Cleaning up My Life!

I've been pondering on a few friends that I have in my life lately. I realize that the older we get, the less friends we have. Sometimes we just wonder why friends who we got along so well before and who understood us like sisters, somehow turned out to be so feisty and argumentative. Conversations once used to feel so calm and relaxed, now turned into ongoing debates. Just don't click like we used to any more....

Well, the truth is that as time as by, both of you have changed. Neither of you have stayed the same. Sometimes friendship grows deeper because the two of you have been moving in the same direction, acquiring and evaluating information the same way. Other times, friendship falls apart because you both have different outlooks and attitudes towards life. Often time when situations like that happen, the friendship would still be able to survive if both of you give each other the same respect. But if one person constantly think that they are right and not listening, instead making fun of the other person in order to cover their insecurities, the friendship would just be hard to keep. In this situations, both sides are drawn to the negativity and eventually one would just break off that chain.

I once had a friend. We were best friends for about 10 - 12 years. Oh boy, it was a happy and peaceful time in our friendship. We used to share everything to each other. I would share my stuff and she would be the one empathizing and giving me kind words of encouragements; and vice-versa. As time gone by, we somehow drifted apart. It could be because of the geographical and life events that have happened to each other our lives, that brought us apart. At some point in my life, I just got so tired of her negative words and careless attitude that I decided that is it! I've tried... I've really tried to help her getting over bad people in her lives by giving encouragements. But... we just never ever clicked like we used to any more.

Just move on! Life is too short and we only live once, why not live it in a way that we would not regret it? Why not exploring all the things that we wish to? What is so hard about it? If you REALLY REALLY want to do something and you have the passion for it, I strongly believe that you WILL find a way to at least get a head start on it, no matter how small that may seem.  I'm gonna be honest. I never knew what my passion was until I found myself pondering upon Youtube watching makeup videos and the next thing that I know was that I've spent a lot of money into makeup and skincare. I am such an obsess! I'm not an expert in it. I'm not a beauty guru. I'm not great at it. But.... who cares??? Who cares.... All I know is that, I am SO SO SO happy every time I take care of my skin and putting on makeup. When I go to the mall, guess where I head to first? Sephora or some beauty counters. When I go to the bookstore, guess where you'll find me? The beauty section. I don't remember everything that I have read. In fact, I don't even remember half of it. But who cares.... I'm happy! I get to be myself at that moment, entirely and that is happiness right there! The joy that I feel when get to do anything beauty related. That's all that matters!!!!

Find something that you truly love doing. You'll know that it is the right thing when your heart chirps and you find yourself keep on going back to it like there was a magnet pulling you over. Yes!!!! That's it!!!!

It shall be your joy, when sadness impose on your life

It shall be your happiness, when you encounter misery

Go out there and start exploring, you'll find hope and peace of mind when learning about yourself. Just let your heart be the guide and pick what you're interested in the most, whether it is scrap-booking, makeup, skincare, hair, photography, fashion, singing, blogging, Youtub-ing, etc. Lastly, the true joy can only be completed if you're able to share it with the world or to as many people as you can.

What is Cold Cream & the Magic in Cleansing Face!

Have any of you heard of the term "cold cream" lately? It's been mentioned quite often around the media that it is one of the "old tricks" for beautiful skin. I did a bit of research and here is what I have found.

Jar of the cold cream from the first half of the 20th century

Cold cream has been around for about 100 years, started in 1857 to be exact. It was used as a cosmetic preparation used for cleansing and softening the skin at the same time. It is actually an emulsion made up of a mixture of water and certain fats, usually including beeswax. The purpose is to remove makeup, smooth and soften the skin ALL AT THE SAME TIME. The term "cold cream" is derived from the cooling sensation that it delivers and leaves on the skin.

