Works With Water

I started consuming Coenzyme Q10 and Zinc supplements from February 1st. They were my happiest purchases of the month! Coenzyme Q10 does wonders in slowing down the ageing process and Zinc curbs acne and blackhead problems. Vain much?

Sadly, this Zinc supplement did not help to stop me from breaking out. Since I have already purchased a ton of bottles, I will still continue to consume it but I was honestly disappointed that it did not work.

To my delight, Works with Water provided me with an alternative when they sent four weeks worth of help: clear skin for me to try out.

help: clear skin contains Praventin™ a clinically proven bioactive protein, rich in lactoferrin, which has been shown to reduce the development of the bacteria responsible for many skin impurities, helping to prevent the formation of blemishes due to its antimicrobial effects. (Source: workswithwater.co.uk/)

Name: help: clear skin
Price: £ 32.47 for 28 days pack
Made in: UK

I took it religiously on a daily basis. Nothing can stop me in achieving a clear blemish free skin! Moreover it is such an easy upkeep; I stir it into my hot beverage, chug it down and I am done. That is how simple it is!

I experienced very clear skin whilst taking it, and there were no blemishes whatsoever to plague me. A few zits that were brewing in the backburner (they hurt a lot but no head) even vanished two days after I started consuming help: clear skin.

But the real test was during the time of the month where a few pimples usually pop up. To my surprise, only one tiny pimple popped up. Usually I will get a handful so overall it was an amazing month. I am pretty worried now that I have finished my supply, I definitely need to get more!

Works with Water also tucked in a box of help: revitalise my skin into my package. A box has seven sachets, which means a week's dosage.

help: revitalise my skin tasty gel supplements contain Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a proven anti-ageing agent, and Aloe Vera, which aids skin regeneration, to help your skin stay beautifully revitalised… and in tip-top condition. (Source: workswithwater.co.uk/)

Name: help: revitalise my skin
Price: £ 32.47 for 28 days pack
Made in: UK

As mentioned earlier, I take CoQ10 capsule supplements. help: revitalise my skin was a nice addition to my routine. A serving comes in its own sachet, so you can keep it in your bag when you are on the go, it is convenient and it does not take up much space.

The delicious apple flavoured supplement has a watery jelly texture.

I think a week is too short a time for me to notice a difference in my skin. And I have to admit that I have not observed an improvement after taking CoQ10 for the past two months.

The reason? One help: revitalise my skin sachet contains 600 mg CoQ10 whereas one CoQ10 capsule only has 30 mg CoQ10. It means that I have been taking practically nothing all these times; 20 times more is nothing to scoff at. I have to take a zillion capsules per day for any effect to show (> ω <)

There is no point for me to do a comparison, help: revitalise my skin is another kettle of fish altogether. I think it is very obvious that I much prefer help: revitalise my skin, it has a higher concentration of CoQ10 and also it is reasonably priced.

I read that the products from Works with Water might be sold at SaSa stores nationwide soon and I can't wait for that time to come!

For now, I would purchase them from workswithwater.com (FREE worldwide delivery for orders over £ 45). They are also available in SaSa stores in Hong Kong and from Boots, Superdrug, Waitrose and Holland & Barrett in the UK.

For more information, see their
✤ Facebook: facebook.com/HelpClearSkin
✤ Twitter: twitter.com/HelpClearSkin

Disclosure: Entry contains press sample(s).

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Gmarket Haul

I browsed on global.gmarket.co.kr for a few weeks before I decided on the following items. There is nothing better than gifting yourself a few things hahaha!

ღ White dress

Stock photo.

Actual item.

Seller: 로베인
Colour: White 화이트
Estimated weight: 0.63 kg

The seller took absolutely forever to send my order out, and I think I know why. They spend their time updating their listings. I see new items every single time!

The dress itself is nice albeit weighty and stiff. I did not expect the material to be embedded with shiny bits. My feathers were further ruffled when I discovered that the size runs smaller than the actual measurements. I can't wear the dress at all, it is uncomfortably snug.

Overall rating: ★★★☆☆☆☆

ღ Mint dress

Stock photo.

Actual item.

Seller: 로베인
Colour: Mint 민트
Estimated weight: 0.63 kg

While the dress above is too small, this one on the other hand is a bit too big hahaha. The measurements from this seller is obviously unreliable. The colour that I chose, mint, is a delight; I love how it cheerful it looks. The dress itself is light and floaty.

Overall rating: ★★★★☆☆☆

ღ Black dress

Stock photo.

Actual item.

Seller: 나날샵
Colour: Black 블랙
Estimated weight: 0.40 kg

This dress is made from a T-shirt material. I adore the flared bottom half, it is so fun and flirty! The cut fits me perfectly although some accessories are definitely needed to jazz it up.

Overall rating: ★★★★★★☆

ღ White slip dress

Stock photo.

Actual item.

Seller: 나날샵
Colour: White 화이트
Estimated weight: 0.40 kg

It is a basic slip dress. I was looking high and low for one in department stores but I ended up going home empty handed. Have slip dresses been rendered obsolete? This slip dress meets my criteria: it is affordable and more importantly the material is thick.

