Samples Redeemed June 2013

It is quite a pleasant month of June, where we all chill out and tour Facebook for items to redeem just for the sake of trying out new things! I always like to have these things sent to me, even though I don't really use them often, because it is just fun to open your mailbox to see a lumpy package!

(some of the images are quite blur because there is something wrong with the focus in the camera, so it always comes out rather blur :/)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Travel Packs

I have been really fond of Neutrogena's new Water gel sunscreen, because usually sunscreens have that common, unflattering smell of some odd foundation/chemical and I really disliked the smell of it on my face, and hey! This new Water Gel Sunscreen smells darn amazing and refreshing, like watermelons (to me)! Not only so, it has an interesting color: a light, pretty baby blue that is semi-translucent (see picture below, right).


It does not feel sticky when applied on the skin, and also doesn't make the skin oily, since I wore it out a few times, always worrying that my face will turn into some oil puddle, but it didn't happen, much to my surprise. The best part is that it does not feel dry on our skin but leaves it feeling reasonably hydrated, refreshed and decent smelling. I mean, smell is important, since you will be smelling your own face for quite some time before the scent wears off!

I also like how Neutrogena takes much care in having that sealed tip to ensure that even our samples are clean and fresh. Overall, I really like this product, and I will give it 5/5! Will definitely buy it once I finish my current (unpleasant smelling) sunscreen.

Listerine Natural Green Tea Mouth Wash

The mouth wash smells good, and leaves one with a clear refreshing breath afterwards, but despite it claiming to have a "mild and gentle flavour", it still stings quite a bit, and is still very minty. I have a lot of mouth wash that claims to be mild in flavor, but I always find them too minty: hold them in your mouth for a minute too long and feel your tongue going numb from all the prickling.

Still, I like the idea of using green tea scent, especially since I got really tired of things like mint, strong mint, herbal mint and the similar, green tea is indeed refreshing! Also thumbs up to keeping my breath fresh. The downside is that I realized that the "fresh and cool" breath feeling disappeared pretty quickly, like within half an hour or less, I can barely feel it anymore.

Overall, I think I will give it 3.5/5! :D

Essential Hair Masks

Personally, I enjoyed these hair masks tremendously, especially when Essential is really quite generous with each of the samples that they provided. For this round, they let everyone try one pink packaged hair mask (Nuance Airy) and orange-packaged one (Rich Premier). I have not really had much faith in hair masks before this, because I never find it necessary and all, but these hair masks changed my view of them completely.

For one thing, they smell amazing. Nuance Airy (pink) smells like sweet strawberries and honey, and smoothens out easily when applied to hair, leaving the hair silky and smooth. Especially when one is washing the mask off, there is literally no knots left in the hair and water just cascades down, like that.


Not to mention the after effects of using Nuance Airy (pink), I noted that my hair did not frizz out as much as it did usually, but lie down flat and smooth (all the while smelling as though they have just had a dip in strawberry cream). The good effects of Nuance Airy hair mask continued for almost two days, I took the pains of depriving myself of a hair wash for two days to see what would happen. For the next two days, my hair remained as great as ever: no frizz, no knots, just that amazing silky smooth texture (and great smell). I supposed the effect could have lasted even longer, but then my scalp was feeling terrible by the end of the second day, all oily and unbearable, so I gave up the test and enjoyed a good hair wash.

Currently, I am using Rich Premier (orange) sample, and it is still fabulous, even though I don't really feel as if there is any different from Nuance Airy. It smells rather like orange and mangoes with honey (yum yum), and I got to give it to Essential for coming up with such fantastic sweet smells. Like their Purely Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner smelled fantastic enough, and now it is just like pure heaven!

I can't remember which hyperlink I got these from, but maybe you can try to facebook their page and ask? Sorry guys, for my blurness :/

Liese Styling Milk

Just received this yesterday or the day before, haven't got to try it because I am cooped at home all day, so I can't really be bothered whether my hair is lying smooth or not. I am also trying to save this for a more important time, like when I go out shopping with Denyse or Clarissa or something. :>

That's all for today!
Thanks for reading guys and keep healthy!

Fashion Picks of the Month (June 2013)

Hey all!

I came to realize that despite my blog being called a fashion blog, I have not really blogged enough on fashion partially because I don't have the time to go out and shop, but now I have decided to include a new component, and that is Fashion Pick of the Month! :D

I probably won't be following any trend and stuff but instead introducing you guys to some of the outfits and styles that I like myself and how I think they would match. Maybe in the future when I get a better camera then I can try to take pictures of myself wearing clothes I like. Also given that I slim down enough. Heh. ;)

I was just thinking whether I should do the  picking based on themes, or simply just based on whim, but I guess I will do both: I will pick themes based on my whim! :D

 In case you are wondering how I will pick the clothes I like, it will be based on how much it appeals to me at the first glance. Yes, it is that simple. Some clothes just click with me, while others are just not compatible with myself. I will also classify the picks on whether they are suitable for formal wear or casual wear!

Without further ado, I will pick my this week's clothing!

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This week's clothing will be a JobandShop special, because I am a fan of this blogshop since they sell really trendy clothing that is both affordable and of good quality (depends on what you pick too).