While celebrities such as Kylie Minogue admitted that she had botox herself, but ever since then she swore that all she uses to keep the youthful looking and beautiful skin is the Pond's Cold Cream. She said that she has religiously using it everyday and that is all she does to take care of her skin. It is such an old classic that was introduced to her by her mother. Ever since she made this announcement, the company Unilever, the umbrella company of Pond's started seeing drastic change in their sales. Sales has increased by 120% and that stock has also gone up.

So...... I've gone to the drugstore and got one myself to test it out. Here is what I got:

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

The Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser is actually a moisturizing deep cleanser and makeup remover at the same time. Unlike any other cleansers, half of it comprises of moisturizer, which is 50%. It has Mineral Oil to remove makeup, dirt and even stubborn waterproof mascaras. It also has Beeswax to lock in moisturizer and preventing it from leaving the skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin and won't clog pores.

Ingredients:
Mineral oil, water/agua, ceresin, beeswax, triethanolamine, behenic acid, fragrance/fragancia, ceteth-20, cetyl alcohol, carbomer, dmdm hydantoin, idodopropynyl butylcarbamate, methylparaben.


Tina's Personal Experience:
I've been using this cold cream once a day, primarily at night for removing makeup and cleaning my face, for about 2 weeks now. I've had positive experience with it so far. There has been no irritation or rash occurred. I did see that my skin got brighter and definitely softer after washing my face with this product and on the following morning waking up.

This is how much I normally use every time washing my face at night to remove makeup. 

I don't use a cloth to wipe it like the instruction said. Instead I use it like it is a cleanser, gently rubbing it onto my face in circular motion and then wash it off with warm water. Your skin will actually feel like it is moisturized, that same feeling when you try washing off Vaseline.

Close-up of BEFORE pictures

and I had some eye makeup with waterproof mascara on, too.

                                Close-up of AFTER pictures

So what do you think?

I honestly think that this cold cream cleanser does a great job in removing all of my makeup, including the waterproof mascara that would normally requires me to use a separate eye makeup remover. You can see that it completely softens my skin after washing my face with it. I love it!

The only thing that worries me is the "methylparaben" listed on the ingredients list. Methylparaben is one of the parabens and is a preservative chemical formular. It is often found in several fruits, such as blueberries. There has a been a controversy between the use of methylparaben or propylparabens are harmful chemical used in cosmetics and body care. However, both of them are listed under Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food and antibacterial preservation.  What freaks me out is that studies indicate that methylparaben when applied to skin may react to UVB and UVB is what leading to skin aging and DNA damage.

Rating: 4/5

Will you consider buying it again?   No. Because of the "methylparaben" listing in the ingredient. But if you really wanna try, you can get it at any drugstores for around $7 to $9 or buy on Amazon for little cheaper.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylparaben

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX - the best overnight mask!

The Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX is the new and improved version of the sleeping pack, which allows moisturization and brightening. This mask is said to be applied right before you go to sleep to maximize the efficiency of overnight water supply. The functions of skin is remarkably declined during night time, therefore skin can feel dry. This water sleeping mask deeply hydrates and penetrates the skin. It helps to keep skin clear and vitalized.

• It particularly has Hunza Apricot Extracts, which helps with skin brightening and purifying the skin.
• It also has Recoverine that is from chestnuts, which helps to promotes the turnover of dead cells for water supply and sleek skin texture.
• Essential oils: Orange flower, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

It has a light gel texture that is non-sticky.
Use this once to twice a week and apply more than recommended, also works well with neck area.

Tina's Personal Experience:
I use this product maybe once a week or once every 2 weeks because I've gotten so many other masks to substitute for.  I store all my masks, including this one in a small refrigerator so when I do use it, it delivers such a cooling sensation. Especially with the abundant water base in this mask, I could feel it instantly tightened my skin. It is definitely light gel textured and very spreadable. You can either use more than you normally would or just enough. The result in the morning would still be the same. I wake up seeing my skin definitely looks clearer, lighter and looks like I've had plenty of sleep. It does literally make you look like you've just slept a good 8-hour sleep. I love the scent of it and actually take their advice into practice. As you open the cap, inhale the scent from the jar for about 2-3 seconds. It is so relaxing because of the ylang ylang. Love it! Now, after you spread it evenly all over your face, do tap it so that the mask has a better chance absorbing into your skin. You do not have to wash your face after putting this mask on, it meant to stay on your face overnight. :)

Rating: 5/5

 

Purederm Collagen Eye Zone Mask

These eye masks are said to be enriched with Collagen, Vitamin E, Green Tea extracts and Tropical Fruits. They provide extensive hydration, help restore moisture, and elasticity, which diminishes signs of aging. They also help to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles. Suitable for all types of skin.