Overall rating: ★★★★★★☆

ღ Ivory slip skirt

Stock photo.

Actual item.

Seller: 러블리홍
Colour: Ivory 아이보리
Estimated weight: 0.40 kg

It should not be made from a flimsy fabric as a slip skirt is meant to conceal or cover up sheerness from the dress/skirt worn on top of it. I was not overly impressed but I shall overlook this because the bottom frills are just too cute.

Overall rating: ★★★★★☆☆

ღ Beige bag

Stock photo.

Actual item.

Seller: FNB(에프앤비)
Colour: Beige 베이지
Estimated weight: 1.96 kg

Am head over heels with the bag, it is exactly what I am looking for. It is roomy and very well made. The stitches on the bag and hardware fixtures are in impeccable condition. It even comes with an extra sling (three 'handles' altogether) for me to turn it into a satchel. The base of the bag even has studs!

Overall rating: ★★★★★★☆

ღ Beige heels

Stock photo.

Actual item.

Seller: 오렌지 스타일
Colour: Beige 베이지
Estimated weight: 0.84 kg

I was most excited over this but sadly the colour that I got was off target. Instead of beige I got something that resembles a grey. Other than that, it is expertly crafted, has thick plush insoles and the 7 cm heel height is perfect for shopping expeditions.

The size that I got is just right for me. I was needlessly worrying for nothing, I know my Korean shoe size now and I shall purchase more shoes from Gmarket in the future!

Overall rating: ★★★★★☆☆

I have mixed feelings about this order. I am cross about the sizing and colour but everything else is so lovely that I can't stop squealing whenever I see them~

Did you treat yourself recently?

(Source: Promotional images are from global.gmarket.co.kr/)

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Banila Co Prime Primer Hydrating

Hydrating is one of the newer additions to the famous Prime Primer range from Banila Co to hit the stores. It has sebum regulating properties, but what's more, it hydrates your skin with minerals from glaciers and hot springs.

Name: Banila Co 바닐라코 Prime Primer Hydrating 프라임 프라이머 하이드레이팅
Price: ￦ 18,000 for 30 ml
Made in: Korea

It does not leave a sticky film - almost as if it absorbs into my skin - and provides a smooth canvas for my foundation to work on. It does a fantastic job in filling in my pores as well as fine lines.

Sometimes my skin gets very dehydrated which results in floaty, cakey, powdery looking foundation. This primer fuses the foundation to becomes one with my skin. I noticed that my foundation-ed face does not look like it has layers and layers of products slapped on top of it these days (*face palms* haha!) after getting my hands on this primer.

The consistency is fairly thick yet easily blendable when compared to the runny Castledew Watershot Base; a base from another Korean brand.

The scent is quite light and florally. Personally I am not bothered by it all all, however, I am not most partial judge. A friend was not pleased by the fragrance that the aforementioned Castledew base gives out whereas I am fine with it!

All in all, I am very pleased with this primer. I believe that it will suit most people and not only with those with dehydrated skin like myself.

There are two other primers in this Prime Primer range:
Classic for pore concealing and,

Classic Matte to mattify your complexion.

You can purchase Banila Co at banilaco.com or global.gmarket.co.kr from seller banila co.

The full ingredient list for Prime Primer Hydrating:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat, Xylitol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Lemon Balm Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Peppermint Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Witch Hazel Water, Onsen-Sui, Sage Water, Hexyl Laurate, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Montmorillonrte, Glyceryl Caprylate, Talc, Ethylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Isobutylparaben, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Spice, Titanium Dioxide, Ultramarine.

(Source: Promotional images are from global.gmarket.co.kr/)

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Jill Stuart Blush Blossom 05 Poetic Daisy Review, Swatches, BOTD

(Source: jillstuart-beauty.com/)

Another Jill Stuart limited edition blush to add to my ever growing blush collection~ And this time around I have the generous Ms Vicky to thank! I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends ♥

Name: Jill Stuart ジルスチュアート Blush Blossom ブラッシュ ブロッサム 05 Poetic Daisy
Price: ¥ 4,500 for 5 g
@cosme rating: 5.0 ★
Release date: 6.8.2010

The Blush Blossom range has been released for quite a while, so I won't bore you by launching into a long or even short speech about the packaging since others have done a better job.

The blush is divided into two sides, a sheer cool toned baby pink shimmer tint on the left and it is paired with a medium pigmented rosy shade with coral hints blush glow on the right. It is recommended to apply the blush glow first and then the shimmer tint for a glowy finish.

They are finely milled, smooth and have a gorgeous satin sheen. I absolutely adore pink blushes so I was relieved when I saw that they gave me a flattering rosy flush once applied on my cheeks.

I was really pleased at how soft the brush felt compared to the brush from the Mix Blush Compact. It is too dense for my tastes though, so I will be utilizing my own blush brush.

05 Poetic Daisy is no longer sold at the counters but Jill Stuart is always coming out with new and repetitive colours; you might see this combination soon haha.

