌글라이콜, 글리세린, 글리세레스-26, 하이드로제네이티드폴리 (C6-14올레핀), 장미추출물 (113 mg), 로즈힙꽃오일 (0.04 mg), 꿀추출물 (107 mg), 한련초추출물, 드럼스틱나무씨오일, 오렌지오일, 라벤더오일, 테아닌, 에피갈로카테킨갈레이트, 녹차꽃추출물, 캄페롤, 연꽃추출물, 매실추출물, 암모늄아크릴로일디메칠타우레이트/브이피코폴리머, 베헤닐알코올, 잔탄검, 호호바에스터, 피이지-60하이드로제네이티드캐스터오일, 카보머, 카올린, 트로메타민, 소듐폴리아크릴레이트스타치, 에칠헥실글리세린, 아데노신, 카카오추출물, 덱스트린, 카프릴릭/카프릭트리글리세라이드, 에탄올, 피탄트리올, 폴록사머 407, 카페인, 디소듐이디티에이, 페녹시에탄올, 향료.

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Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid

Accumulating more than 12 years of research, the liposome technology deployed in Decorte's Liposome Treatment Liquid allows the encapsulated plant extracts as well as nutrients to spread into the stratum corneum and deeper strata of the skin. Among its many functions and benefits include improved skin clarity, increased moisture retention ability, refined skin texture and minimised pores.

Name: Decorte デコルテ Liposome Treatment Liquid リポソーム トリートメント リキッド
Price: RM 378.40 for 170 ml
@cosme rating: 5.7 ★
Release date: 1.9.2015
Made in: Japan

Clad in Decorte's signature deep purple shade, the bottle looks understated yet beautiful – this is something that I won't mind having on display on my vanity. The opening is designed simply: a small hole that requires a few shakes to get enough product out.

It has a light, almost watery consistency - perhaps a tad bit silkier - and sinks in so quickly that there is no tackiness after application. It sits well underneath pretty much anything; it not difficult to see why it has become a favourite in my beauty routine! I treat my skin to a quick 3 minute masking session with the lotion too when I am able to unearth my compressed mask tablets from the mess that is my table.

Despite eating unhealthily (I do love my food filled with grease) and getting fitful bouts of sleep, my complexion looks surprisingly good. My skin has a brightness that was lacking beforehand, feels more supple, and even the texture is smoother (for want of a better word)! This is after six weeks worth of rigorous almost twice daily testing.

This liquid suits all skin types, though maybe patch test first if you have very sensitive skin. On the scent front, Decorte says that the fragrance is made up from a mixture of herbs, spices and flowers (sounds amazing right?), but unfortunately, my untrained nose can only detect perfumed flowers. It is faint, which is a blessing, since scents can be subjective.

Liposome Treatment Liquid launched nationwide on September 1st, and retails for RM 378.40. Judging by the amount that I have used so far, a bottle would last for three months. Get it from Isetan KLCC or Isetan The Gardens! For more information, log on to the official Facebook page here.

The full ingredient list for Liposome Treatment Liquid:
Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Theanine, Tocopherol, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lysolecithin, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum).

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Guardian Malaysia People's Choice Award 2015

The People's Choice Awards (PCA), initiated in 2001 by Guardian Malaysia has established itself as a platform to engage its customers and to help business partners and brand owners stay relevant to evolving needs of customers.

Brands that continuously innovate and build products with integrity were among the major winners at the lavish bash at Ruyi & Lyn, an establishment located in Bangsar Shopping Centre, on August 21st.

Caroline Mak, Group Director, Health and Beauty of Dairy Farm, which owns Guardian Malaysia, presided over the presentation ceremony and paid tribute to owners of the winning brands.

"I would like to congratulate the winning brands for continuously pushing forward with product innovation, quality and more importantly, the integrity of your brands. Your investments to build trust and passion for your brands have been inspiring."

"At Guardian, we too embrace these elements as we build our brand alongside your brands. These elements are essential for our collective success," she added.

Caroline Mak giving a speech to the audience

A total of 300 products from 180 brands competed for the 75 categories of award ranging from hair care, face care, personal care, cosmetics, beauty, hygiene, supplements and medication, mother and child products, confectionery, home and accessories.

