Collagen hydrating mask

Other than Watsons, Sasa is also a fave hangout of mine for beauty products and all sorts of interesting amusing things - all in the name of beauty.

I bought these collagen hydrating masks the other day and have been wanting to try them out. There're 5 of them in a box. It's recommended to use 1 mask per day for 3 consecutive days and then use 1 or 2 per week after the intensive treatment.

I tried out the intensive 3 days programme over the weekend as I was having a bit of a sun burn. Seemed pretty ok to me tho I've reactive skin.

What I liked about the product:

• it was cooling on my face and cooled down my skin considerably despite my slight sun burn.


• it didn't irritate my skin


• I could see an immediate difference after one application. My skin was plumper with moisture and my fine lines due to the dryness were less noticeable

What I didn't like tho:

• It had a slight medicinal smell


• The essence left a slightly sticky residue

Well, I guess nothing's perfect in this world. For $15.90 per pack of 5 masks, I think it's quite a good buy :)


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Listening to: Chris Botti - Let There Be Love (feat. Michael Bublé)
via FoxyTunes

What do you do with your ironing?

When I was studying overseas, living on my own, I had to start doing household chores. Yea, that sounds totally spoilt, doesn't it? ;) I've helped out at home on and off but I'm one of those fortunate ones who don't really have to do chores around the house.

So, that changed when I was living on my own. It helped that I was still in school and could survive on a basic wardrobe of jeans, Tees and knits. I still went on shopping sprees, tho living on a student budget. Guess there're just some things that don't change *grin* But the clothes I bought at that time had to have one very important quality - they should need minimal ironing or no ironing at all.

Imagine my surprise when I received this today. Wonder what the charges are? I'm still undecided between the ingenuity of the business proposition or whether times are now so bad that one has to find such alternative ways of earning a living.




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Listening to: Bach - Air on G
via FoxyTunes

Too Faced So Smurfy

Remember Too Faced? Well, imagine my surprise and delight when I saw this limited edition makeup collection called Too Faced So Smurfy at Sephora.com. IT. IS. TOO. CUTE!!!!

Yes, I am a Smurf lover. Oops. Now you know the generation I below to ;P

In the collection, there is an eyeshadow quad with one pink, one blue and 2 shimmer shadows. There's also a liquid eyeliner, lip gloss and illuminating face powder. The packaging whimsical and adorable, with cartoon Smurf characters and Smurfette (of course!) adorning the lids and tubes.

I've no photos as I've yet to see the product in person. Wonder if Sephora @ Sg carries it??


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Listening to: New Creation Church - 雅比斯的祷告
via FoxyTunes

Beauty books

Recently, I've been reading up on skin and skin care whenever I get the time to. Am always grateful for the library for its vast collection. I've always managed to get the books I want, when I want it. For a fee of $1.55 per book, I can place a reservation on the title and specify which particular library I wish to pick it up from. This reservation service has spoilt me in a way ;P I hardly browse libraries anymore; I just go to the online catalogue, search for my book and place a reservation. Wait for the sms notification that my book is ready for collection; go to the library and pick up my book. All the physical work gets done for me ;D hee...

These are 2 books which I'm reading recently. Very informative. I like them as they contain useful information which I can apply in my everyday life.

Look out, here comes the next beauty guru ;P muahahaha....

Awakening beauty the Dr Hauschka way by Susan West Kurz
A book written by the current president of Dr Hauschka International. I like the gentle tone of the book. It explains things in a simple manner, nothing too esoteric yet I don't feel that I'm being talked down to.

It also reinforced my perception on wholistic beauty, that is, to be truly beautiful, we have to take care of our body, soul (mind, will, emotions) and spirit (the spiritual side of things). Gave me quite a bit of food for thot and I'm planning to implement some ideas into my everyday life.

Natural prescriptions for women: What to Do-and When to Do It-to Solve Dozens of Female Health Problems-Without Drugs
This was an eye-opener of a book for me. It also sent me into a mild panic in the beginning as the closet hypochondriac within me starting wondering if I'm having this problem or that. LOL.