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Naruko Review: Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser, Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum, AMPM C12 Two-Step Line Reducing Set

Naruko is the brainchild of skincare guru 牛爾老師, a frequent guest on the Taiwanese beauty talk show 女人我最大. I am crazy over Naruko and with good reason. Their products are inexpensive and they work very well.

ღ Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser

Name: Naruko Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser
Price: RM 29 for 120 ml
Made in: Taiwan

The cleanser has a soft moldable almost creamy clay texture and even with the ingrained scrubby beads it is extremely gentle on my skin.

Upon application, it gives a cooling minty sensation and smells absolutely refreshing. I am rather used to the scent of tea tree in my skincare so I am immune to it but it might not be your cup of tea.

My face feels clean and fresh after using it and it does not strip moisture from my skin whatsoever. It is multi-purpose, besides its main function as a cleanser, it can act as an exfoliant and a weekly clay mask.

I tend to break out less after using this cleanser and I have already repurchased a second tube. It has cemented itself as one of my favourite cleansers ever!

The full ingredient list for Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser:

ღ Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum

Name: Naruko Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum
Price: RM 52 for 30 ml
Made in: Taiwan

The super lightweight runny texture aids in hastening absorption.

As with the cleanser, this serum also contains peppermint essential oil which is cooling and this helps to calm the skin somewhat. However, that is the only thing it does. This serum does not check off the other claims in the description - it does not do a thing to curb breakouts, lighten pigmentation or refine pores.

I guess I was expecting too much after watching YouTube gurus rave about this serum...

The full ingredient list for Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum:

ღ AMPM C12 Two-Step Line Reducing Set

Name: Naruko AMPM C12 Two-Step Line Reducing Set
Price: RM 99 for 60 ml
Made in: Taiwan

Step ① C12 Ultimate Line Reducer

It has a silky smooth consistency as with most silicone loaded serums. The high concentration of Vitamin C in Step ① (12%) makes my skin tingle whenever I apply it.

Step ② Vitamin C Serum Enhancer

Step ② has a fluid texture. It needs a little bit of patting before it absorbs completely.

Steps ① and ② come in toothpaste squeeze tubes. This design keeps out sunlight as well as prevents oxidation and contamination. They both smell like chewable Vitamin C supplements that I used to eat as a child.

The two tubes used in conjunction gave me wonderful results. I wake up with super firm skin and I noticed this even from my first usage. I did not notice much effects clarity wise nor does it brighten my skin. I only use these serums during the night time, which is why they lasted quite some time.

I will repurchase once I am done with the other serums in my stash. They are the perfect anti-ageing tool!

The full ingredient list for Step ① C12 Ultimate Line Reducer:

The full ingredient list for Step ② Vitamin C Serum Enhancer:

If you are interested in purchasing Naruko, you can get it from naruko.my or Watsons.

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Lashem™ Double Trouble Mascara

Double Trouble Mascara promises to create the illusion of bigger, bolder, beautiful lashes that go the distance.

Name: Lashem™ Double Trouble Mascara
Price: US$ 19.99 for 6 ml
Made in: USA

How to use:
Apply the volumizing black mascara first, and then finish with the lengthening fiber black mascara. (Source: lashem.com/)

The wands come out from the tube without much product on them. There were not any messy gobs on the wands except on the tip of the lengthening wand. I was pleased yet concerned that the formulas would be too dry but this is not the case at all. There was sufficient product on the wands for a smooth and fuss free application.

Both formulas do not clump whatsoever even after a few layers. I am also very chuffed to report that they don't make the lashes feel stiff or crunchy after they dry. My one and only caveat: they don't hold a curl well even after some gentle curling after applying mascara.

I am going to address the wands and effects separately.
1) Volumizing
Comes with a flexible wand. It does not really provide much volumization but it does lengthen my lashes.

2) Lengthening
The stubby wand was not the best for coating my sparse lashes, I had to be really careful against smudging. It did not do much lengthening or volumizing. I can skip this side if I want since it does not make much of a difference in my lashes.

Although I like the volumizing side, this mascara is not really for my puny stick straight lashes. I prefer mascaras that give me the effect mentioned in the promises section (right at the top). However, I do think it would be good for those who are already blessed with long lush lashes because it adds more definition.

Left: with; right: without

The full ingredient list for Double Trouble Mascara Volume:
Water, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Glycerl Stearate, Polyethylene, Polyisobutene, Isododecane, PVP K-30, Castor Isostearate Succinate, Hydrogenate Castor, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Tetrasodium Phytophosphate, Sweet Grape, Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Malus Domestica, Triethanolamine, Polyisobutene, Isododecane, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol.

The full ingredient list for Double Trouble Mascara Length:
Water, Octyldodecyl, Behenyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Brassica Campestris, Aleurites Ford Oil Copolymer, Beeswax, Castor Isostearate Succinate, Hydrogenate Castor, Isopropyl Myristate, Persea Gratissima Butter, Trisostearyl Citrate, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Hydrophobic Fumed Silica, Sweet Grape Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Malus Domestica, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol.

Lashem has a bunch of discount codes on their Facebook page so go get your like on.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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