In case you are curious, you can head over to http://www.jobandshop.com/ to check out some of their clothings! All of the photo credits below goes to Jobandshop! :)

Casual Outfits


Coming in third and second are the black sleeveless top on the left and the navy blue sleeveless top on the right respectively! Personally I think that the one on the left would be more suitable for slightly more formal occasions than the one on the right, like for work or for more important dinners, while the one on the left can be worn for more casual occasions like movie outings with friends. Afterall, I always think that over-dressing is really awkward when we go out with friends, especially those that are quick to judge and go like, "Woah, why are you wearing this kind of things?" Personally, I don't really care what people wear, unless it is really over the top, like just bra...in a transparent shirt...or a bikini top...for movie watching. Hmm....___,

I also like the style of the shirt on the right because it has refreshing style, and I feel that the stylist did well to use the rope-looking belt, and I find that it added extra charm to the overall appearance.  The other good point is that the top is longer and would probably extend past the hips, so if you are facing a hip-crisis like I do, it can be a good choice since it won't reveal so much much the bum. :D

And the top casual outfit goes to...

Clean button up top with black skirt, I think they are joint together, so maybe we can call this a dress? I found this dress a really refreshing choice because it is so simple, and yet it screams sophisticated-ness. I do think there is a touch of simple elegance there as well, and it is definitely NOT over the top and good to wear for casual to smart-casual occasions! Not only so, the dress makes the person wearing it looks demure, sweet and innocent, in my opinion.

I think this dress will go well with...

High heel platforms, for the really chic, simple, yet really elegant look. Especially if you have great legs, which UGH, angst of angst, I don't possess. >.< The picture of the shoes are credit of www.shoefashionista.com.


Formal Wear

Coming in a tie for the third place is the black dress with diamantes on the shoulder straps on the left, and the pale beige dress with diamantes around the boson area. I would prefer the black one over the beige one, because the black one looks marginally longer than the beige one, and also because the black-one is curve hugging, so it means that there is less chance of your dress flying up in the wind and exposing your...whatever that is under. Also, I cannot divorce the image of a sleepwear from the beige dress, I think that can be a result of the loosing fitting from the waist on, and my lord, I really do think that it is way too short, even for short dresses. It is like, the person can't even walk properly in it without having to worry about slips...unless you have short legs...then that will be less risky.


Coming in second is the lacy dress, and I have included both the black and beige-white versions for you guys to decide which is nicer. I find that I would prefer the white one, because it makes one look more youthful, while the black one just makes me think of a more aged individual, still in good form with plenty of appeal nevertheless, but a bit lacking on the youth side. I am surprised that I would pick a lacy dress to introduce to you all, because personally I am not a huge fan of anything overly lacy, I just don't like them. But hmm, this one is pretty good (judging from the photos, and I think it has incorporated the traditional Chinese Cheongsum feel into it well, and balanced it superbly with the modern classy look.

Coming in top place for formal....

is yet another black and white dress. Maybe I am addicted to this two colours nowadays, but I will just attribute part of this bias because I really like the model for this dress. She looks so much like the Korean Star, Song Hye Kyo, doesn't she? The dress is again simple, modest, yet classy in itself, and I think it will look great without and with a belt. Without a belt it would look more formal, while a belt could tone it down to make is a great everyday wear. :)

I think it will pair well with both the platforms I have shown you guys above, or with white heels or with wedges.

Other notable outfits

I thought that the outfit above looked really interesting because it looks like the person is wearing a cape, and the fact lies that it is really a cape like thingy. I felt that the design is creative because without the cape part, it would really be another rather common looking, part-of-the-current-craze outfits that promotes collar+button-up+no sleeves. The cape makes it look really outstanding, and almost designer-ish, and the belt also helps to accentuate the wearer's figure.

Hmmm, a notable street style, even though very few people wear it around my estate, I won't putit past the fashionable ones roaming Orchard in Singapore. The casual black tee with the tiger head suggests a tinge of rebellion in the wearer, like a subtle protest against conformity and a symbol of strength and female empowerment, while the high-low pink skirt layered with white brings out the feminine side to the wearer, balancing the power and the sweet.

I have an issue with the model's sunglasses, not just because I think most sunglasses look rather weird, but also because this particular sunglasses look really ugly. Ugh, like square sunglasses? Reminds me of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Not a particular fan of baby blue heels, those are pretty hard to match with most clothes, even though I have to concede that the effect is not as jarring or as unacceptable here. And mustard yellow clutch? What is with the play on shades of primary colors? A bit too retro for my likings.

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With this, I end my post on June 2013's fashion picks! How do you like it? Do drop me a comment to tell me what you think of this or head over to my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Live-and-Dictate/250086195112938 to let me know! :D

Thanks for reading and bye!

Skin Care Tips!

Hi lovelies, I am back with another post!

Recently I received an email from a reader asking me how to take care of skin that is more prone to acne breakout and pimples, and I was all like, "Ahhhaa! You came to the right person!"

Despite my skin being much better now compared to the period from Primary 5 all the way to Secondary 2, I am still being plagued by a variety of skin problems, and they are not limited to:

• Frequent Outbreaks of Pimples (RAWR!)
• Black/White heads
• Enlarged pores
• Dark eye circles

But on the whole they are really much much better than what I experienced before I started getting better, little by little. I can totally understand how you feel like when your face is covered in hundreds of little raised red bumps, swollen, painful, and obviously unsightly. It took away a large portion of my confidence in primary school because my skin was that bad, and also because I was so unfashionable at that time I had one of the worst haircuts, worse glasses that all snowballed together to make me the ultimate NERD. It didn't help that I was academically competitive and did pretty well; all of the above just came together to reinforce my image of being this unappealing Nerd. It felt terrible, but at that time I felt that there was nothing I could do about it- I was so helpless.