But taken in a positive light, this book educated me on the myriad of problems a woman can have if she doesn't take care of herself and the many ways to rectify that. Very informative read. Just don't let your imagination get too active and start wondering around ;)

After reading these 2 books, I realised, with beauty, it all starts with love - love for ourselves, love for nature, love for the people around us; receiving love. The trick is how to put it all in balance and to express that love in the right manner, at the right place and at the right time. Perhaps this is where wisdom comes in.


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Listening to: Yo-Yo Ma, Ton Koopman; Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra - Bach (JS): St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Erbarme Dich
via FoxyTunes

Salt baked chicken

Well, other than loving beauty, I also like to eat :) A lot. Came across this recipe today. Looks really quick and easy. Too good not to share :) Enjoy!

CNY '09: Hed Chef's recipe for Salt Baked Chicken
Mon Jan 12 2009


SALT-BAKED CHICKEN
Ingredients
One whole chicken
3 stalks of spring onion
50g young ginger, peeled and smashed
50g blue ginger, peeled and smashed
2 whole star anise
1 tsp five spice powder
2 slices of dried mandarin orange peel
2 tbsp rice wine, or sherry
2 tsp kosher salt (from major supermarkets)
Dash of white pepper
2 tbsp of dark soya sauce
3kg kosher salt
3 large sheets of grease-proof paper

Method
1.Wash and pat dry chicken. Remove only the head and claws. Tuck the chicken legs into the body cavity.

2.Rub rice wine, salt and five spice powder into the cavity of the chicken, then place spring onion, young ginger, blue ginger, star anise, orange peel inside and add a dash of pepper.

3.Rub dark soya sauce all over the outside of the chicken.

4.Place chicken on a rack and leave it to dry for an hour in front of the fan. If not, leave it for two hours, until the skin is dry.

5.Heat a wok and pour salt in.

6.Once salt heats up, take one-third of it and put in separate container. Reserve this.

7.Lay the three sheets of grease-paper and place chicken on top. Wrap the chicken in individual layers as tightly as possible.

8.Once you see the salt begin to smoke slightly, place wrapped chicken – breast side up – in the salt snugly and pour reserved salt over the top, covering as much of the entire chicken as possible.

Be sure that when you place the chicken in the wok, it is sitting on a layer of salt and not in direct contact with the wok. Cover and leave on medium heat for 11/2hours.

Do use a cheap wok or big pot that you do not intend to use for frying or daily use because the salt causes the metal to corrode quite rapidly.

If you prefer to use the oven instead of a wok, use a deep casserole dish into which you can fit the whole chicken.

Heat the oven to 180 degC. Pour salt into the casserole and heat for half an hour. Then remove about one-third of the salt, place the wrapped chicken in and pour the salt over it to cover it as much as possible. Bake for 11/2 hours.

Reproduced from www.SoShiok.com.
Copyright © 2008 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd . Co. Regn. No. 198402868E. All rights reserved.


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Listening to: 张栋梁 - 晚安，宝贝
via FoxyTunes

Peaches and strawberries

California white peaches

Korean strawberries in a punnet

A perk of where I work: colleagues who know where to get cheap and good stuff. These fruits were cheaper than what I would have had to pay at places like Cold Storage, yet really yummilicious. I just had another peach for breakfast. Hee ;)


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Now playing: Tom Brier - Just Peachy
via FoxyTunes

Sephora and Too Faced

I checked out the Sephora store a couple of weeks ago. It's a veritable candy store for makeup and skincare products. I've to admit, I was a little disappointed at the range in store tho: 50% carried in store were those brands which are being sold in dept stores. Guess I was expecting more cult brands or brands which couldn't be found anywhere else.

