Skincare routine for Dry-Combination Skin

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Hello to a brand new year! I hope this year will be a better year!

I have been away for way too long. If I remember correctly I had been pretty much inactive ever since I had my son in 2017. I hope this will be the year of revival for my blog. lol

I have been thinking about the contents I wanted to include here, this year. I think I want to start this year with something that I have not done in a long time, which is my updated skincare routine. I am already in my thirties and my routine has changed drastically since the last time I shared my routine in 2014. Wow! That was 6 years ago! Okay, let's jump straight into it!

My morning routine is quick and simple because I need to get my son ready for preschool after getting ready.

Step 1: CLEANSE
I have been using water to cleanse in the morning for a few years now. My face is pretty dry most of the time so I prefer to cleanse with water in the morning.

Step 2: TONER
I have been using Nightingale Daily Derma Eraser Toner - Lemon Tea Tree. Previously, I was using the Mild version. I love the toners from this brand as it contains AHA & BHA to remove dead skin cells, impurities and sebum and it is gentle enough for daily use. I can definitely see the changes it did for my skin since I started using this. Sometimes, I use this twice a day.

Step 3: SERUM/ESSENCE
I have been alternating between Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence and Purito Green Level Buffet Serum. Both of the serums are good for my morning routine as they are light and very easy to spread. They sink in to the skin almost instantly which is also great when I am in a rush. I have been using both of these for a while and I really like them.

Step 4: MOISTURIZER
Moisturizer is one of the skincare products I am struggling with. I am currently using Skin & Lab Barrierderm Intensive Cream. I did not really like it at first and actually until now I am not sure. It looks like a thick cream but it is easy to spread and feels light and oily on the skin. Not sure if this makes sense. This is an okay moisturizer but I think I will continue searching for another one once this is empty.

Step 5: SUNBLOCK
I am using A'Pieu Pure Block Natural Sun Cream SPF 45 PA+++ at the moment and I already have a new one in line. Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ is one of the sunscreen I have been wanting to try for the longest time (as well as the one from Shiseido Anessa) and finally it is available at Watsons! The current sunblock I am using is not bad. It is a cream just like the name suggested, spreads easily but sometimes there will be white cast when I am rushing. The scent is something I hate and it does feel a little oily. I usually use a little powder to get rid of the shine and oiliness of the sun cream.

Step 1: DOUBLE CLEANSE
I will use Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for days when I use sunblock and on the days when I use a little more makeup I will use Unlabel Botanical Moist Gel Cleansing. Both of these are easy to use and can remove makeup and sunscreen effectively.

Step 2: CLEANSE
I am currently alternating between Chica Y Chico Killing Star Cleanser and Sana Nameraka Honpo Soymilk Cleanser. I use the cleanser from Chica Y Chico more when I feel that my pores are clogged and need a deeper cleanse. When my skin feels a little on the dry side, I will use the cleanser from Sana.

Step 3: EXFOLIATE(1-2 times a week)
I started using Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid a while ago. It did not irritate my skin in any way but I did not see any effect from using this.

Step 4: FIRST ESSENCE
I am currently using Purito Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence. I did not like this at first but it grew on me over time. Now I actually enjoy layering this on my skin depending on my skin condition. If I feel like I need extra cleansing, I will use Nightingale Daily Derma Eraser Toner - Lemon Tea Tree before using the first essence.

Step 5: TONER
I love this Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner. My skin loves how hydrating this is and it is not sticky. When I only use one layer of the boosting essence (above) I will usually use a few layers of this toner.

Step 6: SERUM/ESSENCE
Same as above

Step 7: MOISTURIZER
Same as above


I still use sheet masks from time to time. I prefer to use Taiwanese brand sheet masks such as My Scheming, Beauty Mate, Sexy Look and Lovemore. I also enjoy using clay masks (T-zone) and jelly masks only when I have the time. I still love taking care of my skin but when I am too busy I will skip most of the steps and only use what I think my skin needs. I think this updated routine is actually less time consuming and shorter as compared to my previous skincare routine.