The worst thing about impressions is that they are really hard to change, because I fell under the image of a stereotypical nerd (and outcast in class), I tried for a period of time to be better and friendlier. It ultimately didn't work out because I think that I was sort of a temperamental person back then, a little too weird for my classmates: afterall, most people didn't work that hard in primary school. So my confidence took a further dip, I gave up trying to make friends, and I just went along with the nerdish image and even did the nerdiest things: I went to the library whenever possible, but it was more to hide from the people that I could not get along with more than anything, and I found a recluse, a safe haven in books and their lovely tales, because books didn't judge me for my looks or my strange personality. I studied as much as I could, because it sort of took my worries away whenever I bury myself in work: it distracted me enough for me not to think about myself being a misfit. I remember each time I got hurt in class or had a quarrel with people, I would go home feeling incredibly upset, and the only thought that could cheer me was that I would work really hard and bag that top position and subject prizes every year.

Okay, so enough of my emotional rant about my rather sad past (it isn't as sad as it sounds because I had a dream, a goal, so that held me together and pushed me through). Let's go back to the topic on how to improve your skin condition, especially if you have acne! :D

1. Drink a lot of water (8 glasses a day)

Picture source: healthyfresh.org

I know, every beauty blogger or guru out there will keep telling you to drink that much water, and yes, it works. I tried it, but only recently. I am not a person who likes to keep gulping down water like goldfish, but I watched Bubz' video on skincare and I decided to take her advice, and so far, it worked pretty well!

According to experts, you have to drink a lot of water to flush out all the toxins in your body, because if you don't, they will accumulate in your body and surface as pimples as a way of releasing all the toxic materials. So if you drink a lot of water and go to the washroom a lot, you will be having a healthy digestive system and circulatory system, not to mention good clear skin! :D


2. Sleep 8-10 hours a day

Source: www.sciencedaily.com

I know! That is really hard to achieve right, especially for you people who are in secondary school or in JC like me, that is almost like impossible. I have noticed that my skin is always so much better in holidays because I sleep like a pig in holidays. I would sleep at 9pm and wake up at 11am the next morning (and lose a lot of weight because I would be skipping meal without feeling hungry).

If you don't have the time to sleep for that number of hours, then try to sleep at 11pm latest. That is when our bodily organs need to recuperate, especially our liver and kidney. They are the ones that need to recuperate and heal after a long day of removing all the toxins you have eaten from instant noodles, fast food and so much more. If you let them heal properly, then they can remove waste from your body efficiently and you would suffer less from breakouts!

For myself, when I don't sleep enough for a period of three days, immediately my skin will start having tiny little bumps erupting all over it, not to mention that my dark eye circles will morph into smoky eye liner that extend all the way out of my eyes. :/ So do try to sleep early!

3. Avoid processed food and unhealthy food

www.ecofriend.com

Oh yum yum, om nom nom! Look at that spread of fast food and fried and all the food that cause breakout! That is what you have to avoid: processed food (like luncheon meat, sausages, nuggets), fast food (because they are made of processed food), things that are too sweet or too choked full of hormones, like milk even. Many many years ago, milk is really healthy and good for your skin. Not now. Milk in America is most likely to be full of bovine growth hormones, and all this additional chemicals in your milk will affect your skin (and health) in some ways.

For me, I consume less meat during holidays because my Mom is trying to become a vegetarian, slowly, so we eat vegetarian about 5 days in a week, till we both cave from the temptation of wanting to eat meat and go out for food. Meat was a prized possession very long ago too, but now it could have an increasing amount of chemicals like antibiotics and whatnots that farmers inject chickens with, and more. Eating all those is enough to make your digestive system unhealthy, so try to avoid them:)

Instead, go for fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat organic and raw vegetable salad if possible. I have been in love with raw cabbage salad this holidays, and the best thing is that it doesn't use cream dressings that will clock up your caloric count: it contains some honey, vinegar, salt and one chili padi, and it taste fabulous. I will make another post on it if you guys are interested!

4. Wash your face and hands often

fayettewoman.com

I wash my face with T-Zone exfoliating cleanser every morning and night, but I am starting to think that using a exfoliating cleanser, no matter how gentle, twice a day is still a bit too much, so I am saving up to get myself either Acnes Medicated Creamy Face Wash or Eucerin DemoPurifyer. Those two are some of my favourite cleansers so far!

T-Zone Exfoliating Daily Wash

Throughout the day when you are at home, whenever your face feels oily, you can go and rinse your face with just water, without using any cleansers to avoid over cleansing your face. I like to rinse my face and pat it dry with a towel because it feels refreshing and oil-free after that, so I do that almost once every few hours. It is not scientifically proven, but I do feel that for me at least, rinsing my face makes my skin hydrated and refreshed!

I also wash my hands very very often, because I have the bad habit of touching my face with my hands every now and then, either to scratch or poke. I keep my nails short since this year to avoid bacteria accumulation under them, and wash my hands frequently (especially after typing!).

5. Dealing with Black and White heads
After so much tries and so much angst, I have came up with a solution to keep black and white heads at bay! To do so, you need:

Exfoliating Daily Wash

Biore Nose Pore Strips

I have a written a post on this before, it is here, do check it out! Anyways, in the nutshell, I use the face wash at least once a day to prevent the accumulation of dirt inside my pores, so that I look black-head free most of the time! You can read more about T-Zone Exfoliating Daily Wash here. Then I use the pore strip once every two months or so (depending on condition) to remove the more stubborn ones that have accumulated anyways. In that way, you won't be damaging your skin so often with the pore strip and you still have clear skin!

