Review Of Biore Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash

I have been wanting to try out Japanese drugstore brand Biore's star product -  Marshmallow Whip facial wash for a long time after reading wonderful reviews about it online. I was happy to accept the sponsorship of a bottle of its facial wash from Biore for review. What attracts me to the product is its skin Purifying Technology and ultra fine foam which helps users to prevent excessive pulling and tugging during cleansing. Thanks Elfaine for sending me the Marshmallow facial wash regular (for normal and combination skin) in a lovely package.

More Information About The Product

Benefits Of Biore Mashmallow Whip Facial Wash For Users:

1) Convenient & Gentle - You only need just 1 pump for bouncy, ultra fine foam to prevent excessive pulling and tugging during cleansing.

2) Effective - Foam has bubble smaller than pores for more effective cleansing. Skin Purifying Technology to cater to different needs of T & U-zone.

3) Improves - Awarding-winning Skin Purifying Technology to allow skin to regain its natural 28 days rejuvenation cycle for clearer, supple and brighter skin.

Biore has made 3 major improvements to this product:

1. Formulation improvement for Regular and Extra Moist

2. Packaging Refreshment

3. Acne Care launch

You can refer to the chart below to determine which product in the range best suits your skin type:

My Review

I super love Biore Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash :)

This is another quality drugstore brand product that i super love after just one time of using it!!! It is made in Japan and i love that it provides ultra fine foam instantly with just 1 pump. I can save time on lathering compared to normal facial cleanser and this is really helpful when i'm busy taking care of my baby boy and still trying to maintain my usual skincare routine. I also enjoy the feel of the fluffy foam on my skin while cleansing.

Skin feels well cleansed and refreshed. Does not irritate my skin and feels smooth. Definitely gonna purchase this once i finish using it and i'm going to give its extra moist a try too. The Biore Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash retails for $13.90 for 150ml and $10.90 for 130ml refill pack. Do give it a try too :)

SK-II GSS Promotions

Be one of the first few lucky women in Singapore to own an SK-II Lipstick, available exclusively only during this Great Singapore Sale! From now till 30 Jun, simply spend $290 and above on SK-II products and receive a complimentary 5-piece gift set worth $114 inclusive of the SK-II Lipstick! While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply. I can't wait to get this during my next shopping trip to stock up on my favorite SK-II products :)

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/skii.singapore)

Happiness Is...

spending an hour watching my favorite Korean drama series "My Husband Got A Family" currently showing weekdays, 10pm on Channel U :) 

 

Love this entertaining and funny family drama. Great way of relaxation at the end of the day.

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/Snoopy)
(Source: https://www11.mediacorp.sg/explore/my-husband-got-a-family)

My Happy Baby :)

Happy 2 months old my dear boy :) 

Relaxing Lunch @ Coffee Bean :)

I Love The Cute Lulu Guinness Tops From Uniqlo :)

Lulu Guinness (OBE), internationally recognised for her unique and glamorous British handbags and accessories, launched her company in 1989. Instant praise in the fashion media paved the way for Lulu Guinness stores and stockists worldwide. UNIQLO has collaborated with Lulu Guinness again to create a flirty and stylish collection using the brand's most iconic prints and images. The classic Lulu Guinness color palette of black, white and red has been used for a touch of 'Lulu' glamour. You can now get these lovely tops at the price of S$24.90 at our local Uniqlo stores. These 2 tops below are my favorites and i'm planning to purchase it from the store soon :)

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/uniqlo.sg)
(Source: http://www.uniqlo.com/sg/product/women/ut/luluguinness)

Review of MENTHOLATUM Deep Moist

Another useful drugstore brand beauty product that i would like to share with readers of my blog is the Mentholatum ultra hydrating lip balm with hyaluronic acid which is made in Japan. I used to be a lip balm user but switched to using Ettusais lip essence several years ago as i love that it helps to keep my lip well moisturized and glossy looking without the need to apply a separate lip gloss when i go out. I always have a tube in my makeup pouch whenever i'm outside. I received a tube of MENTHOLATUM ultra hydrating lip balm for review recently and decided to give lip balm a try again last week. Read on for more information about the product and my review.