That's all!
Thank you for reading
I hope this year is treating all of you well!

Bye and see you soon ;)

Product Empties #6

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Hello hello :)

Another empties post for you!

Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating & Revitalizing Gel Mask

This was an impulse buy. Anyway, I think it is a pretty good product. I use it as a gel mask. It can also be used as a sleeping mask. It provides decent hydration and makes my skin softer and smoother but somehow it is not suitable for my skin. It did irritate my skin.

Repurchase: Never

Recommendation: Worth a try for those with dry or normal skin. Those with sensitive skin should avoid this, I think!

***

Nutrilite  Vitamin E & Lecithin Chewable Supplement

Nutrilite Salmon Omega Complex

Nutrilite Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplement


My doctor recommends these supplements for me. I did not feel anything after taking them religiously for a month. When I stopped taking them for one week, I did notice that I feel tired easily. Then I realized that the supplements did make me feel less tired. I continued taking these supplements again! The taste is not the best. I hate the taste so I tried my best to swallow them as quick as I can. I hate the after taste!

Repurchase: Yes

Recommendation: Well, it is up to you to decide whether you need the supplements

***

Sexylook Brightening Black Eye Mask

I like black masks. Maybe because they are different from the usual ones. lol
It has a fairly strong rose scent. I like it. The eye mask is actually really big.
It provides decent hydration. No allergic reaction.
Did not see any difference after using it.

Repurchase: No

Recommendation: Well, if you are looking for hydration for the eye areas, this is pretty good.

***

Divinia Ultra Light Watery UV Lotion SPF 30 PA+++

I like this but it does not work under makeup. It flakes. It is easy to apply and feels light on skin. It has a strong scent that I did not enjoy. It does not leave a white cast and it is not oily or sticky. Did not experience any breakout which is good and it did not dry out my skin.

Repurchase: No

Recommendation: This is worth a try for those who do not use makeup on a daily basis and it is affordable



***

Cellina Intensive Hydrating Essence Toner

Unlike usual toner that is very watery, this is more gel like but easy to spread. It does not feel sticky. It sinks into the skin quite quickly. I like it.

Repurchase: Maybe

Recommendation: Worth a try 

***

My Beauty Diary Natto Mask

The sheet mask is pretty thin. It fits my face pretty well. It has a light sweet scent. It sinks into the skin pretty fast. My skin feels softer, smoother and hydrated.This makes my skin feel so good! I love this!

Repurchase: Yes

Recommendation: I highly recommend this one 



***

My Beauty Diary Mexico Cactus Mask

The sheet mask is pretty thin. It fits my face pretty well. It has a fairly strong sweet scent. My skin felt a little itchy during application. It sinks into the skin pretty fast but I still prefer to splash with water. My skin feels softer, smoother and hydrated. This is pretty good.

Repurchase: Maybe

Recommendation: I do not recommend this to those who dislike strong scents



***

My Beauty Diary Rose Brightening Aroma Mask

The sheet mask is pretty thin and fits my face pretty well. It has a strong artificial rose scent which I did not enjoy. The essence from this keeps dripping all over the place. It left my skin sticky. I has to wash it off. My skin did not feel soft and smooth at all. It did not provide any hydration. My skin was dry after using this but it did brighten it a little.

Repurchase: No way

Recommendation: I do not recommend this



***

Sulwhasoo Snowise Ex Whitening Serum

It has a slight herbal scent. It is a clear watery gel essence. It is easy to spread. It sinks into the skin pretty fast but it did left a sticky feel. I like it. I manage to use it twice only. I think my skin likes this.

