Friday, January 29, 2016

Getting Cashback At Qoo10 With ShopBack Malaysia

Cashback programs gained traction in the States a few years back, and everyone I knew (that lived there) used them to save ridiculous amounts of money. Now, we can do it too with ShopBack, the top Malaysian cashback site!

It has a comprehensive range of local and international affiliates to choose from, such as Asos, Groupon, Reebonz, SaSa, Sephora, Taobao and Zalora. Sign up for an account and the world is your oyster!


Now, the first thing to do before you click away is to access your site of choice through ShopBack in order to receive commissions. Then shop as usual. Once you have paid, you will receive your items directly from the retailer.

For example: you can visit the Qoo10 page for discount/coupon codes and stack them on top of your commission. It is important to note that these cashback arrangements do not pay out immediately but I am certain we don't mind a bit of wait for our monies to clear into our accounts.


And seeing as it will be the month of love in a couple of days, you may want to head over to ShopBack to indulge in some sales in honour of Valentine's Day. You will be spoilt for choice with the great deals galore!

Have a great February and I wish you all the love in the world!

Disclosure: This blog post is brought to you by ShopBack.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker pH Powered Lip Gloss Pink

Did you know that Physicians Formula is now sold in Malaysia? Imagine my utter delight when a package from them landed in my postbox!


Name: Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker pH Powered Lip Gloss Pink
Price: RM 50.80 for 3.8 g
Made in: USA

The pH Matchmaker pH Powered Lip Gloss in Pink goes on the palest pink and after 60 seconds, it deepens my lip colour to a fuchsia berry shade; which I have to say isn't the most flattering for my skin tone. It will work for others, but sadly I am not one of those lucky people.


Before - After

The quality of the gloss itself took me by surprise. It isn't as tacky as expected and once the shine wears off, it leaves behind a rich pigment a.k.a. a stain. An extremely long-lasting stain. Put it on, and don't expect to be free of it for the rest of the day.


The full-size mirror comes in handy when I check for particles of food between my teeth or when I touch up the areas where makeup has disintegrated. I haven't found use for the LED light yet but I am sure I will put it to the test one of these days; when I have the need to look for something in the cavernous depths of my bag?


It is a good option for anyone who likes a brush applicator. Perhaps swatch it at Watsons first before you spend the RM 50.80? If you give any of the 3 shades a try, please make your opinions heard below.

The full ingredient list for pH Matchmaker pH Powered Lip Gloss:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ozokerite, Propylene Glycol Ricinoleate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, BHT, Citric Acid, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol [+/- Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Iron Oxides, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Red 6 Lake, Red 27, Red 7 Lake].

Disclosure: Press sample.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Lamy Cosmetics Real 97% Rice Paper Eating Mask Pack

Get It Beauty (a Korean beauty show) extolled the virtues of using rice paper as masks and it got so popular that brands decided to come out with their own! I would like to make them too but poking holes for my eyes and nose can be too much of a bother, so I shall stick to the ones manufactured by factories, hahaha~

(Source: lamy.co.kr/)

Name: Lamy Cosmetics 라미화장품 Real 97% Rice Paper Eating Mask Pack 리얼 97% 라이스페이퍼 이팅 마스크팩
Price: ₩ 6,000 for 20 ml
Made in: Korea

There are 3 variations altogether in Lamy Cosmetics's version: Black Rice 흑미, Green Tea 녹차 and Turmeric 강황. Each of them come with their own essences (Black Rice promises to brighten, Green Tea for moisture and Turmeric to firm), which you would use to soak the rice paper. Once the mask bloats up has drawn in the essence, slap it over your face and let it stay on for about 20 minutes.


These essences are enhanced with patented herbal ingredients including rh-EGF capsulised with Lecithin, Rosebud, Uncaria Rhynchophylla and fermented Red Ginseng to nourish and enable even the most sensitive skin to be able to use them without experiencing irritation. As a side note, I believe that these rice papers are edible, hence the name 'eating'.