More information about the product

For those who are not familiar with this product, Deep Moist was launched in 2008 in Japan and has seen tremendous success and popularity there. It quickly became top selling lip balms in Japan’s lip care market. This strengthened Mentholatum Lip Balm Brand leadership as the #1 Top Selling Lip Balm brand in Japan* (2006 to 2009). 

The success of Deep Moist is due to 2 main factors, its premium hydrating ingredients at value pricing, and its elegant, ergonomic packaging design. The key moisturizing ingredients in Deep Moist lip balms are Hyaluronic Acid, a premium ingredient that forms a smooth, moisture locking shield for softer, smoother lips. It can hold 1000X its weight in water, or 6 litres of water with just 1g. Shea Butter heals the skin, and gives a soft, pleasant texture to the lip balm. Jojoba Oil gives pro-longed, whole day hydration to the lips.

My Review

I bought several tubes of Mentholatum lip balm while i was in Tokyo years ago and it was really effective in helping my lip to stay well moisturized. I gave the lip balm a try again last week and am happy to share that it is still as effective at keeping my lip well moisturized and i usually reapply after every few hours. I  love that it is fragrance free and does not feel sticky or oily on my lip. Application is really easy due to its design and i like its simple and lightweight packaging. It is also much cheaper than my Ettusais lip essence and i would most likely repurchase it again so that i can use it at home :) Do give it a try too and give your lips some pampering ;) You can find the product at Watsons stores.

Happy Mother's Day :)

Sharing a picture of my 7 weeks old bb, mummy loves you :)

Olivia Ong's New Song 等等 MV

Check out my favorite local singer Olivia Ong's lovely new song 等等 MV below :) 

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO2-TX6_ZFU&feature=youtu.be)

Review Of New ASIENCE Leave-On Hair Treatment Range

I'm sure most readers are familiar with this popular Japanese Haircare brand and i'm also a fan of its products and have gotten good results from using its shampoo and conditioner. I was delighted when i was sponsored a set of the new ASIENCE Leave-On Hair Treatment range for review. The sponsorship comes at a great time as my hair has been dry and frizzy after giving birth due to hormonal changes. Thanks Elfaine for sending me the product in a lovely ASIENCE box which i can use to store my beauty products.

For those who are not familiar with the brand, the new ASIENCE is made for Asian women who wish to improve their hair beauty. Its “Fundamental Hair Beautifying Care from Scalp to Hair” is based on the Asian Beauty philosophy. Keeping the essence of the Asian philosophy of “beauty from within”, new ASIENCE takes the Asian Beauty philosophy one step further to “improve from the inside so that beauty shines on the outside.”

Stepping out of house with the perfect hair, only to find your confidence waning by mid-day? With Singapore’s humid weather creating undesirable frizz and flyaway, having silky-smooth hair would seem almost unattainable. Now achieving beautiful hair that lasts all day is just a step away with the New ASIENCE Leave-On Hair Treatment range. Complement your hair care regime with this luxurious Leave-on Treatment that pampers your hair like no other.

Containing ASIENCE’s exclusive Beauty Essences (Lotus Flower, Camellia Oil, Pearl and Shell Ginger Leaf), the range provides intensive repair and moisturizes hair from within. Enhanced with a hair ‘veiling’ ingredient, ASIENCE’s advanced Moisture-Lock Complex retains moisture to give long-lasting smoothness and manageability, so you can flaunt those silky tresses at any moment, everyday!

The New ASIENCE Leave-On Hair Treatment range comes in three different formats – Oil, Milk and Water- to suit the preferences of every Asian woman:

1) ASIENCE Leave-On Treatment Oil (28ml) – For severely dry and damaged hair. Concentrated yet non-oily, it intensively repairs and retains moisture to keep hair glossy and healthy.