Repurchase: I might purchase the full size if I have the extra money

Recommendation: I do not recommend this to those with oily skin as I find it a little heavy



***

Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Perfecting Water

It has a strong herbal scent. It is milky in color and very watery. It sinks into the skin quickly. It did feel a little sticky. It is quite rich for a toner. My skin did become more supple after using it. I did notice that my skin is a little more radiant as well.

Repurchase: Not really keen as the scent is too strong for me

Recommendation: I recommend this for more mature skin and it does feel rich for a toner



***

That's all this time!
Thanks for reading :)

April & May 2016 Haul

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Hey :)

Just wanted to share the random stuff I bought last month.

BD Alcohol Swabs

RM 9.20 for 100

I wanted to buy these after watching Jen aka Meejmuse disinfect her makeup.
I love her videos! She is the first (or second) Youtuber I subscribed to... The other Youtuber I love is Melodee Morita!

Finally I managed to buy these from Guardian.

I used a couple of these to disinfect some of my makeup!

I like it!

Sunsweet Prunes

RM 17.60 for 340g

I bought this @ Watsons because my mom and sister told me to try this to relief constipation

I tried it and it works like magic.

I will repurchase this!

Polylab Methylated Spirit

RM 6.75 for 100ml

I bought this to disinfect my makeup as well...

Just wanted to make sure my makeup is super clean. lol

It contains 95% alcohol.

I wanted one that contains 70% alcohol but this is the only one I can find...

2358 Twin Head Eyebrow & Eyeliner Pen

RM 20 for 0.9g

I bought this from Kioda @ Mount Austin

I think it is pretty good when I tried the tester.

***

I purchased a few items in this month...

Bought this when I was in Subang...

I bought the chia seeds because it is one of the superfood!

lol

I am trying to be a little more healthy.

Oh,  I bought the avocado oil because I saw it.

lol

I might make my own skincare products..

Soon...

Once my beauty stash reduce in size!

The shampoo brush is for my husband.

I have one and I think it helps with my dandruff so I am getting one for hubby to try

His scalp is in quite a mess. lol

Well, that's all!

Thank you for reading :)

Hair Care Routine 2016

Monday, May 9, 2016

Hello friends :)

I am back with a routine post!


Well, I did not know my scalp was in a terrible condition, previously.
I went to a hair salon before Chinese New Year...
Yes, it's been a while.


Well, I was getting my hair done, then suddenly the hair dresser told me my scalp is in a terrible condition. TERRIBLE but not HORRENDOUS!
Lol.


I went for a scalp treatment and started maintaining a healthier hair care routine.
I think this routine did help to keep my scalp in a better condition than it used to be!


So, here it goes...

The first step is always cleansing the scalp.
At the moment I am using two shampoos.
I alternate between these two each week.

LA BIOSTETIQUE ANTI-PELLICULAIRE SHAMPOOING APAISANT

This shampoo prevents dandruff
I love the dispenser as it is easy to dispense the shampoo right on to my scalp.

Look at the dispenser!


The next shampoo is also from the same brand

LA BIOSTETIQUE SHAMPOOING LIPOKERINE B

This shampoo provides hydration to the scalp.

It has the same kind of dispenser.

These two shampoos help keep my scalp clean and hydrated, thus reducing dandruff problems and relieving itchiness. After using this, my scalp feels fresh and a little minty and cool. Lol. The effect was amplified when I was blow drying my scalp. Haha.

Next is something I found out recently.

I massage my scalp for a while just to lather up the shampoo. Then I use a shampoo brush to massage my scalp for about 2 minutes and leave the shampoo on for another 2-3 minutes.

I found this shampoo brush at Yokomono @ Da:Men USJ for RM 5.30
I like the brush head better than the ones I saw at Daiso so I bought this.
Personally, I think the one at Daiso was a little bit rougher

I love using this to massage my scalp because it feels pretty good and my scalp feels clean.
I am not sure if it is just my imagination


I cleanse my scalp only.
As for the hair, I only use conditioner.