Congratulations to all of the winners and the 115 customers who were awarded prizes worth over RM 50,000 for participating in the voting!

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3CE Long Wear Eye Crayon Baguette

Every brand under the sun has some kind of eye crayon on the market so you are justified when your first thought is that the 3CE Long Wear Eye Crayon is nothing special.

(Source: en.stylenanda.com/)

Name: 3 Concept Eyes 쓰리컨셉아이즈 Long Wear Eye Crayon 롱 웨어 아이 크레용 Baguette
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 1.5 g
Made in: Korea

I get it because we have all seen it before! But there is something remarkable about this and it is all due to the crease-free formula. Well, it is not exactly crease-free because it creases in the inner corners but in its defence, everything creases once they come upon my oily lids.

Warm shades, such as this coppery orange, are really pretty. But if it were up to me, I would have picked out Adorable or Syrup. Baguette just doesn't suit my skin tone... the other shades in the range are really nice too, and while they aren't the most electric, they are wearable and that is what that matters most.

It is creamy, pigmented, and long lasting - the colour is just as vibrant as it first went on a couple of hours in. I am really impressed by it! It is definitely a step up (to put it lightly) from the mess that is the Elianto Long Wear Eyeshadow Stick.

Get it on en.stylenanda.com for US$ 17 or Sephora for RM 53!

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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SK-II RNA Power Essence & RNA Power

Skin laxity causes wrinkles to form. Once wrinkles appear, the skin doesn't have a smooth canvas to bounce light off, resulting in a lack of radiance. It directly correlates to other signs of ageing too including dryness, sallowness, lack of resilience, visible pores, sagging skin, roughness and loss of tightened facial contours.

SK-II has come out with the the R.N.A. (Radical New Age) Power boutique in order to help the skin regain its natural firmness. It utilises the power of Pitera™ × Radical New Age Complex to achieve lengthwise and crosswise firmness* by rejuvenating skin cells and promoting structural protein synthesis in every cell, all layers of the skin.

If the moisturiser is the anchor of an anti-ageing regimen, the essence would be the critical first line of defence against ageing concerns. The R.N.A. Power Essence is an white-coloured watery liquid. It takes its sweet time to absorb (not to say that it is slow, it just needs some patting before it sinks in) and leaves the skin brimming with nutrients.

I find that it offers enough moisture on its own (I have dehydrated bordering on dry at times skin), but experiment first before you decide that it alone is sufficient (and by alone, I mean skipping other essences).

The R.N.A. Power has a buttery texture – visualise a jar of balmy butter and you will have it! It nourishes the skin without being overwhelming.

That said, my face gets a bit sticky when I slather the rich formula on a little too heavily... so I have got to control the amount I put on. SK-II says they have a natural olive fragrance, but naturally my nose doesn't know any better - it thinks that is is smelling fermented products (in a good way of course otherwise you wouldn't hear the end of it).

The brand wasn't exaggerating when it said that results can be seen from day two. I used them over my usual suspects, and woke up with firmer skin. The firmest I have had since... hmmm, years probably? I kept touching my face because I was so pleased, haha!

Ten days on, and the outcome has gotten more pronounced. There was a definite improvement in my skin – it feels firmer (which is given), smoother, bouncier and overall, healthier. Even makeup goes on easier these days! Not surprising considering how good the canvas underneath looks! Heh! And if this is the effect after ten days, just imagine what will happen when I use it for a longer period of time *rubs hands in glee*

I have also found them to be an acceptable alternative to sleeping *shifty eyes* While it isn't advisable to skimp on sleep, sometimes, life can take a toll, so it is nice to know that I have some products to fall back on that are able to fake a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed visage.

Okay, so what is the catch? The price: the 30 ml R.N.A. Power Essence goes for RM 419 whereas the 50 g R.N.A. Power costs RM 373. I know, I know, this can be lot for most. But they are well worth the premium price tag! I am currently mulling over when to replenish my supply (do they offer coffrets for Christmas?). Why?
① They work,
② I don't have an upper limit when it comes to skincare (well, unless it breaches the 4 digit barrier haha!), and
③ They are replacing several products which in total could cost more than RM 792 and will (most possibly) lengthen my routine.

