L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream

Exceptionally concentrated in shea butter (25% to be precise), the L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream intensely soothes and nourishes the skin. It is also enriched with linseed, marshmallow, sweet almond, honey and apricot oil for long-lasting hydration.

Name: L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream
Price: RM 195 for 200 ml
Made in: France

It is a thick, buttery and great smelling cream. I slather it on damp skin before bed to take advantage of the skin's overnight renewal process, heh. I have used it daily for a month and I see and feel the transformation - soft and smooth joints instead of their usual scaly appearance.

That said, it is high maintenance... I have to rub and wait and repeat (many times) for it to sink in somewhat. For drier climates and/or skin, this will be perfect for your needs. If your preference leans towards the more lightweight side, you are better off with something else, mayhaps the Shea Butter Body Lotion?

Before - After

For RM 195, I expect something more luxurious, and plastic just doesn't cut it. Would I recommend? Sadly for my wallet, yes. It is a treat for the senses as well as the skin!

The full ingredient list for Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream:
Aqua/Water**, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter**, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin**, Tapioca Starch**, Cetearyl Alcohol**, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract**, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium PCA, Sorbitol**, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil**, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract**, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract**, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract**, Ceteareth-33**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mel/Honey Extract, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Chlorphenesin, Polyacrylamide, Propylene Glycol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Alcohol, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Coumarin, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene**, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol.
**Natural origin ingredients.

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Sunplay Sport UV: Body Mist & Lotion

It may be raining non stop, and therefore cooler in my neck of the woods (24℃, yo!) but that doesn't mean that I can neglect sun protection!

Sunplay Sport UV Body Mist SPF120 PA++++ (RM 58.90 for 165 ml) says body on the can, but directions covers facial usage, so I am guessing that it is safe to use it errwhere. My misgivings on aerosol type sunscreens are well documented, and I shall link it here to save you the trouble to look for that particular post. Otherwise, I have no other complaints and only compliments. I know, rare for me, haha! The barely there scent, the light as air (almost) texture and the easy breezy application makes this sunscreen a delight to wear.

Directions

Shake 4-5 times before use. Hold can 6-8 inches away from skin and spray onto body evenly. Do not spray directly onto face. Spray onto palm and apply evenly on face. For desired result, re-apply as needed or after towel dry, vigorous outdoor activity. Do not stay too long under the sun even while using a sunscreen product.

Sunplay Sport UV Lotion SPF120 PA++++ (RM 43.50 for 35 g) feels like nothing once it dries down. And that is where the good things end. It leaves a crazy white cast that won't look out of place if you are on the fairer side but on me, it just calls attention to the fact that my neck and face are two shades apart. Besides that, my nose gets super clogged whenever I apply this. Methinks comedogenic ingredients are lurking... anyone care to shed some light and share their experience with this sunscreen?

The full ingredient list for Sunplay Sport UV Body Mist SPF120 PA++++:
Water, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer (and) Cyclopentasiloxane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylyl Methicone, Polysilicone-15, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (and) Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Fragrance, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Bisabolol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (and) Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Ectoin, Sodium Hyaluronate.

The full ingredient list for Sunplay Sport UV Lotion SPF120 PA++++:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide/Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol/Water, Triethylhexanoin, Titanium Dioxide/Silica/Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane/Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polysilicone-15, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice/Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride/Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Ectoin, Sodium Hyaluronate.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

Name: Nuxe 눅스 Huile Prodigieuse® 윌 프로디쥬스
Price: € 25.90 for 100 ml
Made in: France

Although I have been using beauty oils for a couple of years now, I am still relatively new to it. I have not dabbled in many brands (I tend to buy huge bottles that will last me forever) so I literally quivered in anticipation when I finally got around to uncap Huile Prodigieuse.

30% of the ingredients in this Nuxe bestseller is made up from a cocktail of six plant oils (Borage, St John's Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut, Macadamia) and Vitamin E.

Like Caudalie's Huile Divine, Huile Prodigieuse is a multi-purpose blend of goodness for your face, body and hair. It nourishes the skin, leaves hair soft and shiny and has the additional beneficial effect of improving the overall appearance of stretch marks.

