Celebrating Mamonde Flower Day With Park Shin-hye

Mamonde's brand ambassador, Park Shin-hye drew loud cheers when she turned up at 1 Utama Shopping Centre on October 14th to officiate Mamonde Flower Day. Arriving in Malaysia for the first time, Park was all smiles as she fielded questions from the emcee, Julie Woon.

"Mamonde Flower Day is a significant event for the brand as we wish to instill the awareness of flowers as a symbol of love and gratitude towards nature and mankind," said Celine Diong, Brand General Manager of Mamonde Malaysia. Mamonde Flower Day will be a yearly celebration of love and appreciation by Mamonde in the month of October, which coincides with Mamonde's introduction in Korea in October 1991.

Park posing prettily before the event commenced

Themed around Mamonde's flower of the month – the Hibiscus - the Oval Concourse was transformed into a flower garden with Hibiscus as the main highlight amidst Mamonde's other four key flowers i.e the Honeysuckle, Narcissus, Lotus and Camellia. Participants at the event were treated to game stations and got to experience Mamonde's five key flowers while enjoying special sets and gifts with purchase.

Apart from celebrating Mamonde Flower Day, the event also saw the launch of two new additions to its Moisture Ceramide range: the Moisture Ceramide Skin Softener (RM 69 for 200 ml) and Moisture Ceramide Emulsion (RM 79 for 150 ml). This range fortifies with the natural moisturising agents found in hibiscus and ceramide and is available at Mamonde's counters at Aeon 1 Utama and Aeon Mid Valley Megamall.

SK-II Launches Facial Treatment Essence Inspired By Suminagashi

This festive season, SK-II has dressed the iconic Facial Treatment Essence in a series of design inspired by traditional Japanese marbling, Suminagashi, or 'floating ink'.

Suminagashi was chosen for its powerful philosophy which states that there is no wrong drop; each dot and swirl come together to create a unique art piece. It serves as a reminder of one's power to paint their own path, in the same way that the simple ink and water of Suminagashi art can be transformed into a beautiful masterpiece, one drop at a time.

Special guest, Suminagashi Master Shuhei Goto, brought this art to life at the official launch at Mid Valley Megamall on October 13th. The crowd drew in a collective gasp when he revealed his creation - simply by peeling a sheet of fabric from the pattern floating in a tray of water!

Teo admiring Master Goto's creation

Taiwan-based Malaysian singer Nicholas Teo was also in attendance, "I am delighted to be invited to the SK-II Festive Party. The design of the Suminagashi-inspired Facial Treatment Essence bottle is so beautiful and it will definitely be a highlight on anyone's dressing table. I am already planning it as a gift to my close friends and family!"

Teo serenaded fans with There's No If

The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Limited Edition is available in red, blue and green Suminagashi-inspired designs for a limited time only at all SK-II counters across Malaysia and is only sold as part of the festive sets:

◆ SK-II Crystal Clear Skin Set RM 620
◆ SK-II Refreshing Skin Set RM 833
◆ SK-II Ageless Beauty Set RM 1,015
◆ SK-II Glowing Aura Set RM 1,175
◆ SK-II The Gentleman Set RM 579

Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm

Mentholatum's latest Lip Pure Lip Balm boasts only pure natural food grade ingredients in its formulation to nourish for smoother, softer lips.

Name: Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm
Price: RM 17.90 for 4 g
Made in: China

The essential oil formula moisturises and goes to town on skin repair with soothing ingredients. What's more, the experts at Mentholatum made this balm so gentle that it even suits those with sensitive skin! Argan Oil, Marula Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Beeswax, Royal Jelly and Manuka Honey are merely some of the restorative ingredients found here.

Methinks the real MVP is the non-greasy finish. It keeps me from feeling smothered - yay for not wearing glue out and about anymore! The Lip Pure Lip Balm is readily available at all leading pharmacies and major supermarket outlets for RM 17.90.

The full ingredient list for Lip Pure Lip Balm:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Avocado Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Beeswax, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Phytosteryl Oleate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter (and) Tocopherol, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (and) Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Water, Royal Jelly, Honey.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Guardian Malaysia People's Choice Award 2016

In conjunction with Guardian's 49th Anniversary celebration, Guardian People's Choice Award (PCA) 2016 on September 30th at Nexus Bangsar South brought the crème de la crème of brands under one roof as it awarded them for their amazing products ranging from personal care and cosmetics to health care and confectionery.

The aim of the PCA is to award those who went above and beyond for product innovation and quality, while providing a platform for the consumers to voice out their favourites amongst the many brands in the market. Aside from rewarding recognition to the best brands and products in Malaysia, the competiton also helps improve integrity for their brands as brand owners are constantly keeping up with evolving needs of customers.