6. Dealing with pimples

I have been using Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell ever since they gave it to me a year ago for review, and darn, this product is pretty fantastic and in my opinion, too underrated. If you apply it onto a spot after face washing, the spot will tingle and itch a little- it is totally bearable and I believe it to be the sensation of the jell working its magic.

After a few days, the spot will get noticeably smaller and shrivel up, and give it a few more days before it heals altogether. I read some reviews on it and I still can't believe that some people don't find it good, like I say, different skin react different to products, and I really like this sealing jell myself. :D

7. Dark Eye Cirlces
Oh ho! I have no solutions or remedies to recommend to remove dark circle apart from encouraging everyone to sleep early, like before 11pm. If you really have uncompleted work to do, then do it the next day, in the morning, but don't stay up late or your dark circles will become permanent, like mine. Uuuuuww~~uwww. :'(

And nope, Garnier Brightening eye roll on doesn't really work either, in case you are counting on that.

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That's all for today! How do you guys like my post? Do you find it helpful, interesting or even boring? Do leave a comment down below and tell me what you think!Oh and do tell me if you are interested to know the recipe for the cabbage salad, it is darn delicious I swear!

The haze has been getting from bad to worse recently, so please do take the necessary precautions when you have to go out, and remember to wash your face upon returning! :D

Also, I would really appreciate it if you can subscribe to my blog via GFC on the right and like my Facebook Page at Live and Dictate!

Thanks for reading this and catch you all later!

Whinings~

Okay I am going to sound really childish and retarded but I ain't gonna care...

Oh my god I can't believe that only 10 days of holidays are left!?

Someone kill me please.

When you ask me to recall what I have done in the past 20 days, I really can't remember what I did at all. Apart from going to Vivocity with mom for shopping, going out to Jurong Point countless number of times for yummy food (and more shopping), and of course I went to the hospital to get my stomach checked for Helicobacter Pylori. Oh oh and I went to the Parliament. Darn cool, but darn boring. I had a splitting headache when I got home. :/

*Screams*

So much revision left, so little time!

Why on earth does my holidays always end up as slack-o-days eh? *uuwwww~~uwwww T_T*

Wheee!~ New post at last!

I haven't blogged for so long that the idea of blogging suddenly become alien to me, goodness gracious. And since I turned seventeen I have been so obsessed with so many questions that I am suffering from an existential crisis, so while trying to discover myself, I didn't have the time to blog (as much)!

Anyway, it is the lovely June holidays and boy am I glad that holidays are finally here (and one week has already lapsed while I was enjoying myself tremendously). You can't imagine how good life is when your alarm no longer rings at 5.50am in the morning and you no longer have to drag your lethargic body off the bed to prepare for another tedious day at school, learning things that you doubt will have any use for you in the future.

Of course the school probably can't believe in Hedonism, since they decided to have BLOCK TEST right after the school holidays, which is like oh my god, WHY?

That unpleasant bit sobers me up a little each time I am too happy. It is like this constant nagging pain in your system that acts up whenever it decides that you are too comfortable. Aish.

Still, holidays are pretty darn awesome (if we exclude the part about revision, which takes up just this tiny little bit of my fantabulous holidays). :D

Anyways, I was amusing myself as usual the other day when someone asked me, "How is life?" and I was like, "Pretty good!" and the person went like, "School life is pretty good?" and I was suddenly so cool and un-nerdish and replied in my coolest voice,

"I have a life outside of school."

At that point maybe, I was just tired of people thinking that for us students our whole life is just about school. It is mostly about school, but I don't see why we should allow it to be all about school. The more I think about it, the more I admire myself for coming up with such a witty and ingenious reply that I couldn't do anything but beam at my own reflection for the rest of the day, indulging myself with shoulder-pats.

*pat-pat*

True enough, school is indeed a very energy zapping part of our lives now, and the saddest thing is non other than the fact that it is inescapable and inevitable. You just have to face it. But now I saw the light - instead of letting myself dwell grouchily on all the negative aspects of school, I do try to (force myself) to see the "brighter side". The thorns will always be there; it is up to us to seek the roses and admire them.

For another, I have made wonderful new friends in class, namely Denyse and Clarissa (okay, and somewhat grudgingly Jun Jie I guess, even though he doesn't treat me as well as I treat him, it's fine. "Love those that hate you, bless those that curse you and despitefully use you." right?). Denyse and Clarissa are fantastic people. They are more than anything that I could have asked for in friends, witty, humorous, always positive and cheerful and always seeing the good in people and things. Of course with Clarissa comes her little bundle of humors, like Jason, Kah Wai, Ivan, Jiangshen etc etc, the name list of her friends who are boys are so long that I cannot recall them completely. The second most funny thing is that despite never having conversed with the aforementioned friends of Clarissa's, I felt like I know them (praise the lord) because I heard so much about them. Denyse and I would chuckle each time we hear each of those names and exchange knowing looks which Clarissa would pretend to frown at before laughing along with us.

With true, sincere and good friends, life is good hehe xD

A really short post I know, my wrist hurts a little ( I have no idea why), and I just got back from my urea breath test this morning, and despite the name sounding really weird, it is a test to determine whether I still have helicobacter pylori in my tummy. Remember the previous blog post where I wrote about myself getting really sick twice? I know I didn't manage to update, but I had an infection of HP, a pretty bad one at that, and now after all my antibiotics and stuff, I have to go back to check if I am better! I heard that I have to go for another test next year just to ensure that all the HP are mercifully murdered by my brilliant doctor, Dr Leong from Gleneagles.

If I have time, I will blog again! So far, bye!