 It is made in Korea from Adwin Korea Corp. and here's the website in both English and Korean: www.purederm.com

Below is a list of the ingredients. If you're an ingredients junkie, it might be helpful to do research about. One thing that I would warn you right now is that, although the website talks a lot about natural and healthy life, but some of the ingredients might not be. For example, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil that they have in this product. Too much of it might cause skin irritation and skin burn, but then it is a very common ingredient as an emulsifier in most facial cleansers, soaps, lotions, shampoos, etc.

 

Ingredients:
- Water (Aqua)
- Glycerin
- PEG/PPG-18/4 Copolumer
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
- Phyto Collagen
- Erythritol
- Xanthan Gum
- Hamamellis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
- PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- Allantoin
- Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
-  PEG-14M
- Disodium EDTA
- Methlparaben
- Phenoxyethanol
- Fragrance (Parfum)

Tina's Verdict and Personal Experience:

I love these eye pads because they're so hydrating. I've already gone through my second pack and there has been no irritation or reactions to my skin. I usually store the whole pack in the refrigerator, so that the pads give off that cooling sensation when I put them on. Also, by doing this, you can keep them fresh and longer when you can't use them all up in just 2 weeks after the package is opened. These pads especially come in handy when you want to de-puff your eyes in the morning or just simply want a quick-fix solution. However, I didn't really see any results in reducing my under-eye fine lines or dark circles, but I'm gonna show you a super cool trick in using these eye pads!

Ever have super dry, cracked or chapped lips?? My advice is to use this on your lips the night before or for 15 - 20 minutes if you want to your lips to be smooth again. All you need in each use is just 1 pad. You'll see INSTANT dramatic result after using these and I swear by it because I have personally experienced it so many times. It must be the collagen in it to produces the plumped effect on your lips. I have never used or heard of lips masks, but these now have become mine. Absolutely love it!

And this is me... Happy eye masking... This is how I wear them on my lips :-)

I personally got it on Ebay for a pretty cheap price, around $4 - $5 for a pack of 30 sheets. Amazon also have them, but feel free to compare the prices. I've posted the link to Amazon as well here!

Rating: 3/5

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighter Review

This is a velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. It works so great as a highlighter. You can lightly buff it on your cheekbones, forehead, temples, chin, and on the bridge of your nose to give that glowy look to the face.  I am absolutely in love with this highlighter.  Because it's very shimmery, so most of the time I usually use it for nighttime go-outs. Sometimes when I feel like adding extra glow on my face for daytime, I would very lightly dab and only use a little bit of it on my cheekbones.


The color that I got was Soft and Gentle. It's sort of like gilded peach bronze color. If you buy it online, it's only $29 + 4.1% tax and if you wait for free shipping code that would even be better. Whereas at the MAC Pro store it would be $32.50 + 7.1% tax (in where I live). It is also voted to be a very natural-looking and non-drying highlighter.

 When I only use a tiny-tiny bit of it, in natural light - outside.

And this is when I use A LOT of it.... The bridge of my nose looks super glowy here... If for some reason, you accidentally applied too much of it and don't want your whole face to look like a giant glowy ball, just dab a bit of pressed powder over the area that you want to look more matte.

What is your favorite highlighter?

6 Ultimate Style Principles

“Designing is a personal journey for me. It’s my passion, my hobby, and my best outlet for expression. It’s where I let myself take the most chance.” 