The masks smells like the rice found in the kitchen while the essences are lightly fragranced. All in all, very natural and it didn't feel like I was applying something harmful on. The essence completely soaked into my skin once the 20 minutes was up. My face was exceedingly smooth to the touch, pores minimised and lines less obvious! I thought I was seeing things at first until I got confirmation from others! You bet I admired my own reflection for a long while! *coughs*


On top of my skin!

Anyways, they are not as convenient as regular hydrogel masks but they certainly make up for it with the awesome results. One other con would be the price, but otherwise, they are an excellent option to go for when your mug needs a little rejuvenation.


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

Saturday, January 16, 2016

SK-II Chinese New Year Countdown Party

Since launching the iconic Facial Treatment Essence 35 years ago, SK-II has transformed the skin of millions of women around the world. As you well know, Chinese New Year is fast approaching, so it is only fitting for SK-II to commemorate this important festival with a limited edition Facial Treatment Essence design.


The New Phoenix Limited Edition design combines paper cutting or 'jiǎnzhǐ' with an image of a phoenix, a symbol of female empowerment, to express virtue, elegance and rebirth. This not only pays tribute to the traditional Chinese art form, but reinforces SK-II's commitment to empowering women to bring in spring with hope and confidence, encourage them to believe in themselves and take hold of their destinies.


From left: Lawrence Wong, Mid Valley ED Daniel Yong, AEON MD Nur Qamarina Chew, P&G Country CEO Nicolas de La Giroday and Soo Wincci with the 2 framed calligraphy presented to Mid Valley and AEON

The launch at the ‪#‎changedestiny‬ World atrium in Mid Valley Megamall on January 7th was an impressive affair: The Black Royals opened with a dance performance aptly titled 'Embracing the Phoenix Reborn', followed by a paper cutting showcase by Master Kow. A dialogue session with celebrities Wong and Soo ran simultaneously and culminated with them unfurling Master Kow's masterpiece.



The event drew to a close after the skincare and makeup demonstration by SK-II Malaysia Trainer Denise Loong and celebrity MUA Sheng Saw. I didn't get take too many photos as I was so busy chatting to everyone and soaking in the atmosphere, so the pictures in this post are courtesy of the official photographers. They take nicer ones anyways, so there is no harm done, haha!



Along with the other lovely ladies and gentlemen in attendance, I was treated to delicious canapés and refreshing juices. Side note: I thoroughly recommend the shrimp on crackers. They are finger licking good!


SK-II Facial Treatment Essence New Phoenix Limited Edition (RM 620 for 230 ml) is available at all SK-II counters for a limited period.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Vely Vely No.19 Red Rouge

The most recent lip product to join the ranks of kimchi land's elite is Vely Vely's No.19 Red Rouge! This awesome lipstick is infused with Three Oil Complex, Shea Butter, Honey Extract and Six Flower Complex to moisturise, nourish and soothe the lips while adding a splash of colour.


Name: Vely Vely 블리블리 No.19 Red Rouge 빨강루즈
Price: ₩ 19,800 for 3.4 g
Made in: Korea

The bold rose red colour is definitely not for the faint hearted. It is too pigmented (for me) to apply straight from the tube but dabbed on is when the magic happens! By dabbing, I do miss out on the satin finish but that is a cross I must bear for the colour is loveee.


I don't have to retouch this after lunch, which was pretty impressive given the fact it isn't exactly drying but not moisturising either. It is a combination of the both... it lasts long yet glides on with ease. And when I say long, I mean that it is able to power through a full on meal (including drinks on the side).


It wears off super prettily and gives the lips the loveliest rosy stain. A slick of lipbalm or a gloss will liven up things again or I could even leave my lips alone. The sky's the limit with this lipstick! What's more, the rubbery casing has a closure that clicks shut so satisfactorily.