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel

Sponsored Review
Many thanks to Cellilux's management for the lovely product! I wouldn't have been able to try such a lovely product if not for you guys! Please note that even though the product is sponsored, it will not affect my opinions on it, and because of differing skin types, the effect of the product may not be the same for everyone! Product has been tried before writing this review! (:

Hi readers, I am back today with another amazing facial mask review!

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel

Cellilux provides an alternative to acids and damaging chemicals that rule the world of skincare and beauty treatments. Their Glacial Mask is a truly groundbreaking treatment that provides multiple benefits in one application. Previously only available to spa customers, this incredible product is now newly available to the Asian market.

Four major technological skincare methods are at work each time you use the mask. First, a specially structured water deeply penetrates your skin for intense hydration not found in any other product on the market. Second, special minerals detoxify your skin by bringing all of the impurities to its surface. Third, those same minerals actually work with your DNA, instructing your skin to activate youth-bringing processes such as collagen production. Your skin is revitalized like never before. 

Finally, the mask works as an exfoliator to lift away the detritus that's been cleansed from deep within for skin that glows with the health of youth and is devoid of clogged pores. With technology that harnesses mother nature to provide a natural alternative, the Glacial Mask must be used to be believed!

Cellilux contains natural catalytic molecules that are negatively charged. These negatively charged ions are able to draw positively charged bacteria and impurities lodged deep within the skin as well as neutralizing free radicals. Due to the reaction between these ions, you might experience a slight tingling sensation when the mask is applied. This sensation should fade away in a few minutes.

 -Bellabox quote

Here are some more information that is written on the cover of the Cellilux Package.

Comments:
I find the mask very unique, especially amongst the proliferation of facial mask sheets that one simply stick to the face (and sometimes fall off), this one allows individual to contour the mask to suit one's face.

Cellilux allows one to apply the mask such that it adheres to one's face perfectly well, and unlike sheet masks that may not be able to adhere to every part of the face, or even more sadly, not cover some areas at all, this glacial mask ensures that every problematic area on one's face is well covered and is given due attention.

Not only so, while wearing the mask, one need not lie down but can do whatever we like, be it watching television or reading a book, since there is no risk of the mask falling off your face and wetting your book! Such convenience is worth noticing! ^^

Usually, you guys and girls know that I like to comment on the smell of masks and beauty products because I find smell really important since no one likes to have funny smelling things on your face for an extended period of time, right?

The packaging is very detailed, and from the first picture you guys can actually tell that Cellilux company takes the effort to seal the opening with plastic wrap to ensure airtightness and the quality of the mask. I like such a fact, even though I have little idea of what damage oxygen can do to your facial products, such sealed packaging always suggest sterile quality!

On top of that, Cellulix also takes its consumers into considerations when it provides one with an adorable little spatula for one to scoop out the desired amount of gel without having to risk the contamination of the product by digging one's finger into it. Cleanliness and hygiene factor, check!We do remember have to wash the spatula after each use and dry it well though... ;)

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel Mask is definitely not sweet smelling, but it most definitely does not smell bad either. Instead it has a slightly stronger, and refreshing scent that reminds one most strongly of minerals and the sea and ice (maybe it is just me...) and personally, I don't find the smell offending at all. So, thumbs up to the good smell! :D

The first time when I tried the gel, I was rather surprised by the effect of the application: my face stung quite a bit and it felt like I just squeezed an excess of peppermint toothpaste on my face. But the effects of the stinging is normal, as indicated on the box, and one will get used to it after a while. Not only so, the stinging will fade away as the mask dries, hence it will not be causing you too much stringing (especially if you have low threshold for pain) for extended period of time! Besides, what is a little bit of pain when we can get better skin right?

The gel mask did its job in clearing up most of my blackheads, in fact, after each use, when I wash off the mask, I do note a decrease in the number of unsightly and stubborn black spots present on my nose. On the other hand, my pimple problem is controlled but not entirely cured, but that is not because the mask is not useful, but because recently I have been quite lethargic and tired due to late sleeping, and whenever I sleep late, my skin will experience a variety of problems. Normally, I expect my acne problem to be even worse, but I believe that the Mineral Gel has done its role well in lightening the situation of my skin problem! Cheers! ;D

I have included a photo which I took from Cellilux's Facebook, because I somehow cannot get a good shot of my face (one that is not too bad looking hehe~) to post it here.

After my mom saw the product, she was so intrigued by it that she asked if she could try it too, hence I decided to give it to her since she really liked it!

Overall, I will give the product a 4.5/5, the half mark is taken off because the product is on the slightly more expensive side, and I understand how we always have a limited budget for such products, but if you try it, I do think you will find it worth your money!

Have you guys tried out this amazing product? You can buy it for S$78 at Cellilux's Website and do remember to check out their facebook page meanwhile! If you are a subscriber of Bellabox then you get to try out a sample too in their beauty box!

Thank you for reading this guys! Till next time, see you all!

Just (a whining) Human

Sometimes I forgive myself for being just human; for being weak in the face of terrible disappointment; and for my temporarily loss of directions whenever I trip and fall.

I know that I try to encourage a lot of people to work harder, to reach for their goals, to never give up by telling them inspiring quotes or just by working tirelessly myself to set a good example. I always believe in inspiring by action. But sometimes in the midst my my deepest darkest gloom, when all optimism desert me, I scorn that optimistic self and mock myself for ever believing that "If you put your heart to it, you can and you will."

I know. I am just human.

When I fail something terribly, I will lapse into this painful silence. I remember lapsing into this painful silence once in secondary two.