Sometimes when I am lazy, I applied the conditioner after massaging my scalp so I can save more time and water... lol

L'OCCITANE CHERRY BLOSSON GENTLE CONDITIONER

I bought this a loooong time ago.
I bought this because I like the scent.
For me, all conditioner feels the same.
The scent lingers for a few hours which I like.
I use this almost everyday.
When I am not using this, I will pamper my hair with a mask!

SHISEIDO FINO PREMIUM TOUCH HAIR MASK

I love this!
This is the first hair mask I love.
I have only tried out a couple of  hair masks before.
It has a strong perfume scent, not my favorite!
A little goes a long way and this stuff really makes a different to my dry frizzy hair!
I love how soft and smooth it left my hair afterwards.
This is simply amazing!


It is almost done.

Next will be drying the hair.

I love my hair dryer.
There is three different speeds settings and temperatures
I love using the cold air because it feels more gentle
Maybe that was why my scalp feels extra cooling. lol

I was told by the hair dresser to make sure I blow dry my scalp.
I can let the hair air dry but not my scalp.
When I am extra hardworking, I will blow dry my hair as well.
It does make my hair more manageable.

My favorite brush because it is huge.
Haha.

I brush my hair after my scalp is dry.
My hair is still wet.

This is when I use the last item in my hair care routine!

WATSONS  ANTI-FRIZZ TREATMENT LEAVE ON CONDITIONER

I have been using this for a while.

It can be used on wet or dry hair.
I prefer to use it when my hair is still a little wet.
Do not use too much as it does feel a little oily.
I like the scent but it does not linger.

I use this a few times a week...
Well, I use it whenever I remember... Haha

That's all for my hair care routine.

Thank you for reading!

My Daily Essentials

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Earlier this month, I received an email from Glossier that inspired me to write this post.

At Glossier, we believe in "skin first, makeup second, smile always"

Feel free to check out their website for more information :)

I am not sponsored in anyway

I looked at it and thought, wow.... It feels just like me... lol

I am not saying that I hate makeup or makeup is fake...

I like the fact that makeup enhance beauty but I lack the skill in makeup...

I tried to learn makeup from YouTube but it is just so hard!

That is why, I focus on skincare...

If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you will know I am obsessed with skincare!

Let's get started on my daily essentials!

Double Cleansing

This is probably the most important step in any skincare routine!

I swear by double cleansing to make sure my skin is 100% clean...

Even when I am not using any makeup products on my face, I will still double cleanse...

Yes, it is that important to me!

I always start with makeup remover followed by a normal cleanser

My favorite makeup remover is Michelle Lazar Deep Pore Cleanser

I really love this but the price is steep

An alternative to this will be Alovivi PureVivi Cleansing Lotion

This is way cheaper and the size is very good for the price.

I think it lasted for about one year as I rarely used makeup

It does its job well and it did not irritate my skin

At the moment my favorite cleanser is Elizavecca Milky Piggy Elastic Pore Cleansing Foam

It does its job well and is one of the few cleansers that does not dry out my skin.

Toner

This is my favorite toner, Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner

I think I have mentioned this a few times already.

It was featured in my 2014 Favorites and 2015 favorites!

It is cheap, hydrating and not sticky. 

I love this toner the best and so far, nothing can replace this!

This is my holy grail toner of all time :)

Essence

My favorite essence had to be Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence

This is also one of my holy grail.

It provides great hydration and it makes my skin more elastic, brighter, softer and smoother

Words cannot describe how much I love this!

lol

Moisturizer

Most moisturizers I had tried feels greasy so I usually just use gels.

I love aloe vera gels but they are usually not hydrating enough for my skin.

The only moisturizer I love is Elizavecca Green Piggy Collagen Jella Pack

Other than the fact that the texture is fun, it provides great hydration for my dry skin! 

This works as a moisturizer and sleeping mask for me.

I can finally say goodbye to flaky skin :)

I feel so proud... lol

Sunscreen

I have to admit that I am lazy when it comes to this final step!