The only one downside to this oil is the scent. My nose cannot take the aroma well; there is something about it that my nose hates. Huile Divine smells rather glorious in comparison and I am not terribly keen on that scent in the first place. Some have suggested to utilise the oil as a perfume. It does not last as long as an EdP would, so constant reapplication throughout the day is needed for the smell to linger.

With similar properties and equivalent results, you should end up with whichever dry oil that beguiles you with its scent.

P.S.: Happy holidays! May your days be merry and bright as we welcome 2017.

The full ingredient list for Huile Prodigieuse:
Isopropyl Isostearate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Corylus Avellana Nut Oil/Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool.

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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.

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Caudalie Divine Oil

Name: Caudalie 꼬달리 Divine Oil 디바인 오일
Price: € 23.70 for 100 ml
Made in: France

Huile Divine (French for Divine Oil) is based on four vegetable oils, Grape Seed Oil, Hibiscus Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil and Argan Oil, which make up 60% of the composition. Caudalie's patented blend of anti-ageing extracts, Resveratrol, Viniferine and Polyphenol, attribute to the remaining 40%. As with all products Caudalie, Divine Oil is free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oil and sodium laureth sulphate.

This is how the oil is described:
Moisturises, nourishes and enhances the face, body and hair, thanks to its unique formula made with exceptional blend of oils combined with our patented anti-oxidant Polyphenols. It envelops the skin with a subtle, floral and sun-kissed fragrance with woody notes.

Divine Oil is a multi purpose oil - you can use it on your face, body and hair. For the purposes of research, I bought the biggest size, 100 ml. The lengths I go for beauty blogging hahaha *clears throat*

The presentation is really something. The bottle is impeccably made and aesthetically pleasing - an amber glass with a cluster of grapes grooves at the back, topped with a wooden lid. I know I extolled the virtues of spray dispensers in an older review, but after a revaluation, I decided that drizzers are the way to go. They are much more convenient and less prone to making a mess (splotches of oil everywhere).

The oil works brilliantly. It melts into the skin without leaving greasy traces, so you need not recoil at the mere thought of looking shiny. Divine Oil promises to moisturise, nourish and enhance, and surprisingly (or not) it actually delivers! I reserve it for my hair and body because I have a multitude of different oils serving my face.

If green moss on tree barks can smell sophisticated, then Divine Oil has captured the very essence of this unique spin to a T. The scent is a let down. I expected more from it after reading so many glowing reviews. But hey, I get it because scents are very personal!

At RM 130 for a 100 ml bottle at KENS Apothecary and Sephora Malaysia, this is one of the best budget beauty products out there.

The full ingredient list for Divine Oil:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Isoamyl Cocoate*, Coco-Caprylate*, Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Palmitate*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Tocopherol*, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract*, Citric Acid*, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol.
*plant origin

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The Saem Fresh Bamboo Soothing Gel 99%

I am seeing bamboo gels springing up like mushrooms after the rain. Most of the road shop brands have come out with their own versions and the one that I am reviewing today is by The Saem - a brand near and dear to my heart because of the oh so delectable endorsement models, SHINee *wipes drool*

Name: The Saem 더샘 Fresh Bamboo Soothing Gel 프레쉬 뱀부 수딩 젤 99%
Price: ₩ 6,000 for 260 ml
Made in: Korea

Bamboo has been used for centuries since the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC) and played an important role in spreading and developing traditional Chinese culture. Since then, its uses have evolved from being writing mediums to construction material and even as a pharmaceutical intermediate.

(Source: Jeffrey Friedl)

Bamboo extract is a rich source of silica, an essential nutrient to keep the skin, nail and hair healthy. It has natural antioxidant properties to neutralise free radicals and environmental toxins that we encounter on a daily basis. This amazing plant also acts as an anti-irritant to soothe and rejuvenate the skin.

99% of this product is made up of bamboo extract from the bamboo grove at Gangneung, a South Korean city. The other 1% consists of greenery such as American Wintergreen, Gotu Kola, Avocado, Ylang-ylang, Kakadu Plum, Mango, Sea-buckthorn, Camu Camu, Rosehip and Acerola alongside some solvents and emulsifiers.