And today.

When that happens, nothing that happens around me matter anymore. It is just me in my sphere of excruciating pain, with my heart contracting in that tight choking manner that threatened to suffocate my very being. I became hyper-aware of my pulse throbbing heavily at my neck, and I will just turn cold. Really cold. Like all the warmth and hope left me all at once, leaving me in the dark and cold.

I hurt. Too.
Try to remember me as just another human.

I know that when I do terribly I would try to give myself motivational speeches like,

Don't lose hope, this is only the beginning! If you are not doing well despite working hard, that means that you are not working hard enough and smart enough! This is just another one of life's challenge for you, to see you fall and to see you hurt. Stand up, be strong and keep going. I will never give up on myself.

Sometimes, such motivational speeches are incredibly useful when you are trying to inspire other people, trying to convince them that no, they are not the failures they think themselves to be, and yes, they should always work hard whether they see immediate results or not. The difference is pretty dismal when you try to inspire yourself. I don't know how good a liar I have to be if I am able to stare at my disappointing results to tell myself that it is okay, it is fine, and by some miracle or another, I will improve and do better. It is like, while half of you is trying to convince and motivate yourself, the other more pessimistic you is going like, "Yeah right, what sort of idiot would believe such rubbish?"

It is even worse when someone else try to tell you that it is okay- instead of making me better, it heightens my anguished mood and make my want to scream and yell and shake the person really really hard, to vent all my pent up frustration on that one person that tells you "it's okay" in such a flippant manner that negates all your hard work, sweat and expectations of yourself.

I know sometimes people are just trying to make you feel better. I don't know about other people, but for myself it is like a quicksand. The more you try to pull me out of my despondence, the more I sink into it, and worse still, cause my despondence to be coupled with anger and a feeling of being under-appreciated. Maybe it is just me. I hated the words, "it's okay" more than anything else in the world put together (even more so than radishes ugh), because it feels like a sanitized version of "just freaking get over your pain". I don't know. I mean people tend to interpret things badly in the midst of their pain, don't they?

I wish that there could be someone to inspire me too, and motivate me, when I needed it. I am not tired of inspiring others to work, or motivating them to work hard. I know how much a few sincere words of inspiration and comfort can do to change someone's day, and lift their spirits. I sought hard and long for such, but encountered none. I didn't want to hear things like, "Don't worry, it is going to be OKAY in the end." (UGH to "okay"!) Such statements only make me think that the speaker cannot be bothered enough to think about my problems or to give me sincere advice, and I hate it even more when inspirational speakers, be it professionals or teachers or principals say that, because I would be thinking, "Don't be stupid, and don't lie. Nothing is going to be okay if you don't do something about it. And stop painting such rosy images in my head. You are just simplfying my pains."

Surprisingly I feel better after typing all these out, maybe it is because I unloaded so much of the angst within me today that prevented me from seeing my goal. I feel like I can breathe again. I feel like hey, somehow these wounds might somehow heal. With time. With patience. With better results.

I do try to etch such painful memories in my head as a lesson learned, or simply as a form of masochistic motivation for myself to work hard. In time, I would think about today, and maybe be grateful for such pains that make me stronger, and drove me to the end.

But I realized one thing.

When you fall, there won't be anyone to pick you up. There may be people to offer you tissue for your tears or a pat on the back, but you are the one that have to pick yourself up despite your pains, grit your teeth, and move on. It is a race that you have to complete on your own.

Are efforts being truly recognized? How important is such recognition?

I remember watching this Korean Drama called "Dream High", and one of the lines uttered by one of the judges was exceptionally impressing. He said, "We don't need people who just try and work hard. We need people who can do it and make the cut."

Hearing him say that, my whole mind was like, Woah, that was so harsh dude.  I thought that efforts should be recognized, and the due accolade should be given to the people who try so hard. That was what I thought. That is still what I have been thinking till recently.

But of late I have come to realize in the midst of my deep thought that perhaps our society doesn't notice efforts enough. I am not sure, it is just my opinion and I assure you that you are free to repudiate it. Think about it, like I had thought about it in the steamy, thought-provoking bathroom: What if Einstein had never made his discoveries? What if Einstein had never made the equation of E=MC^2, and perhaps never ever gotten famous? Afterall, he is famous for his achievements, and only when his achievements are known are his efforts then brought to light.

Look at the great scientists and famous entrepreneurs that we all know. Think about the people we are familiar with, like Thomas Edison, Marie Curie, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates... and the list goes on. Each of them are representative of one area that they had placed much effort in, and subsequently succeeded in. Edison is well known for his dauntless attempts in inventing the light bulb. Would his hundreds and hundreds of attempts be named if he had not succeeded in creating the final light bulb that worked? Would we be interested in Steve Jobs if he was not married with Apple Company? It seems almost like every famous people (at least those I know), is tied to their achievements, and when they are divorced from their achievements, they become just another person in the relentless crowd.

We are interested in famous people's biography, and we simplify the process it took for them to achieve their results and cast all their pains and efforts under the umbrella terms of hardwork, determination, perseverence, fearlessness, thinking out of the box.

It seems almost as if we are suggesting this one simple idea:

"If you work hard, if you persevere, if you are determined, then you will see results, and you will succeed."

I mean, why not right? After all, all the aforementioned people work hard, held fast to their dreams and they went against all odds and overcame all obstacles to rise above the crowds. But think again, when we applaud these icons of determination and endurance for their "hardwork", are we really recognizing their efforts, or are we recognizing their achievements and therefore acknowledging that yes, they had indeed poured heart and soul into them?