Interested? You can find them at all SK-II counters with prices starting from RM 373. Perhaps wheedle the beauty consultant for a sample first before plonking down your card?

* Lengthwise firmness results in an improved appearance of wrinkles and visible lines, while crosswise firmness results in less visible pores

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Philips BikiniGenie BRT383

The Philips BikiniGenie trimmer is the latest innovative solution that offers women a safe and easy way to a beautiful bikini line sans nicks, razor burn and irritation.

Name: Philips BikiniGenie BRT383
Price: RM 129
Made in: China

This tool works off one AA battery (included) and can be used under wet and dry conditions. It is rounded off with a little brush for easy cleanup and a storage pouch to keep the weighty base and the attachments. Travelling with them, whether for business or pleasure, has never been more convenient!

The main event, obviously the trimming head, cuts the hair to a 0.5 mm length. Then there is the two click-on combs. They are snapped on over the trimming head for more variety in lengths. So, altogether there are three lengths to choose from: 0.5 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm.

If fuzz free is more to your style (trimmed hair can stick out of panties or swim bottoms), there is the shaver head to smooth (heh!) things out! It shaves off the stubble the trimmer leaves behind - makes for the perfect partner to the trimming head for getting smooth, bare skin.

Grooming the delicate areas has never been more comfortable and quicker than it has ever been before. If you have always thought about taming the body hair below the belt, now is definitely the time!

The BikiniGenie BRT383 (the one reviewed) is priced at RM 129, but there is also the basic model, BRT381, that is furnished with one click-on comb for RM 109 and they are both currently on offer on blipmy.com. They also come with a two year guarantee!

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Daeng Gi Meo Ri Look At Hair Loss True Shampoo

The extremely sudsy True Shampoo harnesses a blend of plant extracts and oils (Ginseng, Cynanchum Wilfordii, Pomegranate, Aloe and Avocado) to supply nutrition to the scalp. Hair loss will be a thing of the past with the silicone free and Korean FDA approved formula!

Name: Daeng Gi Meo Ri 댕기머리 Look At Hair Loss True Shampoo 룩 앳 헤어 로스트루 샴푸액
Price: ₩ 15,900 for 500 ml
Made in: Korea

Unlike the other Daeng Gi Meo Ri shampoos that I have tried in the past (reviews here and here), this one doesn't smell like a TCM store. The floral scent is more commercially appealing, and I can see it being a hit with people who can't take really strong herbaceous scents.

I would have been a better judge of its efficacy should it arrive a month ago. I halved the length of my locks recently (not really but it feels like it), so I have not been losing as much hair in the shower, notwithstanding the use of the True Shampoo. It would have been nice to test the True Treatment and perhaps even mix and match with the rest of the range, the Angel and also the Maxi Treatments, for an all encompassing experience.

The large 500 ml bottle along with the attractive ₩ 15,900 price tag are reason enough to give every other road shop shampoo a run for their monies! For those with longer strands in possession of this shampoo, what are your thoughts on it?

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Too Cool For School Art Class By Rodin

I had some time to kill after the Aveda Lifestyle Salon opening on August 26th, so I found myself at Sephora admiring the Too Faced Cocoa Contour. Lo and behold, a contouring trio materialised on my doorstep a week later. Tell me again that the peeps over at BNTNews are not psychics?!

Name: Too Cool For School 투쿨포스쿨 Art Class by Rodin 아트클래스 바이 로댕
Price: ₩ 16,000
Made in: Korea

This shading powder borrows its name from Auguste Rodin. I thought it was very clever of Too Cool For School for the nod to the great French sculptor (since you are essentially sculpting your face when you contour). You may recognise his work; one of them is called Le Penseur or more famously known in English as The Thinker!

You may be a newbie to contouring (like myself) or an old hand at it, but I find a good step-by-step guide will never go amiss:

(Source: toocoolforschool.com/)

The finely milled powder blends beautifully and seamlessly. The pigmentation isn't too crazy on this, which is a boon for beginners. You will have to pile the product on for defined cheekbones à la Kim Kardashian. Haha! A couple of swirls with a fluffy brush does it for me and I use the same brush to blend it out.