2) ASIENCE Leave-On Treatment Milk (100ml) – For dry and frizzy hair. Nourishing yet non-greasy, it instantly repairs and retains moisture to keep hair beautifully soft and healthy.

3) ASIENCE Leave-On Treatment Water (200ml) – For tangled and untamed hair. Light as water, it instantly repairs and retains moisture without weighing your hair down.

My Review

Dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair are common hair problems faced by us ladies leaving in sunny and humid Singapore and i gave the treatment water a try after washing and conditioning my hair and finds that it helps my hair feels softer, smoother and much more manageable. I also tried the treatment milk and noticed an improvement in my hair condition. Check out the photos i took before and after applying the product.

Before applying product

After applying product and blow drying my hair

The products in this new range are all suitable for daily use and makes achieving smooth and manageable hair all day no longer just a dream :) New ASIENCE Leave-On Treatment range retails at $14.90 and is available from April 2013 at selected hypermarkets, supermarkets and pharmacies. Do give it a try if you wish to give your hair some additional pampering ;)

Lovely Song By Davichi - Turtle

Review Of ZA Total Hydration BB Cream SPF 43 UV +++

As mentioned in my 2013 BB cream wish list, i have been looking for a new BB cream to try out since finishing my Ettusais Mineral BB cream. I was thinking of getting the new Clarins BB cream which is an extension of their hugely popular UV Plus HP sunscreen series. However i decided to get the ZA BB cream instead after reading the March 2013 issue of Her World magazine and that it had won the Editor's choice for Best BB cream. I was curious if it works as well or even better than the BB cream from the higher end beauty brands.

The ZA BB cream retails for only S$15.90 for a 20 ml tube. The BB cream in my wish lists are much more expensive and i would rather try a sample first before purchasing it. I had gotten samples of BB cream from Clarins, Kiehl and Philosophy while i was at Tangs Orchard stocking up on some skincare products last month before giving birth but have not gotten the time to try the samples as i'm busy taking care of my baby boy and also seriously sleep deprived from all the night feedings. I tried out the ZA BB cream several times last month and read on for my review of it. I will try to share my thoughts on the other BB cream when i managed to squeeze in some time to blog while baby is sleeping.

I always finds it a joy when i discovers a good quality drugstore brand beauty products that is easy on the wallet and works equally well compared to higher end beauty brands which are more costly and might not always work on my skin :) I'm glad i have discovered alot of quality drugstore brand beauty products via sponsorship opportunities given to me through my blog and hope to share more of such products with readers.

I got a really good deal while i was at Watsons awhile back as they were having 20% discount for selected ZA products  + additional 5% discount for members. I only paid S$12.08 after discount for the BB cream and ended up paying S$7.05 after deducting S$5 using my Watsons points :) Thats why i love shopping for my favorite drugstore brand beauty products at Watsons and being a member as it gives me numerous benefits and savings ;)

Now read on for more information about the product and my review :)

Product Information Of ZA BB Cream

This power-packed BB cream features a total of 12 benefits in one tube, promises adequate hydration and even boasts sunscreen properties. It contains sebum-absorbing powder which helps keep shine at bay while making use of a Vitamin B derivative to give your skin that radiance and glow. This first BB cream by ZA was introduced last year and boosts foundation coverage. It also contains amino mineral complex, which is said to deeply moisturise and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. The SPF 43 rating firmly protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, with the cream being tested by dermatologists to be non-pore clogging.

Ingredient lists

Perfect for use as a makeup base or as your foundation, the cream contains a Poreless Powder, which is said to diffuse light and minimise the look of pores on your skin. The Colour Control powder reportedly corrects dullness, and uneven skin, to give a natural-looking finish while the Oil Control Powder allows the cream to be spread evenly and effortlessly on the skin.