The happy faces of the L'Oréal team

Running its 16th edition this year, Guardian introduced a new online-based voting system for the PCA. The system allowed convenient access for people to cast their votes on 57 categories, where participants with the highest accurate matches won weekly prizes. The competition lasted from April 28th to May 25th and featured close to 250 products from numerous household names.

It was a night to remember as major companies and friends of Guardian were treated with a scrumptious feast, special performances and chances to bring more prizes home with a lucky draw! Heavyweights of the health, beauty and pharmaceutical industry received appreciation for their most popular products, where category winners took home the sought after Guardan PCA trophy.

Violinist Dennis Lau opened the night with an electrifying performance!

The full list of winners by category:

Supplement
Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil 1,000 mg
Blackmores Fish Oil 1,000 mg
Blackmores Multivitamins + Minerals
Redoxon Effervescent Double Action C 1,000 mg + Zinc
Kordel's Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM Effervescent
Blackmores Calcium + D3

General Nutrition
Kinohimitsu J'Pan Collagen Diamond 5300 Drink
NH Detoxlim Clenx Tea
Ensure FOS Vanilla

Over The Counter
Bausch + Lomb Fresh Multi Purpose Solution
Ammeltz Yoko-yoko
Salonpas Patch
Woods' Peppermint Syrup Child/Adult
Eno
Gaviscon Double Action Sachet

Baby & Kids
Scott's Emulsion Orange/Original
Johnson's® Baby Bath Milk + Rice range
Enfagrow A+ 360° DHA PLUS range
Pediasure Complete Vanilla/Chocolate

Confectionery
Snickers
Wrigley's Eclipse Mints range
Strepsils range

Hair
Sunsilk Shampoo/Conditioner range
L'Oréal Paris Extraordinary Oil range
L'Oréal Paris Excellence Hair Color range
Gatsby Moving Rubber range

Body & Bath
Dettol Shower Foam
Dove Shower range
Nivea Women Deodorant Roll On range
Enchanteur Paris EdT range
Gillette Fusion Proglide Touch Flexball Razor
Playboy Men EdT range
Nivea Men Deodorant Spray range

Oral Care & Hygiene
Oral-B Cross Action Pro-Health Toothbrush range
Colgate Regular + Total 12
Listerine Mouthwash Cool Mint
Kotex Fresh Longer & Wider Pantyliner
Kotex Soft & Smooth Proactive Guard Overnight Extra Long Wing 32 cm
Lactacyd Feminine Hygiene

Hand & Body
Rosken Dry Skin Cream
Nivea Body Instant Whitening Firming Lotion SPF15
Eucerin Whitening Regimen set
Sunplay Super Block SPF130
Ellgy Plus Cracked Heel Cream

Face Care
Hada Labo Hydra Whitening Face Wash
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Day Cream SPF23
Hada Labo Hydrating/whitening Lotion
Bio-Essence Tanaka White Double Whitening 4× Flawless White Serum
Bio-Essence 24k Bio Gold Platinum Dual Eye Essence
Oxy 5/10
Guardian Jeju Face Mask range
Lipice Sheer Color Shimmer/Strawberry/Fragrance Free
Garnier Men Power White Clean & Shave

Cosmetic
L'Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation
Silkygirl Magic BB White Powder Foundation
Revlon Photoready 2 Way Powder Foundation
Maybelline Volum' Express Hypercurl Mascara
Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Liner
Silkygirl Moisture Boost Lip Color Balm
L'Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise Lip & Eye Make Up Remover

For more information, kindly visit guardian.com.my.

Sugary Sweet Finds At Althea Korea

I baked up a storm recently. Well, not quite, if we get down to the nitty-gritty, seeing as these yummylicious treats from Althea are meant for the face and not the digestive system. Haha! For the uninitiated, Althea is the site to visit for bargainous Korean cosmetics. Now if only the treshold for free shipping is lowered, because sometimes we only need that one single product.

Starting with Holika Holika Egg Soap Special Set (RM 52) – this set of four egg shaped are housed in an egg carton. These cleansers address different concerns: there is white for pore tightening, green tea to soothe, red clay removes impurities and charcoal to control excess sebum. Red clay and charcoal soaps can be a little drying, so you would want to use them interchangeably.