It is on the warmer side, so steer clear of it if you prefer your contours cool. I wish Too Cool For School would give us a variety of shades instead of the one to please the masses. I for one would like to see something in the vein of Chanel's Notorious - now, wouldn't that be fun?

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel SPF50+ PA++++

Name: Hada Labo 肌ラボ Perfect UV Gel 極潤 パーフェクトUVジェル SPF50+ PA++++
Price: RM 52.90 for 50 g
@cosme rating: 5.0 ★
Made in: Japan

When it comes to body SPF I don't have a favourite; it all depends on my budget (all the better if they are sold at the chemist) and the place I will be going. But for the face I generally steer towards the Japanese brands since I find them to be superior in all ways.

This 5-in-1 gel from Hada Labo is the epitome of the term multitasker. Not only is it a sunscreen but also an essence, emulsion, makeup base and face primer. The super lightweight gel (echoes the look of a rich lotion) instantly absorbs leaving the skin feeling completely bare.

The silicone laden formula prepares a smooth canvas for makeup to glide on easily, omitting the need for makeup bases or facial primers. I can also skip my moisturiser when I have this on, which is great, because I like to pare down on products when it is so hot out. I would rather spend the time snoozing rather than patting in layers and layers of products. Haha!

I received an interesting query on a post a while ago, where I was asked about the difference between UV Perfect Gel and this product. I still stand firm behind my reply, in which UV Perfect Gel is an all-in-one product with SPF properties whereas the Perfect UV Gel is a proper sunscreen with hydrating qualities.

And now to the question that will inevitably come by: which do I prefer? Well, the Perfect UV Gel is better suited to my needs because I can actually wave goodbye to parched skin without supplementing other moisturising products in. It is available at all leading pharmacies nationwide for RM 52.90.

The full ingredient list for Perfect UV Gel SPF50+ PA++++:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol, Dimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Polysilicone-15, Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethyl-Hexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-13, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Titanium Dioxide, Hydrated Silica, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminium Hydroxide.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Aveda Lifestyle Salon, Restyle+ At Mid Valley Megamall

Keep an eye out for a spanking new salon along the second floor the next time you shop at Mid Valley Megamall!

You won't miss it given its array of Aveda products that stretches from one end to the other, erecting a wall that diffuses the hustle and bustle of the foot traffic while still remaining in the middle of it all.

Conceived by the same management that gave us A Cut Above, Restyle+ co-brands with Aveda to cultivate the look you want and the appearance you aspire to portray through a holistic approach with the power of botanical solutions.

All guests at Restyle+ are invited to engage in a signature Aveda Ritual of Renewal, which includes: The Tea Ritual, a cup of comforting tea upon arrival; The Stress-Relieving Hand Ritual, a complimentary hand massage incorporating the senses soothing Aveda Stress-Fix™ Body Lotion; the Stress-Relieving Neck and Shoulders Ritual, a 3-5 minute tension-taming massage of the neck and shoulders using Aveda Stress-Fix™ Body Lotion; and The Aroma Sensory Journey, a guided tour of scent, sensuality and memory, to help a guest discover the Aveda aroma that truly speaks to them.

The services at this Aveda Lifestyle Salon include cuts, colour, men's grooming and specialised treatments to condition hair, improve scalp health and texture treatments.

The opening was made merrier by the presence of exalted guests, namely Country Manager of Luxasia Warwick Jenkin; founder of A Cut Above Group and Academy Datin Winnie Loo; General Manager of Mid Valley Megamall Rennie Lee; Business Development Manager Marcus Teo; and General Manager at Luxe Professional Linda Lee, who also served as the emcee for the day.

It is open till 10 pm, making it the perfect place to stop by on a weekday. For more information or reservation enquiries, please call 03-2287 1313. Alternatively, log on to the official Facebook page here.

Address:
S-007 2nd Floor,
Mid Valley Megamall,
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
59200 Kuala Lumpur.

Hours:
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Website:
http://www.aveda.com/

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