My Review

I love the simple packaging of the product and the small size fits easily into my makeup pouch and is easy to carry around. The product is made in Taiwan and comes in only 1 shade. I was initially worried that it would be too dark for my skin tone as i'm quite fair but i was really pleased with the results after applying the BB cream which gives me a natural and radiant look. It is perfect for those who prefers light makeup and feels comfortable on my skin and is even better than the Ettusais BB cream which is more suitable for those with combination and oily skin. The ZA BB cream should be suitable for all skin types.

I also love its light flora scent and lightweight texture which absorbs easily onto my skin making application a breeze. It provides decent oil control and medium coverage and i can just go out after applying the BB cream. Overall this product is really value for money and a great find for me. It also did not irritate my skin and i would highly recommend this product to readers who wish to save money on their beauty products and students on a tight budget. ZA has also introduced a new Whitening BB Cream and i can't wait to try it out soon. Do share your thoughts on the new BB cream if you have tried it.

 

Do like ZA Facebook Page for the latest promotions and details about its products.

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/zacosmeticssingapore)

This Is For Fellow Book Lovers ;)

Yummy Whampoa Tau Sar Piah :)

Hubby and i chanced upon this bakery selling Tau Sar Piah when we were on the way for my Gynae appointment at Thomson Medical Centre (TMC) awhile back. It is located opposite the hospital (Blk 1 Thomson Road #01-330A) and we decided to buy some of its pastries to try out of curiosity and it turns out to be really tasty. I love the traditional sweet lotus flavor Tau Sar Piah and you can also choose from various other flavors like salty, yam, pineapple, pandan, sesame, durian and red bean. We love the crispy crust and generous fillings and that we can keep the pastries for a week without putting it in the fridge and it is still as delicious although the crispiness last only about 3 days. Do give it a try if you happen to be in the area :)

Introducing My Dear Little Boy :)

Have not had the time to update my blog this week as i have just given birth to my baby boy. Here is one of my top favorite pictures of him to share with readers of my blog :)

Kinokuniya Member Sales For Fellow Book Lovers :)

Good news for Kinokuniya Privilege Card Members - 20% Off* Storewide At All Kinokuniya Stores. From 21st (Thursday) to 24th (Sunday) March 2013.

(Source: http://www.kinokuniya.com.sg/promotions/bloomingbooks/index.html)

白安Ann - 麥田捕手The Catcher in the Rye MV

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8tNF9thAkQ)

Yummy Bibimbap For Dinner :)

Introducing My Favorite Drugstore Brand Body Lotion - Vaseline

Vaseline Aloe Fresh and Total Moisture body lotion are my top favorite drugstore brands body lotion and i have been using them daily for quite sometime. For times when i feel like splurging and pampering my skin even more, i would go for body lotion from brands like Ahava, L'OCCITANE and Crabtree & Evelyn. I would share more about some of my favorite products from these brands in a separate post in the future. 

I have been sticking to Vaseline body lotion as i find that it works well for my skin and i like its lovely light scent and that it leaves my skin feeling soft and well moisturized without the sticky and greasy uncomfortable feeling that some body lotion gives me. 

For those who prefers body lotion with a light texture that gives you a refreshing feel, i highly recommends the Aloe Fresh body lotion and those who prefers something more moisturizing can try out the Total Moisture body lotion. I enjoy using both types of body lotion and finds that it absorbs easily into my damp skin when i apply them immediately after showering at the end of the day. I have been using my Vaseline body lotion on alternate days with my Clarins Stretch Mark Oil since i'm pregnant and it has worked well for my skin and helps it to stay well hydrated and stretch mark free :) Even when my tummy has been getting bigger, my skin does not get itchy and irritated like some pregnant mums experienced which i'm really thankful for.

Here is a tip for when is the best time to apply body lotion which i found online to share with everyone:

Apply lotion at the best time, which is right after you get out of a shower or bath because this is when your skin retains the most moisture. Your pores will remain open from the warm water for a few minutes. Instead of running your towel over your skin, press it lightly onto your skin leaving a little bit of water.