However, some brands did catch my eye: I liked the Sephora range of makeup. The makeup was displayed on 2 open counters and categorised into Eye, Lip, Base and so on. It's a girl's playground :)

I was also attracted by Bare Minerals, Too Faced and Bliss. However, after checking out the prices of these brands online, I'm really hesitating about putting down money for them at the Sephora store here.

Case in point:
Too Faced Glamour To Go set. It's retailing at $40 in Sephora but only USD$19.50 online! *wail* I was playing with the set in store and almost wanted to get one as my sis' bday pressie. Wonder if I should tho?

Too Faced has free international shipping now for purchases above USD$75. On a separate note, Benefit too has free international shipping for purchases above USD$115. Do share your experiences on shopping online from these brands.

I've one week more to decide on the pressie. Ahhh, decisions, decisions.


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Listening to: 坂本龍一 - The Beach
via FoxyTunes

New Beaute de Kose makeup!

Received this in my mail today. Available in stores now, so you may want to check it out. The colours look so sweet :)





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Listening to: 王力宏 - 06.你是我心内的一首歌
via FoxyTunes

Kinokuniya magazine haul

Remember the 20% discount at Kinokuniya? It was actually a pleasant surprise for me. I'm a major fan of Japanese fashion & beauty mags though my knowledge of 日本語 is really elementary at best. But. I really really like to read these mags. Those pics! The products! The gifts included with a particular issue! *jumping with excitement*

So, how could I pass up the opportunity to buy more titles when there's a 20% discount sale going on? Not that I need much excuses to begin with... LOL.

These were the issues I bought:

Can Cam (Jan & Feb 09 issues), JJ (Feb 09) and Oggi (Feb 09). I find Oggi targeted at a relatively older or more affluent audience whereas the other 2 titles are younger. On a side note, I like Baila too cos of Blenda ;P But it wasn't available that day plus they've changed cover models, so.

A pleasant surprise with the purchase of Can Cam Jan 09 was the lovely bag charm from MZ Wallace. If I'm not mistaken, MZ Wallace seems to be quite an up-and-coming brand now in Japan? Anyway, the bag charm is lovely. And I've got it hanging on my everyday bag now :D

Here's a close-up shot of it. I like the cheery red colour very much. For a freebie, it feels heavy in my hand and looks very well made. Could have been any of the bag charms being sold in the shops nowadays.


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Listening to: U2 - Hallelujah
via FoxyTunes

On hair, curls and curling irons

I've a question: what curling irons, hair tongs, curling tongs or watchamacallit do you use for curling your hair?

Have had wavy long hair for the past year. Like my curls a lot but not too keen on the frequent trips to maintain the perm, so thought of DIY-ing my curls at home. Would like something within S$100 if possible. Other criteria would be:

• Ease of use esp for a beginner like me


• Gentle on my hair (hey, I'd like to take care of whatever I've got! ;P)


• Did I mention fast to curl?

Hee... basically something really good and friendly for non-pro users. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!!


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Listening to: Enya - May It Be
via FoxyTunes

Mascaras: Maybelline and Revlon

Remember my mascara shopping spree from some time ago? LOL. Well, I finally got the chance to use them.

First the context:
I've very Asian eyelashes aka dark brown in colour, stick straight and pointing down. It took me a while before I finally got the hang of curling my eyelashes. I really must say, practice makes perfect! I'm quite happy to report that I can now curl the entire top row using my trusty $3.90 plastic curler from Watsons *beam* Now, that is a feat for someone who used to crimp her eyelashes and bits of her eyelids at the same time.

Also, mascara wise, I only use it on the top lashes and not the bottom ones. Don't ask me why, just the way I am ...

Ok, so now you know. On with the reviews:

Maybelline

Packaging wise, this came in a pretty pink tube which I really liked :)

I also liked the angled brush and bristles. It really made application easier for me. Somehow, the angle was just right and I managed to get all the lashes coated on the first try. Yep, even the tiny ones at the corners of my eyes :)


However, I realised, this mascara didn't do much for me in terms of length or volume. My lashes did look more defined and the curl lasted and lasted but that's about it. One impt thing for me tho: I forgot I was wearing mascara (that's how light weight it was) and absentmindedly rubbed my eyes a couple of times. And the mascara lasted! And, I didn't get tiny black specks on my fingers ;) which means it most probably didn't flake. Yay.