There is more to the collection that I am dying to get my hands on - but only if I finish some of my existing lipsticks first, and we all know how this ends right? Haha!


US$ 27.72 at en.imvely.com; free shipping on orders of US$ 300 or more.

The full ingredient list for No.19 Red Rouge:


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

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

Specially formulated for dehydrated skin, Clarins's Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil limits water loss while locking moisture in the epidermis, ensuring constant radiance and luminosity.


Name: Clarins 클라란스 Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil 블루 오키드 페이스 트리트먼트 오일
Price: RM 185.50 for 30 ml
Made in: France

The oil contains Hazelnut Oil, a rich source of anti-free radical vitamin E and nourishing fatty acids to improve both permanent and temporary skin imbalances and essential oils of Rosewood and Patchouli along with Blue Orchid Extract to revitalise and tone giving 100% total well-being, balance and serenity.

It is a scent that takes some getting used to - it doesn't immediately attract (like most of their products!) yet it is soothing enough. After a while, I even find myself looking forward to cocoon myself (or my face at least) in the herbaceous, warm, yet somewhat spicy aroma; I suppose that is my nose desensitising itself, haha!


I mix 2 drops of the oil with any of the lotions on my vanity (currently, I have the SNP Za Aryeon Eun Yoon Skin and Mamonde Rose Water Toner). The resulting solution floats on the skin for a bit before settling in but it is way speedier than using it alone. It doesn't absorb as easily as Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil for example, and comparatively, it is not that lightweight of an oil.

There is plenty of time for me to work in lovely massage and have enough leftover to smear onto my pillow. The wondrous thing about this oil is that it packs a punch when it comes to getting the skin supple and plumptious. I find that I can skip moisturiser altogether; it simply is that rich! I can't do this with Josie Maran's oil though, so if you have a problem with dryness, you may want to opt for Clarins's version instead.


Are you new to oils? One of Clarins's three blends will not lead you amiss!

The full ingredient list for Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil:
Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Orchid Extract, Linalool, Limonene, Coumarin, Eugenol [V1640H].

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Ettang Collagen & The Peppermint Modeling Take-Out Cup Pack

The latest Korean innovation to hit SaSa is the Ettang Modeling Take-Out Cup Pack! It uses the best raw materials to moisturise the skin without causing irritation.



Name: Ettang 이땅 Modeling Take-out Cup Pack 모델링 Take-out 컵팩
Price: ₩ 4,000 for 17 g
Made in: Korea

By adding water, the powder turns into a goopy mixture, which you would then whack on your face. The mixture will change its colour accordingly (Collagen takes on an ivory hue whereas The Peppermint turns pale green). There are 8 different flavours altogether:

✤ Acerola
✤ Charcoal
✤ Chlorella
✤ Collagen
✤ Paper Mulberry
✤ Propolis
✤ The Peppermint
✤ Yogurt

Collagen 콜라겐, with its 18 Amino Acids, promises to supply nutrition to the skin and boost skin elasticity.



Collagen in action!

The Peppermint 페퍼민트 soothes, relieves and refreshes stressed skin with Tea Tree and Mint Extracts.



The Peppermint becoming dough-like

It takes the pack 20 minutes to make my skin feel so much smoother and softer. It comes off easily and in one piece - rather like the thick rubbery masks that the aestheticians peel off after a session at the salon. I think it will be great as a quick perk-up before an important event.

A cup is meant for one use although you can split the amount given in half and keep it for the next time the urge to mask overcomes you. But then you may have to deal with a mask with a thinner consistency (ergo making it more taxing to remove) so you will have to juggle ease of use versus thriftiness...


Overall, I really liked this and thought it was so much fun! It is not as convenient as regular wash off masks but it does have its benefits. You will just have to weigh the pros and cons before you plonk down the cash. And at RM 12.90 a pop at all SaSa stores nationwide, there will not be much to consider, haha!

Disclosure: Press samples.