Apply your body lotion. Place a generous amount in your hands, rub them together and gently apply over every surface of your skin from your toes on up to your neck. Rub the lotion in until it is evenly distributed and you cannot feel much of its moisture anymore (by this time, the moisture should be absorbed into your pores instead of on your hands). Repeat as necessary.

(Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_4891944_properly-apply-body-lotion.html)

My Experience Trying Out SK-II's New Magic Ring Skin Analysis

As mentioned in my previous post about the SK-II Magic Ring test, i have been wanting to blog about my experience taking the skin test in November last year but only has the time to do it now. I strongly encourage fellow SK-II users to try out SK-II's latest skin analysis using its Magic Ring which is a skin imaging unit available at selected SK-II counters as the skin test will help you gain a better understanding of your skin condition and find out if the skincare products you have been using are effective and what else you need to add on to target your skin needs.

I have read alot from some of my favorite beauty blogs about SK-II's new skin analysis "Magic Ring" that analyze the five dimensions of skin firmness, texture, radiance, spot control and wrinkles resilience and determines the age of your skin. I was really curious about how the skin test works and do read on for more information and my experience and results taking the test.

More information about SK-II Magic Ring Test

The Magic Ring Test exclusively developed by SK-II’s Research & Development innovation centre in Kobe, Japan. It is equipped with features new to existing skin imaging counseling tools so as to identify our specific Ageless Vector to enable the design of a personalized anti-aging skincare regimen to optimize our skin’s aging needs.

I went to my favorite SK-II counter at Metro Causeway Point to purchase its U-shaped sponge for my Cellumination Pancake and took the opportunity to try out the test. 

My experience with the Magic Ring Test

I was pleasantly surprised that i scored an average of 70% for the ageless vector score and my skin age is 27 compared to my actual age of 31 :) I'm glad i did the test as it helps me to zone in on the areas where i need to improve my skin condition and better understand my current skin condition and needs.

My Magic Ring Test Results

My lowest score was spots control and i scored only 47% and i have noticed new freckle making a special appearance since i'm pregnant. I have read somewhere  that pregnant women are more sensitive to UV rays and have a higher chance of getting dark spots and it is really important to load up on sunscreen when indoor and especially going outdoor. The test score shows that i really need to start using whitening serum to target my problem areas. I was previously using SK-II Spots Specialist and i did see results and the beauty consultant recommends that i go back to using the product which helps to fight spot formation by targeting both hidden & visible spots. I have stopped using the whitening serum since i'm pregnant and stick to a more basic skincare regime but i was reassured that SK-II whitening products are safe for pregnant women and i only have to avoid its Wrinkle Specialist which contains Retinol which is a NO NO for pregnant women.

I was also recommended the Whitening Source Clear Lotion which would help to remove dirt & dead skin cells and to allow skin nourishment. As my concern was also on improving skin hydration, this product would be better than the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion which i have been using on and off since i'm pregnant in terms of increasing skin hydration. I was also advised to use the Facial Treatment Repair C which would help to increase skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines while improving skin texture. I was given samples of Whitening Spots Specialist and Whitening Source Clear Lotion to try out and i have a 15ml bottle of Repair C from purchasing the Christmas Set which i have not used yet.

Samples received after skin test

My highest score was for firmness power and i scored 82% which is equivalent to skin age 23. I also scored 78% for wrinkle resilience and am really satisfied with the results. Looks like my long term use of Facial Treatment Essence and Skin Signature really helps and i can't wait to see how switching to stempower  would help to boost my skin power. I scored a decent 68% for radiance enhancement and 63% for texture refinement. 

I highly encourage readers who are interested in trying out SK-II products to give the magic ring test a try. Do also visit SK-II Facebook page  and try out its latest whitening contest. You may be one of the 5 lucky winners to win yourself the top prizes of a SK-II Aura Whitening Kit EX. There are also 200 consolation prizes of 1 piece SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask up for grab. Do note that the contest ends 31 March 2013. Hope my sharing of the Magic Ring experience would be beneficial to those who are keen to try out SK-II products or already using it. Have a great weekend :)

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/skii.singapore)