So, for the price (S$17.90), I got a decent everyday mascara in a pretty pink packaging :) May have to use something else if I'm looking to pile on the va-va-voom factor tho. But on the whole, I really like this :)


Revlon

I liked the sleek shiny packaging of this tube. Somehow I like shiny stuff, so the silvery thing worked for me ;) Ok, confession time, part of the reason why I bought this was cos I liked the shiny tube. LOL.


This was in waterproof formula, in Blackest Black colour. I applied this after curling my lashes and could see the volume IMMEDIATELY. It was like, poof, all of a sudden, I've this veil of black lashes ;P Length-wise, there really isn't much of a change. I liked that it held my curl in my lashes tho. Later in the day when I remembered to check, the lashes were still curled up, fan-like. However, I've had to put on almost 3 coats of this. It didn't seem to 'latch' on to my lashes well.

But. Remember I like to rub my eyes? Maybe that's the reason, as I found some black flakes dotting my undereye area when I checked. Yikes :(

Overall, this is quite a good mascara if you're looking for volume. The black colour also made my lashes stand out. The negatives: it was flaky and I had to apply more than 2 coats before I could see any difference. Maybe that's why it flaked?

Hmm...

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Listening to: Olivia - So Nice
via FoxyTunes

可愛い!!

Japan has still got the coolest and cutest stuff IMHO. Read Yumeko's post on Swimmer (a brand in Japan) and Chocoholic (its sub-brand) and just wish I could fly there now. Right NOW.

Well, I guess reading about it is the next best thing ;)

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Listening to: Lisa Ono - Stay All Night
via FoxyTunes

Happy New Year! Plus updates on Jurlique and Clarins

I blogged recently about my trials with sensitive skin. This is a quick update on how it's going with the Jurlique products I'm using and a recent Clarins sunscreen which I bought.

I'm happy to report: my skin seems to be loving the Jurlique products. Yes, even the Chamomile mist which was rather stinging on my skin in the beginning. I realised I may have been spraying too much at too close range. After one week of using the Rebalancing Sensitivity range (excluding the mask), my skin is clear, smooth, the red flushes are gone and so are my signature red cheeks. I've also noticed an improvement in the tiny capillaries which I used to have here and there on both cheeks.

Happiness :)

However, I realised Clarins is definitely out for me. I had a minor scare yesterday. My skin was stinging, there were tiny pimple like bumps on various parts of my face and my facial skin was flushed. This, after using the sunscreen for 2 days and a healthy dose of sun, walking out of the office for lunch and back. I had to soothe it all down with the Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel again last night. This morning things were back to normal.

So far, skincare which has worked for me:

• Jurlique sensitive skin range


• Skin Food Aloe BB Cream SPF 20 PA


• Bellewave Gentle Cleansing Milk and Refreshing Lotion

Here's to a beautiful 2009. Wishing you a year filled with love, joy and peace. May it be your best year yet!

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Now playing: Armik - Lovers In Madrid
via FoxyTunes

Some favourites

Was on leave today and couldn't resist the 20% discount at Kinokuniya. Before I got to the store however, I was waylaid by the "bling" at Watson's again. LOL.

These are from Majolica Majorca. The SA was really helpful and friendly. Yes, for a 'drugstore' brand, there's actually an SA who bothered to come up to me and talk to me abt the relative merits of the colours and functions of the cosmetics. I already like this brand to begin with. Now, the brownie points just keep adding up.