Will you read the autobiography of a common man whose name you have never heard of, one who has an average salary and mainstream car, one who worked from nine-to-five to support his family and goes on holiday once a year and had never really, in everyone's eyes, "stepped out of his comfort zone to pursue his dreams"? Or will you rather read the autobiography of one man who overcame all hardships and all obstacles in life, dropped out of high school and went against his parent's wishes to finally become (I don't know, I am saying hypothetically) the CEO of some big conglomerate? I myself would rather read the latter, for I am curious to know how he, despite all the setbacks, managed to scale the heights and finally settle himself into the throne of success. I would want to admire his character, learn from him, emulate him and hopefully find inspiration that can one day shape my character enough for me to live my own version of a success story.

Maybe you would say that the effort undertaken by the now-CEO is much greater, much more so than that of the common man. But how would you know if the common man had not put in as much effort, or maybe even more for his to lead his average life? Again, maybe you are right; or maybe you are just making a hasty assumption like I would have done, that is, "the greater the amount of effort put in, the greater your achievement".

Food for thought: Is success directly proportional to the amount of effort we put in?

Is success directly proportional to the amount of effort we put in? If not, why are we (usually) judging the amount of effort put in by a person based on his or her level of success?

Undeniably, there is a strong correlation between hard work and success, but surely achievements are not determined by hard work alone, and neither are achievements a good yardstick for recognizing efforts. Think about the ranking system in schools, where they recognize the (flawed assumption) efforts of the top students. It is really recognizing the achievements. Such a topic and idea is highly contentious too: is it possible to divorce hard work and achievements, such that hard work can be acknowledged on its own without the overshadowing silhouette of success?

I remember my Secondary Four Language Arts teacher discussing this during our lessons. She asked if it was possible to give out awards that recognize the students' efforts instead of achievements. But the question is, how then would the candidates be chosen? Effort is a term as ambiguous as things like love and hate; its effects are barely tangible and often overlooked. If hardworking candidates were to be chosen, it would also mean that the teacher would have to know each student well enough, or maybe even conduct spot checks at their home to catch them working hard. That would again bring about another round of complications which includes the fairness of the teacher, the integrity of students, how "efforts" are to be measured, etc. The most worrying problem is of course when the student is awarded the "Most Harworking Student Award" but not "Top Ten In School" (or similar) award; would the student be teased and tormented by the classmates for her/his supposedly lower intellect? Is that also why there is a proliferation of closeted muggers all around, to spare themselves the unflattering title of "hardworking but ..."?

I am not advocating the idea of "slacking" or "sleaziness" or "laziness" as some would put it. I am trying to postulate the argument that yes, your efforts may not get recognized by your teachers, or by your peers, or worse still, not even recognized by you own parents, but that doesn't give you the right to not work hard. That's right, you hard work won't be considered "hard work" by people who don't know you until you are famous one day and land yourself as "The 100 Most Influential People In The World". We don't need others to recognize the efforts that we put in for ourselves. But you have to know that all your hard work is recognized by one person. That one person who is with you wherever you go, that one person who cries at your sorrow and cheers at your joy; that one person who bears witness to all your hard work (or the lack of it), that one person who remembers and reminds you of the amount of effort you have truly put in.

That person is you.

And that is more than enough.

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum Review

Sponsored Review
Note: The item has been tried for a period of one week prior to the review and the review is honest (but not blunt) and please do bear in mind that each of our skin conditions are different and what is good for me may not be the best for you, and vice versa! (: A big "thank you!" to Wishtrend for sponsoring this lovely item!

I have been a huge fan of Wishtrend ever since I first saw some of the products on the website and you can't imagine how much I wanted to be a reviewer for them! And at long last, the chance came for me and how I rejoiced!

Wishtrend is the hub of Korean Beauty Secret (literally!) because they contain all the top selling skincare and make up products used by people worldwide! The products sold range from Skinlab, Elishacoy to O.S.T as well as Skin79, all hot favorites of today's girls! Have you ever wished to get Park Bom's flawless skin or have radiant look like Yoona? Look no further, Wishtrend is the answer for all your skin-related concerns!

Wishtrend's homepage: can you spot our friend, the Vitamin Serum?

Sometime ago Wishtrend sent me the O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum for review and I must say it is the coolest product I have ever seen! I mean, just look at the packaging...

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum

Look at the orange metallic glow of the packaging that the serum bottle is encased in, doesn't the box itself just exude class and taste? And unlike other items that always get damaged by the handling during posting, this product arrived at my doorstep completely undented and flawless, and boy am I  amazed at the brilliant service provided by Wishtrend! The care they placed into wrapping the product just goes to show how much they value their customers like you and I, and that they put us customers on their list of priorities!

The serum and the dropper.

Moving onto the product, it is also perfectly sealed with a plastic wrap around the opening to ensure freshness of the serum which is even more important in this case since Vitamin C is easily oxidized under room temperature and pressure. This is why the instruction on the box requires one to place the serum into the fridge after use to ensure the efficacy of the vitamin effect. I didn't know what the Korean words on the box meant until I happen to show the product to my friend who learns Korean and I was really shocked and panicked when I found out that I actually had to refrigerate the product!

The Serum Bottle

The dropper provided

The serum is contained in a tinted glass bottle which reminds me of some medication that has to be kept inside dark bottles for them to retain their uses, hence I researched on Google, and according to Sparkleapple, the amber bottle prevents UV rays from entering and damaging the Vitamin C contents, but personally I am not very certain (and I don't think it is important for me to understand hehe).