In my humble opinion, it one ups the famed aloe vera gels due to the convenient nature of squeeze tubes. Squeezing the life out of the plastic tube (albeit one shaped like a bamboo shoot) is way more hygienic than dipping my germ-filled fingers into a pot over and over again.

The gel sinks in almost instantaneously leaving the skin feeling cool and fresh. It is not moisturising enough for my face, so I will apply something heavier on top. On the other hand, my body finds it fine on its own! Now you have heard it all, the same person offering contrasting opinions, haha! I use this bamboo gel in a multitude of ways including

① Soothing inflamed skin
② Lightening stretch marks
③ Aftershave treatment
④ Adding luster to hair
⑤ Treating blisters

It smells very fresh, which is pretty much like the aloe version (also from The Saem!) except that it has grassier undertones. If you are looking for a natural product that you can utilise from head to toe - this would be it!

The full ingredient list for Fresh Bamboo Soothing Gel 99%:
Phyllostachys Nigra Extract (99%), Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Betaine, Chlorphenesin, Butylene Glycol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract, Fragrance.

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Atopiclair Lotion & Cream

Launched in 2011, Atopiclair is a unique non-steroidal treatment that is ideal to treat all eczema patients during flare and remission phases of eczema. This controller cream, which is USFDA-approved, does not have added colouring, fragrance, paraben and animal derivatives.

Atopiclair has been clinically tested to be effective and well-tolerated among infants, children and adults who are suffering from mild to moderate eczema. For those seeking more information, perhaps atopiclairasia.com can be of help?

ღ Atopiclair™ Lotion

Pale yellow lotion

Name: Atopiclair™ Lotion
Price: RM 78 for 120 ml
Made in: Italy

With Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid, this lotion is sure to deeply moisturise, rejuvenate and repair while preventing the recurrence of itching skin.

There is no waffling about with the texture of this lotion. There is the watery type of lotion, made popular by Asian brands and there is the true-blue Western lotion with a thick, creamy yet just as fluid formula, which is the category where Atopiclair™ Lotion falls in.

It leaves my skin super soft - I can immediately feel the improvement the morning after. That said, it is a bit too much for me because I get really shiny when I use it. Then again, my dehydrated skin is not part of this lotion's target audience. Someone suffering from eczema would appreciate how rich this lotion truly is.

Updated on October 13, 2015. After using the May Coop Cleansing Mousse, dry patches emerged and were increasing in severity and size but this lotion along with the gentlest cleanser ever, Innisfree Calming Gel Cleanser, cleared them up within a couple of days. They are truly miracle workers!

The full ingredient list for Atopiclair™ Lotion:
Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachydyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Ceteth-20, Capryloyl Glycine, Glyceryl Stearate, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Piroctone Olamine, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Propyl Gallate, Telmesteine.

ღ Atopiclair™ Cream

Pale peach cream

Name: Atopiclair™ Cream
Price: RM 58 for 40 ml
Made in: Italy

Like the lotion, Atopiclair™ Cream also harnesses the power of Shea Butter, an ingredient known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, to promote healing.

The cream is a creamier (hah!) version of the lotion. The antiseptic smell is far stronger in the cream versus the lotion, which leads me to believe that the active ingredients in the cream are in a higher concentration. It does take a while to absorb completely so you may want to avoid contact with things for a few minutes after application.

One suffering from eczema should reapply their emollients at regular intervals, even when they are not experiencing symptoms. This is where the cream comes in handy. It can be tossed into one's bag and carried around (this 40 ml tube is not going weigh down your bag) and soothe or treat areas of concern on the go.

The full ingredient list for Atopiclair™ Cream:
Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachydyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-100 Stearate, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Piroctone Olamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Propyl Gallate, Telmesteine.

Atopiclair™ is sold at most major pharmacies nationwide.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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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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Gifts For RM20 Or Less!

There is a goodly number of pretty gift sets that you can get for others (and of course yourself) for under RM 20. I guarantee that these crackers will put a smile on every face!

Mostly pictures because they are worth thousands of words, haha!