Ok, to review this: I've to put this in context. I'm a relatively newcomer to the makeup scene and I don't usually wear makeup even for work. But there've been a spate of weddings to attend recently and some other occasions. Was putting on eye makeup for a close friend's wedding dinner recently and had the inspiration to do a smoky look using my Kose makeup coffret. Sorry no photos as I was rushing that night. I thot the look came out pretty well overall but realised I need some eyeliners!

So back to Majolica. I bought the SV802 - a smoky glittery grey and BR606 - a nice brown which I feel will go well with the brown Eye Fantasist in my Kose coffret. The pencils were really soft and easy to draw. Just a gentle swipe across the back of my hand and there was a well defined line of colour. I'll learn to do colour swatches next time.

I also got the Christmas limited edition BR799. It was the "limited edition" that got me ;) Plus I liked the purplish tones of the palette. A nice change from my Kose brown and beige.

As for this, it's an old standby from Ettusais. It gets rid of my pimples in double quick time, calms and soothes the red spots and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. Double thumbs up for a great product :)


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Listening to: 萧敬腾 - 原谅我
via FoxyTunes

Sasa

I was on my way to a dinner appointment and couldn't resist popping into the Sasa along the way. It's one of those places where I never get bored browsing. There's always new stuff in store and you never know when they may have discounts on some products ;)

I had been reading some good reviews on Koji. So I made sure to keep an eye out for that brand while scanning the eyelash curler corner. And there it was. There were 2 sizes - one No. 73 and the other No. 70. I chose No. 70 since the blurb said it's specially formulated for Asian eyes. That's how I choose lots of stuff ;)

Also got 2 lip balms.

Aloe lip balm by Silk Whitia. It has a faint aloe fragrance and the balm goes on smoothly. I really like the colour too. A pastel green for the tube and even paler shade of green for the balm.

Mentholatum Lip Pure which is made from natural beeswax and is suitable even for the most delicate skin. It was available in 2 flavours. I chose the Bergamot one.


Have been looking for a reliable sunscreen for some time. Was rather excited when I read the blurb for this Clarins one. There were no testers available for this, so it was a leap of faith so to speak, that the product will deliver what the blurb promised. Boy was I glad when I tried it out at home. It left no sticky residue, there was a faint floral fragrance (really nice! *thumbs up*) and best of all, my sensitive skin took to it really well.


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Now playing: Ken Promo - Ken Promo - Ken Promo
via FoxyTunes

Merry Christmas!! and it's raining presents

Lovely lovely Christmas.

We had a gift exchange in the office on Christmas Eve. Some weeks ago, we drew names of the colleague whom we were to buy a gift for. As were my custom, I also took some time to get gifts for all the people in my dept. My dept's pretty small, 14, excluding me, so I had quite an initially stressful but ultimately enjoyable time shopping for presents for each and everyone of them. Plus some colleagues who weren't in my dept but have also become frens.

To my surprise, some of my colleagues got me presents too. Ooh, I love pressies :) On top of the ones I got from work, my siblings gave me pressies too. Love my presents :) See more photos of them here.

Merry Christmas everyone! And a blessed and healthy 2009 ahead.

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Now playing: Avalon - Joy (To The World)
via FoxyTunes

Sensitive skin

Tested the Jurlique Rebalancing Sensitivity Set on my skin last night and again this morning. This was my regime after cleansing:

Night
Chamomile Soothing Mist
Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel
Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion
Bio-essence 24K eye contour gel

Day
Chamomile Soothing Mist
Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel
Soothing Day Care Lotion

It stings! *weep*

I was surprised to feel a stinging in the region of my cheekbones a few mins after completing my night regime. Oops.

This morning, I tried again. Except this time, I wanted to isolate the cause of the stinging, so I paused for some time between each step. The stinging came after I sprayed the Chamomile Mist :( It continued after I applied the Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel. Went on after I applied the Soothing Day Care Lotion.

I felt a little better after applying my SkinFood Aloe Sun BB Cream SPF 20 PA - Shade 1. Then horrors. While looking at myself in the mirror, a few mins ago, I saw some tiny little bumps on my skin and 2 noticeable pimples. Oops. Double oops.