The serum inside the bottle

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum
As you can see, the serum inside the bottle is a pale orange-yellow in color and smells mildly like citrus, and in a tempting and refreshing manner that is not too strong. The serum is slightly sticky, but it is absorbed into the skin quickly after application and leaves a smooth velvety finish which amazed me. If your skin feels sticky application, worry not and leave it for a while and it should be absorbed soon enough to make your skin feel smooth and almost powdery!

Another plus point of the serum is that instead of making one's face oily after use like some products do, it keeps one's face matte, smooth and velvety for a very long period of time after application. I suspect that the effects can last even longer if not for my habit of spraying myself with facial mist or washing my face in the washroom whenever I am lethargic to freshen myself. Regardless, I do see the potential of the product, and many has claimed that they have seen very good results after 3 weeks of use.

So far I have used the product sparingly for one week, because there were a few days I was suffering from some mild breakouts which always happen whenever I sleep late consecutively, so I was rather hesitant to irritate my skin further because I read on other reviews that for some individuals, the Vitamin C content (also known as ascorbic acid) might be rather strong and worsen their breakouts. However, in my days of use, I don't see any worsening of any spots that I have and I can safely conclude that this amazing serum does not irritate my skin, at least.

The pale yellow/orange serum.

Why use this product?
So you have been reading about how amazing this product is so far, and probably know by now that Vitamin C is really good for the skin, but I guess you will probably be wondering.

1. What are the benefits of  Vitamin C?
2. How do I know if I need this product?
3. Why should I choose O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum over the other twenty or so products out there in the market?

Benefits of Vitamin C
I am sure a lot of us would have heard how Vitamin C helps us brighten our complexion and also prevents aging of the skin, but how exactly does it do that? Or is it just some myth or propaganda used by cosmetic companies to market their products?

If you are thinking alone that line, you are not alone! I used to be rather skeptical whenever I am told that "this-and-this" will make your skin better and healthier, and I would secretly think to myself, "Oh really?" while dismissing the words of the marketer. But hey, for this review, I went to the extent of doing some research on the benefits of Vitamin C for the skin and I am sure that you all will be glad to know that no, it is not just a myth that Vitamin C is good for your skin - it is actually scientifically-based!

Vitamin C is an effective anti-oxidant, which in the layman's term, means that it will prevents the aging of our skin via oxidation. It is indeed rather ironic that oxygen sustains us, but it oxidizes our cells and ultimately "kills" us in the long run. Hence to counter such, there is a need for anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C. Not only so, Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of collagen in your skin, and collagen is vital in keeping your skin smooth, young and supple and prevent them from sagging. (Source of information: www.fitday.com)

Vitamin C also helps to slow the rate of free-radical damage -- free radicals damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage. (source of information: health.howstuffworks.com)

Source: Wishtrend.com

Who is this product for?
Needless to say, I am sure you girls out there, regardless of age, will want to have smooth and supple skin that is like baby's! If you are one of the younger readers, then why not give this product a try? It will help you retain your youthful and radiant skin by battling oxidants and allow your skin to stand out amongst your peers! Not only so, I share the woes of many teenagers that suffer from breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads etc...the list goes on. As mentioned earlier, Vitamin C reverses DNA damage and stimulate the production of collagen, which means that it aids in the healing of acne scars which are not only unsightly but also confidence-diminishing!

As for my more mature readers who are starting to find signs of aging skin, here is my recommended solution to your skin problems! Given the aforementioned benefits of Vitamin C, I personally will hold this Pure Vitamin Serum at high regards given the multiple skin benefits it can bring me. Not only does it make our skin younger, it also brightens dull skin, giving one and all the much sought after "Korean Ulzzang" look!

Why should I choose this product over others?
If you have any of the aforementioned skin problem and feel really clueless on how to improve your skin condition, why not give this a chance? Not only have many bloggers tried out this product and recorded the improvement of their skin conditions via photos taken before and after its trial, you should also see the ranking of this product on online stores...

O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum is one of the weekly best amongst competitors on Wishtrend.

Top 2 HOT ITEM on qoo10.sg, the Singapore online shopping web!

If there are that many people raving about this product, there must be something good about it right? Not to mention that there has been so much evidences of proven results. You can simply Google "O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum" and find many rave reviews of this product. Take some time to read them and then decide for yourself!

Discount!
Wait, did I just hear discount? You got it! After reading about this, you are definitely dying to buy one for yourself, so as my loyal reader, you will get some bonus and benefits! Wishtrend has kindly sent up a voucher for you guys such that you all can enjoy their products at lower rates! How cool is that?

Details:
-Voucher Code: RFXLSCOZ (3 USD voucher / Able to combine with other voucher)
-Expiry date: the end of 2013
-Minimum Amount to Use: over 20 USD order

So what are you waiting for? Check out Wishtrend.com today and get a gift to pamper yourself!

Wait wait, are you a Singaporean like me? If you are, then you must be hoping that things can be made easier for you to indulge yourself in the Wishtrend wonders on no other than...

Our very own Qoo10!

Wishtrend on Qoo10

Not only so, do remember to check out Wishtrend Singapore's Facebook Page and "like" them for more updates on latest and hottest products, skincare tips and more!

Wishtrend Singapore Facebook Page

Also, I have added Wishtrend's banner on the side of my blog as an official sponsor and I am really really still high and crazy about Wishtrend and the amazing Vitamin C serum they sent me, and I hope that I will have more chances to work with Wishtrend in the future to bring you guys even more amazing products from Wishtrend!

Till next time, bye!