This is also a very important step as the sun can damage our skin!

There are a few products that I alternate between for sun protection.

The first one is a sunscreen from Biore (full review here)

It is one of the best selling and it has been highly raved about.

I love it!

It does not leave a white cast and it is not oily or sticky

When my skin is not in the best condition or when there is a special occasion, I will use my favorite cushion foundation. 

This cushion foundation provides good coverage and does not dry out my skin.

It also provides sun protection and makes my skin looks smoother :)

This compact powder is my recent favorite!
It is a Taiwanese Brand, 1028
I like to use this alone at the last step of my skincare routine in the morning for the sun protection
It does not provide any coverage but keeps the oil away (especially my T-zone area)


These are my daily essentials!
Hope you guys enjoy reading this :)

Food Diary 2015

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Hello friends :)

I decided to do this because I just wanted to post pictures... LOL

I went through my phone and noticed I did not post a lot of the pictures...

I did not share them on facebook and instagram...

So...

I decided to share it here...

There are some pictures from the beginning of the year!

Haha...

Let's begin my food journey :)

January

Early this year, we went to a new place in Seremban...

This is the name of the restaurant!

I loved the view from up here!

It was so pretty!

If you enjoy fishing, you might like it here!

Our food!

We ordered fried long bean with minced meat, marmite chicken, Thai style steam fish, fried squid, fried prawns and braised tofu with vegetables 

It was not cheap and the food was just so-so...

Nothing too exciting except the view

March

Hubby and I went to one of our favorite place for dinner!

Can you guess?

AnMour Cafe @ Permas Jaya

As usual, we ordered mushroom soup.

This time we decided to try the pasta and beef.

I love the beef... It was so juicy and tender!

I absolutely love it!

The pasta was delicious!

It was not what I had in mind but the taste was great!

A few days later, we went to one of my favorite place for gyoza!

Ichiban Ramen @ Jusco Tebrau

Of course I had to order something else...

Kimuchi Fried Rice.

These two are my favorite.

I never really enjoyed the ramen there... lol

At around the same time, hubby enjoyed going to Espresso Lab for coffee.

What hubby ordered...
Hubby loved the coffee!
I do not know how to appreciate coffee... lol

The very next day, hubby craved for more coffee so we went back!

I forgot what all these coffee were...


April

Hubby was addicted to coffee...
This time the coffee art is different...
lol


Hubby loved the ambiance there!
We dropped by the place from time to time because of that :)

AnMour Cafe again :)
I think we ordered Rosemary Chicken Chop and Cheesy Wedges as a side
I had cheese cravings, almost all the time!
The chicken chop is very nice...
Juicy and flavorful!


May

Well, hubby loved his coffee more than me...
lol

He spent more time with his coffee than me...
Joking la...

Suddenly I realized...
We ordered the same thing at AnMour Cafe!
Every single time... lol

Mushroom soup (again), cheesy wedges (again), Rosemary Chicken Chop (again) and Spicy Chicken Burger (again)

Ok. We should order something else next time!


June

UNCLE JANG!
I love this...
I wanted more!
I can swallow the whole thing... haha

I will go back and try the extra spicy version!
I think I will love it even more :)

Selfie...

Shilin @ Jusco Tebrau
The crepe was nice...
The chicken chop was normal...
The oyster vermicelli was normal... I did not like it...

Yes, we had nothing else to do until our movie date >,<
My date with hubby always had to be movie and food!
No wonder we gained so much weight...


August

The famous Korean spicy noodle...
The one that you see everyone doing the challenge!

It is totally my favorite!
It is spicy but still tolerable to me...
The taste is actually really yummy!
I love it and had it for lunch because I was too hungry!

My snack!
Tomato with sugar!


Ooopppss....
It is actually my scrub!
Super good for my skin!

My skin is so radiant and shiny after scrubbing!
May not be suitable for sensitive skin!