I'll try again tonight and tomorrow morning, this time excluding the Chamomile Mist.

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Listening to: U2 - I've Got You Under My Skin
via FoxyTunes

Spoilt by Jurlique

Yes, the Jurlique counter here in Sg. The story goes like this...

Thanks much to Karen's post on sensitive skin. I'm actually quite a late-comer to the sensitive skin scene in a sense. All my life, I've known that my skin (esp on my face) gets flushed easily. But I've long accepted it as part and parcel of life, so didn't think too much abt it. It's only in recent years, with the advent of some pigmentation, fine lines and such that I really woke up and decided I needed to do something.

And after reading this post, I learnt even more. This being a slow day, I went searching online for skincare products which may be beneficial for sensitive skins. Was told Jurlique don't ship here *boo-hoo* :~(

So, decided to put my lunch hr to good use again ;) I went down to Tangs Orchard just now and headed straight towards the Jurlique counter. I had to circle the ground level beauty dept for a bit though. The counter was right behind the escalators, where Stila used to be, round the corner from Benefit.

Approached the counter. There was a chirpy SA there who looked me in the eye, smiled and asked, "Can I help you?".

"Yes, pls. I'm looking for the sensitive skin care range"

She showed me the specific cleanser, toning mist, moisturiser and then asked me a pretty good question - is there any specific product or skincare step I had in mind. Of course, I was after the Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel and day and night moisturisers. I also asked abt sunscreen. AND the prices.

AND "Do you have any samples?"

Surprise, surprise. She does! After some deliberation and discussion, I bought the sensitive skin introductory set retailing at $110. It goes for AUD$59 at the online store. Oh well.



I asked for some samples of the night cream (she readily gave me 2 packs of it). Also tried the sunscreen which felt wonderfully moisturising on the back of my hand and had a lovely lavender scent. As I was paying, the SA popped by the cashier again and added 2 sample packs of their makeup removal cleanser. AND I got a $10 voucher which I can use on any next purchase of Jurlique products for $100 and above. Wow. *Double thumbs up*

That was a good experience.

Since I was in the area, I thot I'd pop by L'Occitane, Kiehl's and HABA to do some comparisions on their sunscreens. At L'Occitane, I tried their Daily UV Veil Face/Eyes SPF30. For Kiehl's, I tried a sunscreen under its Dry Skin category, whose name I forgot. At HABA, it was the UV cut milk. Anyway. The textures of the sunscreens were light and smooth, all 3 of them. They spread easily and was quickly absorbed into my skin. What I had reservations about though were the chemical sunscreen smell which lingered on after the product had been absorbed. I guess I was still fascinated by the lavender scent of the Jurlique sunscreen. It was a faint sweet lavender and NO chemical smell at all.

Anyone has friends in Australia or travelling to Australia soon?

More photos here

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Listening to: 福山雅治 - 東京
via FoxyTunes

It's all in the eyes

I was at Watson's this afternoon. Fast becoming one of my favourite haunts, esp the cosmetics section. I'm into eye make up recently. Spent quite a bit of time just poring over the mascaras and eyeshadows. Whoo-eee :)

In the end, I bought:

Fiber-wig mascara Christmas limited edition by Deja Vu. The pink tube and かわいい　phone charm (not shown) was the clincher.

Curly extension mascara by Maybelline. The marketing tagline screams, "No. 1 in Japan". And it's pink. So. But the blurb says it's smudge proof and is perfect for first time users of mascara, so I guess that applies to me. Still a novice at makeup this bean.

A Four Shiny Eyes palette by CANMAKE. I *heart* this brand. It's cheap, the textures are great, the colours are lovely. I've yet to dislike anything I bought from this brand tho I can't use them fast enough before the expiry date. Then again, that's cos I use makeup only on rare occasions, not that the products expire fast. This is a purple coloured palette with gun metal shimmer shadow on the right most, then purple, a lighter lilac and finally the white highlight colour. A bold choice for me, since I've not used purple ever ;) See how things go...