Not only does The Saem Chocopie Hand Cream in Marshmallow (RM 39 for 35 ml) looks like the real deal, it also does an awesome job at keeping parched paws moisturised. There are two other variants available if you are not into marshmallowy coconut-y scents, namely Cookies & Cream and Strawberry. I myself prefer Cookies & Cream, in case you would like to know. No? Then let us move on! *sheepish grin*

Onsaemeein Yogurt Peeling (RM 26 for 100 ml) has papaya extract and microcrystalline cellulose to gently remove dead skin cells, as well as extracts of yoghurt and goat milk to improve skin tone. To use: spread a dollop on dry clean face and massage for a minute or so until eraser-like shavings are formed. Despite liking my exfoliators scrubby, I found it very pleasing to use thanks to the unbelievably soft and smooth effect.

I had to rescue the Grain Beauty Bubble Sugar (RM 33 for 100 g) from getting dropped into a mug of coffee the other day - these sugar cubes lookalike would have fooled me too if I didn't know any better! Designed for congested and dull skin, the cleanser cum exfoliator combines natural vegetable oils (including apricot, lemon, sunflower and rice bran) and organic black sugar to thoroughly cleanse pores and provide nourishment without drying skin. The sweet citrusy scent is an added (and much loved) perk.

Do they stir (notice then pun?) your heart? Even if they don't, Althea has a lot more of sweet, baking supplies and other assortment of goodies for you to fill your vanity. Nab them here!

Disclosure: Press samples.

Batiste Is Now In Malaysia!

Launched exclusively at Guardian, Batiste, UK's #1 dry shampoo brand for over 30 years, is a classic dry shampoo that instantly refreshes your hair between washes, leaving it clean, fresh and full of body and texture.

At the heart of Batiste dry shampoo is an innovative starch based 'no water needed' formulation that does not leave any residue. It eliminates excess oil and grease at the roots to revitalise dull, lifeless hair. This instant remedy saves time spent on hair styling and reduces the use of chemicals.

Batiste dry shampoo comes in five variations:
☑ Original
A classic that cleans and freshens up your hair in no time with a very light scent.

☑ Blush
A bestseller with a floral scent that projects the essence of femininity that will surely turn heads.

☑ Cherry
Ideal for anyone that loves a sweet scent. It has a smooth luscious retro flavour delivering a rich cherry scent.

☑ Divine Dark
Colour tinted to give you a hint of colour to help blend in root regrowth and any stray greys.

☑ Heavenly Volume
A 2-in-1 that instantly refreshes hair and gives more volume more than a normal dry shampoo could. A perfect way to give your hair a freshly amplified look.

Michael Poh, local celebrity hairstylist and ambassador of Batiste in Malaysia, was at the official launch at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral on September 29th to offer hairstyling tips using the new range of Batiste dry shampoo. Members of the media and invited guests also had the opportunity to try the product and were also offered instant hair makeovers.

Original, Blush and Cherry, are available in two sizes, 50 ml (RM 10.00) and 200 ml (RM 31.70), whereas Divine Dark and Heavenly Volume are only available in 200 ml (RM 31.70).

Mentholatum Lip Fondue Aurora 3D Pearl & Cassis Rose

As a true lip balm devotee, I have one stashed everywhere - my nightstand, my bathroom, my purse... so it is inevitable that I got really excited when the all new Lip Fondues came by!

Name: Mentholatum メンソレータム Lip Fondue リップフォンデュ
Price: RM 17.90 for 4.2 g
Made in: Japan

Don't let the kawaii packaging fool you into thinking that these lip balms are merely ornamental. Because they will soften lips for hours on end with the ultra nourishing blend of Royal Jelly Extract, Honey and Olive Oil. A word of warning: be prepared to live in perpetual fear of hair getting stuck every time a breeze passes by. The other thing of note is the specially designed, non-retractable dial lock tube - once it's out there, it's out there.

Aurora 3D Pearl オーロラ3Dパール gives a 3D sheen to the lips thanks to the presence of shimmer particles.

Cassis Rose ハニーローズ is so incredibly moisturising that it doubles as a sleeping mask.

Soothe chappy woes with these budget-friendly balms retailing for RM 17.90 (!!!) at all Guardian pharmacies!

The full ingredient list for Lip Fondue Aurora 3D Pearl:
Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Lanolin, Octyldodecanol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dextrin Myristate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Pentylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysilicone-15, Titanium Dioxide, Flavor, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Honey, Butylene Glycol, Water, Royal Jelly Extract.

The full ingredient list for Lip Fondue Cassis Rose:
Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Lanolin, Octyldodecanol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dextrin Myristate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Pentylene Glycol, Flavor, Polysilicone-15, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Honey, Butylene Glycol, Water, Royal Jelly Extract.

Disclosure: Press samples.