Local Deli @ Nilai

The cake is not very nice...
The noodle was not too bad...

Close up of the cake...

Totally cannot compare to Nadeje...
I want to go Nadeje now!


September

Pisang Goreng Cheese

I just have to try everything with cheese in it... or on it!
I think it is not bad but the combination is a little strange... lol

KFC Cheesy Zinger Mashed Potatoes

I am totally in love with this!
It has everything I love in it...
Chicken, cheese, sweet corn and mashed potatoes!
Everything I love in a bowl!

I usually avoid KFC just because I am super loyal to McDonalds!
This is a little difficult for me to resist!

I had at least 5 bowls that month alone...
I feel so guilty! I do!
But it is so yummy!

We went back to Subang during one of the weekend and we went to our favorite hang out spot, Sunway Pyramid!

Cone Pizza, my favorite...
Hubby did not like it but always accompany me :)

In return...

Hubby's favorite!
Roasted milk tea with pudding

I ordered Lemon Aiyu Sparkling Water... I think...
It is too sour for me... but I finished it anyway!


We went to hubby's favorite place for dinner

Jojo Little Kitchen @ SS15

Our favorite chilli pan mee...
We always order this :)

The next day we went to a place we miss...

Kee Hiong Bak Kut Teh @ SS2

We were so excited to be back!
As usual I had to take a pic

This time, the food was not as yummy...
We did not finish it...
Mainly because the quality was just not as good... lol
We did not want pig innards but it was in our food...
Obviously none of us ate it...
We also ordered for mixed pork... erm... fatty and lean part... lol
We were given the parts that were etremely fatty...
We were scared of it...
I usually love the fatty parts but not ALL!
It is just plain scary... The fats/oil just splash in my mouth... like I was gargling with oil!

Not enjoyable at all...

NEXT!

Face to Face Noodle House @ SS15

The main reason we were there was for the cheese and herb bread (cannot remember the name)
I used to love this when we were in Kajang...
I just love the flavor!
The noodles were not bad but we still prefer Jojo's Pan Mee


At night, I finally get to meet my sisters!

Fong Lye Taiwan Restaurant @ Sunway Pyramid

The food was not bad...
We chose the location so we could talk and talk and talk non stop... at least 3 hours...
It had been a while since we last met...
I miss them already...

The next day...

Oyster King @ Main Place Mall

We were lazy so we had lunch downstairs...
I love the dessert from the shop next to it... lol

Baby sis made these for for moon cake festival!



October

Homemade panna cotta and oreo cheesecake for mom's birthday!
Not bad for our first try!

The panna cotta failed... quite badly but the taste is not that bad...

Thai style fried tofu

This was failed terribbly. lol
I wanted it tobe crunchy on the outside but I failed.
Somehow we managed to finished it... lol
Epic fail!

AnMour Cafe
Again...

The pasta is good!
It is a little spicy. I like it!
Mushroom soup is our favorite!

Ichiban Ramen @ Jusco Tebrau
I decided to order Karaage Chicken instead of the usual, gyoza
I like it... It is so crispy!


November

Meng Meng Di Huang Ya (阿明帝皇鸭) @ Taman Mount Austin

Hubby love the duck here!

He loves that there is a little herbal taste to it.

I find it normal... lol. Duck is not really my thing!

After lunch, it is time for dessert!

Blackball @ Taman Mount Austin

To be honest, I always preferred Snowflakes and Meet Fresh

After hubby brought me here, I totally changed my mind!

I love the Aiyu jelly here! 

Hubby always orders the Blackball Signature Dessert (RM 7.50)

This time I decided to make my own dessert!

Base - Soya Ice

Toppings - Grass Jelly, Aiyu Jelly, Pudding and Nata de Coco

I like it... Although the taste is a little funny... lol

That's all for this year... 

I hope I will remember to post my food pictures on instagram more often...