Revlon 3D Extreme Mascara. I've used this before. It's good *thumbs up* Easy to apply, rather smudge proof though I tend to rub my eyes. Bought this in black.

Watsons has a 10% discount promo now for users of AMEX credit cards, so there's another 10% on top of whatever store discounts they may have. Total spending today: $68.30

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Now playing: 王若琳 - For No Reason
via FoxyTunes

A|X sale!

It's the lead up to Christmas and the Christmas mood is all in the air. Esp in the office, among my colleagues. We've taken to lunching out almost everyday last week ;) And spending our lunch hrs in the shopping malls. LOL.

So, on Thurs, we went to Taka. Boy, I really got the urge to shop, shop, shop, wat with the Christmas carols, the signs plastered all around, screaming "SALE!". It's hello consumerism, goodbye dollar bills. Hee.



After getting some Christmas gifts, I had 10mins before regrouping with my colleagues. I couldn't resist dashing into A|X (one of my favourite brands - when it's on sale). I was 5 mins late in meeting my colleagues but I got this nice bubble denim skirt and a wool cardi which is in the wash now. Will try to post pics of that when it's back.

Total shopping costs for the 2 pieces = $200. Whew.

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Now playing: Hillsong - Lord Of Lords
via FoxyTunes

Menya Shinchan

Brought my dad to Menya Shinchan for his birthday dinner. It is a small, unpretentious, hole-in-the-wall type of ramen shop where the service is efficient and friendly and the focus is on the artisan noodles. And it's really good noodles. The shop owner used to be a head honcho at some Japanese firm who really loved his noodles. So much so, he gave it all up to set up this shop and make the noodles on premise himself.

There's nothing much on the menu except for ramen. There're several flavours but just 2 soup bases - one pork bone broth, the other, seafood broth. And different type of noodles to go with the different soup bases. There's a smoother, thinner noodles for the pork bone broth; a thicker, chewier one for the seafood broth. Yum ;)

Do give it a try if you're ever in the neighbourhood or am just in the mood for some authentic ラメン :)

Menya Shinchan
30 Robertson Quay #01-05,
Tel: 6732-0114

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Now playing: Yo-Yo Ma; John Williams: Recording Arts Orchestra Of Los Angeles - Williams (J): American Collection Theme
via FoxyTunes

Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals are my latest craze ;P I was at the Guardian store in Suntec City last week and came across this Australian brand, Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals. Blurbs and packaging do it for me ;) This brand had the right amount of scientific sounding descriptions and the packaging was just right too - not too medical, not too cosmetic brand.

I took some time to decide (a few days in fact) before finally going back to the store yesterday. There was some discount on at Guardian, so I got the Supermoist Face at $70.95. Used it last night and also in my AM regime this morning. Hope it works *fingers crossed*

There's this other brand which I would loooooove to try if I could. Check it out at Ultraceuticals.com. The Vitamin C range looks really good! Anyone knows of an outlet in Sg?

Post-script:
Have been meaning to update on the results of the Bio-Essence 24K Bio-Gold eye contour lifting serum and mask. I think it's quite good! :) Have been disturbed on and off when I look at my eyebags in the mirror. After using the serum AM and PM for the past week, there is a noticeable difference in the puffiness when I wake up in the morning. For the price, I think it's quite a good buy :) Yippee! Something that works!

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Listening to: 五月天 - 天使
via FoxyTunes

Muji Specials

So I was wandering around Bugis today. It's sort of my favourite shopping haunt nowadays. It's got tons of things to see ;)

Anyway, I popped into Muji, this being one of the places where there's always something new and interesting to look at. There were some racks of Muji specials - tops and bottoms which were discounted at 30%. Of course I went and looked carefully through the stacks of clothes ;P These were what I bought.


I tried this voile top on and loved it so much, I bought the white AND the peach coloured one. LOL.