 - Very Wang - 

I love Very Wang. The way she expresses herself through fabrics and style is just amazing and powerful, yet simple and elegant. The above passage actually inspires me so much, to follow my dream, to be true to myself – my dream and my desire. No success comes without a passion! So, Very Wang once said that “the goal is to make a woman look like the ultimate version of herself,” meaning that no matter where you go and how you dress, it should be a representation of yourself – your true nature!

1. Make any Big Event a Red-Carpet Moment 

I love Angelina Jolie posture and confidence. She has that “catch me if you can” look and it’s sexy and inspirational. Whether you’re going to your sister’s, aunt’s, or friends’ wedding, prom, New Year party, Christmas party, big family reunion, etc. You should always treat each of these like your lifetime glorious moment and it’s true that once when we look back we will not regret. Whether you spend hundreds of dollars on a dress or under-$100, the moment is up to you to play and enjoy. So, pick one you can own with ease and perfect posture!

2. the One-Piece Rule 

It doesn’t matter where you go, either to work, dinner, casual date, etc. You only need that ONE PIECE to make you outfit stands out. You only need that ONE PIECE to express yourself. Let it be a scarf, tie, hat, bag, belt, jacket, accessories, etc. You only need ONE PIECE to shine and grab attentions. So, select wisely by choosing the unique shape, strategically placing it or pairing it with something that complement it!

Carolina Engman from Fashion Squad 

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream

The famous Divine cream is ranked #1 anti-aging cream in the 2011 Beauty Bible and Guerlain anti-aging cream is ranked #2. Compared to the Guerlain which is like $365, the Divine is at a more modest price of $98. This cream will fight any signs of aging, enhance radiance and skin tone, and provide supreme nourishment and immediate comfort to the skin. It also contour your face by lifting and redefining it. If there are any wrinkles, it will smooth out for visibly firmer, brighter and younger-looking.

Its main ingredients are the Immortelle and Myrtle essential oils are 100% organic. It also contains other plant oils, omega 3 and 6-fatty acids.

• The Immortelle essential oils are there to stimulate the production of collagen 6 times and improve skin micro-circulation by 2 times.
• The Myrtle essential oils helps stimulate the longevity protein and increase cellular vitality.

You are Beautiful!

Do you feel guilty when you pay more attention to yourself?
Do you feel bad when you buy something nice for yourself?
Do you feel the urge of constantly trying to be nice to everyone?
Do you want to be loved? Do you need to be loved?
Do you feel lonely and betrayed when you do something nice for someone and they don't appreciate it?
And... face it: Do you try to change yourself, in some way or in any way to make people like you?

Each and everyone of us is unique. We all have 2 eyes, 1 nose and 1 mouth... yes, but the shape of our eyes, the bridge of our noses and the shape of our lips are different. We all have different facial features and jawlines. We're all unique!

Love yourself! Be yourself! Be true to yourself emotionally, mentally and physically (with common sense, of course!)

Invisible False Lashes Trial

Hi everyone,

Check this out! So I did a trial on putting the "invisible false lashes" on the other day. It didn't take me that much longer than the traditional falsies. All I did was cutting each of the false lash strip into 3 parts and glue them under my lash lines, where you normally tight-lining. The result was super natural! No one was able to tell that I was wearing falsies, even the ones whom I often see. My sister-in-law who I often meet with at least once a week couldn't even tell I had false lashes on. Why? Because when you look down, there's no visible line of falsies. Like I said, the trick is to cut the falsies into 3 smaller sections and wear them under your lash lines, where you tight-lining. You will probably need Q-tips and a tweezer. Hopefully, I will have some time to film soon!

Happy Birthday to Me ^_^

 It's been a while since I've last blogged. Everything's been on a race and I'm super busy, haven't really found time and inspiration to do tutorials, nor reviews yet. But guess what... It was my birthday! "Was"... yes, this amazing day happened on the 5th of June. Got 4 birthday cakes. The most "calories-explosion" birthday ever!