Guardian has more variations up their sleeves and they are sold for a reasonable RM 9.90 to RM 19.90.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Etude House My Castle Hand Creams Review: Sweet Cookie, Pink Wish, Forever Rose, Ice Frozen

I went gaga over the I Can Fly collection in 2012 and bought 'em all (a complete collection is a must!) and this year, Etude House decided that they shall reward my devotion with the entirety of the My Castle series. Waah!!

(Source: facebook.com/etude.kr)

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 My Castle Hand Cream 마이캐슬 핸드크림
Price: US$ 24 for 1 set (30 ml ×4)
Made in: Korea

These hand creams are enriched with Shea Butter, White Mallow Extract, Lavender Extract, Chamomile Extract, Centella Extract, Lemon Verbena Extract and Aloe Extract. They take 10 minutes or so to completely sink in, leaving my hands (as well as elbows and knobby knees) really, really soft. I can't wish for more, can I?

From left:
✤ Sweet Cookie 스윗 쿠키: Butterscotch candy
✤ Pink Wish 핑크 위시: Fruity floral
✤ Forever Rose 포에버 로즈: Rose
✤ Ice Frozen 아이스 프로즌: Icy popsicle

They ALL smell amazing which a step up from the I Can Fly days, where I only enjoyed two out of four scents. Nonetheless, Sweet Cookie would be my choice if I had to pick a favourite. Why? I am all for my hands smelling like confectionery - makes it so easy for me to fantasize that I am stuffing my face with sugary treats when I catch a whiff of the delectable aroma.

Clockwise from bottom left: Sweet Cookie, Pink Wish, Forever Rose, Ice Frozen

The jars are worthy of being displayed on my desk (for everyone who passes by to salivate over) plus they cost a reasonable US$ 6 each. Collectors may prefer the set of four where the creams will be housed in a cardboard toolbox. You can check out both options at etudehouse.com.

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

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Happy Price Tokyo Love Soap Pure Girls

Hi, my name is Blair and I am addicted to soap. There. I said it. There could be worse addictions, at least mine just takes up space and results in a ready to burst set of drawers? Haha!

Rich, dense lather

Name: Happy Price ハッピープライス Tokyo Love Soap 東京ラブソープ Pure Girls ピュアガールズ
Price: ¥ 1,480 for 80 g
Made in: Japan

Spurred by Happy Price's recommendation, I fearlessly used Pure Girls on my face. It left this weird squeaky sensation that immediately triggered alarm signals. And rightly so, I should have listened to my instinct! After a couple of days, I started breaking out in the jaw area. It cleared up once I stopped, so as of now the soap is reserved for my body.

Judging from the substantial lengthening of my routine, the soap is best left for the evening. It is only when the weekend rolls around that I use it in the mornings too.

We all know that the original version is the one that propelled Tokyo Love Soap to stardom. How does Pure Girls differ from it? Pure Girls is infused with the aroma of Bulgarian Rose and Ylang-ylang whereas original is non-perfumed. Secondly, Pure Girls contains more anti-ageing as well moisturising ingredients.

True enough, the soap does leave my skin moisturised. Even without a veil of lotion/oil/what have you enveloping it, my skin feels soft and smooth to the touch.

What about the other benefits? Did my skin seem brighter? Did it clear my pores? Did it eliminate odour? Did it refine hair growth? No, no, no and no...

I don't know why it failed to resonate with me. Others love it to bits so why am I the odd one out? Am I doing something wrong? Kindly clue me in if you figure out a solution to my problem, and while you are at it, please share your favourite brightening product of the moment.

Intrigued? Tokyo Love Soap is sold at nattacosme.com for RM 85. Note that pregnant and nursing mothers should refrain from using Pure Girls or any of the other variations.

The full ingredient list for Tokyo Love Soap Pure Girls:
Soap Base, Fragrance, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sativa Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Persimmon Tannin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sericin, Soybean Milk Culture Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Placental Protein, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Trehalose, Betaine, PEG-75, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Water, Etidronic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Human Oligopeptide-1, Glycerin, Lecithin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Swiftlet Nest Extract, Ceramide 3, Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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