Checks being the in-thing this season, I couldn't resist this. Plus, it covered everything that was supposed to be covered and only revealed flattering bits like the forearms, collarbones....


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Now playing: Lívia Rév - Magin: Miniature Polonaises - Nostalgie Du Pays
via FoxyTunes

Kose makeup coffret

In a moment of madness last Sat, I decided I needed some eye makeup NOW.

Was wandering around Isetan Katong, trying to decide which beauty counter to approach. Somehow, I just find them rather intimidating. Having heard so much about Lunasol, I was actually looking for the Kanebo counter but there wasn't any in the store. Anna Sui??? Finally made my way to the Kose counter and asked the SA if she had any limited edition eye makeup items.

I had already made up my mind to buy something, so when she showed me this Fantasist makeup collection, I thot ok, this is it. Then she showed me the shimmery eye colours and I'm like, where's the cashier? LOL.


The whole set costs SGD$69 and contains a glitter mascara, two Fantasist eye colours, a powder blush and a lip colour. I started panicking a little after I paid up tho. My brain spoke up, $69 within 5 mins?! That's when the rationalising starts and hey, with the sizes of the items and the number of items I got and....

At the end of the day, I think it's a good buy. Love the shimmery colours of the eye Fantasist. The texture and colour of the rouge Fantasist reminds me of the lipstick those Tokyo Takashimaya girls had on ;) Ahhh, Tokyo...




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Now playing: Lívia Rév - Bartók: For Children - #32 Andante
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Amazing Watsons

Bought these at Watsons over lunchtime. It so happened the Watsons near my workplace was having 20% off these 2 products. Whoo hoo!

This Bio-Essence 24K Bio-Gold eye contour lifting serum is something new to me. According to the advertising blurb on the packaging, this contains REAL gold flakes. When absorbed, it's supposed to do all sorts of good for my eye bags.


Similarly for the eye mask. It contains ginseng and is, I quote, "an intensive treatment mask targeted to treat sagging, puffy eye bags". No eye bags without surgery???

I'm using the eye mask as I type this. Hope this works *fingers crossed*

PS: Gosh. Having this blog is gd. It's a pictorial account book. I've bought so much over the span of 3 days!


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Now playing: Michael Bublé - You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby
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Birthday presents from the office

We've started celebrating birthdays in my dept. So it goes on a quarterly basis with a cake for all the birthday stars within that quarter to share and a gift each. These are the things my colleagues got me for my birthday this month.

Sake bath set from The Face Shop. This set consists of a shower lotion, a gel scrub, a body lotion and a shower puff.

Next is a kimmidoll coin purse in pastel pink. They said it's very me ;)

Also received a limited edition White Wine Lifting Mask from The Face Shop in the same package.

Very touched and grateful :)


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Listening to: 宇多田ヒカル - First Love
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Birthday presents

Very blessed to receive many calls, smses, FB posts, superpokes. Thanks all! Received these presents from a dear friend and my sis.

A vast collection of juice recipes.

TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock! shampoo and conditioner. In extra large size *beam*



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Listening to: Hillsong United - Saviour King
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Buying spree

Inspired by Karen, I went on a shopping spree too. Hiaks.

Robinson's and Watson's are both having 20% discount sales now, so what better time to shop for toiletries and cosmetics? Being an avid label and ingredients reader, I was bought over by the supposedly natural ingredients and claims to be suitable for sensitive skin of these 2 brands.

Bought this at Robinson's. Had quite a gd experience with its Moisture Booster and Moisture Glow while I was sweltering under the mighty Egyptian sun last month. Realised I needed something for my lips too even though I'm now back on the little red dot.

It's the same sun isn't it?

Was quite excited by this new range at Watson's. It has a very 可愛い pastel pink packaging and, according to the blurb on the packaging, it's specially formulated for dry sensitive skins with the faint aroma of roses.

Can't wait to try it out.


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Listening to: Luther Vandross - Superstar
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